Creating a Memorable Valentine's Day Night In

Whether you’re searching for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or struggling to find an open reservation, hosting the day of love at home instead can make the day truly memorable. A special date night or party at home gives you the opportunity to personalize the evening with décor, dinnerware, and a menu curated around you and the people you love.

Host a cozy dinner with your sweetheart or celebrate with loved ones {Galentine’s Day, anyone?} by transforming your space to host a Valentine’s gathering. 

 

The History of Valentine’s Day

The legend of Valentine’s Day has many sources, including a Saint Valentine who signed a letter “from your Valentine.” While the original sources of Valentine’s Day are unclear, the day is now associated with love, and the first Valentine's messages are traced back to the 1400s, all the way to a poem written in 1415. 

During the 18th century, it became common for people to exchange gifts of affection, such as handmade cards, and flowers. In the 1900s, printed cards surged in popularity and became more widely distributed as people celebrated their love for one another. 

How to Create a  Memorable Valentine’s Day Date Night In

Now that you’ve settled on an evening at home, it’s time to plan your date. From simple and sweet to a grand gathering, you can customize your Valentine’s Day to fit your date night style.  

Step 1: Pick a Color Scheme 

Why Red and Pink for Valentine’s Day?

When it comes to decorating for Valentine’s Day, few color combinations evoke the spirit of the occasion more than pink and red. These hues are typically associated with affection, making them the perfect choice for the holiday. Beyond their symbolic meaning, pink and red also offer a striking visual aesthetic when paired together. 

Colors to Pair with Your Classic Valentine’s Day Shades

Depending on the look you are striving for, choose complementary colors to pair with your main color palette of pink and red with these ideas:

• Ivory and white: Pairing classic neutrals can make the pinks and reds the star of your tablescape. Layer a White Rimmed Dinner Plate into your place setting as a stunning backdrop to your meal. 
  
• Brown: Increase texture within your tablescape with wood dishes designed to create a warm accent that complements bold color pairings like red and pink. Wood dishes are versatile and can be paired with any part of your place setting. 
  
• Gold: Add glam to your place settings with dishes featuring metallic gold. Choose a Gold Scallop Platter for serveware, or set the table with a Gold Scallop Round Placemat. 

Step 2: Choose Your Menu

 

The right menu can go a long way in making your event a success. The theme and your guest(s) taste preferences should be considered when creating a menu for this memorable February 14th. 

Use Classic Ingredients for a Valentine’s Meal

 

Every holiday has signature menu items. Get inspired by incorporating favorites associated with Valentine’s Day:

• Cheese
• Oysters
• Steak
• Fish
• Chocolate

Fondue Fun for Valentine’s Day

Incorporate multiple favorites from the list above with a fondue meal for an interactive aspect that’s sure to create memories. Fondue can be included in your menu as an appetizer, main course, or dessert. 

Themed Charcuterie Platters

 

Another versatile choice, a charcuterie board can be designed to fit any part of your meal. Include some classic Valentine’s ingredients for a traditional board featuring cheeses, meats, crackers, and bread, or mix it up and create a board inspired by your love’s favorites.

Valentine’s Day Appetizer Suggestions

 

• Crudite Platter - A crudite platter is an easy appetizer for any gathering as it can be scaled up or down depending on how many people you’re hosting. We also love how it can be customized to your tastes while also providing a light, fresh bite.
  
• Italian Chopped Salad – Salad can be the perfect appetizer if you’re making a plated meal. This simple yet stunning Italian Chopped Salad is unique and delicious. No matter the cuisine you’re serving, this chopped salad pairs well with a variety of dishes – not just Italian food.

Main Dish Recommendations for Your Valentine’s Meal

 

• Cheese Fondue – Having cheese fondue as the main component of your menu ensures that your date night is super interactive and hands-on, making it all the more memorable. Pair your warm, melted cheese with crusty bread, fruits, and more for a cozy menu. 
• Homemade pizza: An interactive meal creates an engaging evening that makes the menu part of the date experience. Customize this main dish by choosing toppings that you and your date (or guests) enjoy most.
• Beef Bourguignon: If you’re hosting a Galentine’s Night or a group date night, this is a warm and hearty option for a larger group. Comforting and savory, guests will love this as a main dish. 

Valentine’s Day Drink Menu

 

 

When selecting the drinks for your Valentine’s Date Night, we recommend options that complement the taste profile of your food. Wine is a classic choice; don’t be afraid to have some whites and reds on hand for a larger gathering or surprise your loved one with their favorite wine. Here are a few signature drinks for some inspiration:

• Mum’s the Word Mocktail
• Old Cuban Cocktail
• French 75

Valentine’s Dessert Favorites

 

Go for sweet or savory as you finish off your menu with a tasty treat. If you’d prefer to go with the classic chocolate bar, we recommend our favorite Coco Chocolatier. 

• Mexican Fried Ice Cream Recipe – This sweet, fried, and cold treat is a fun option for dessert. Make sure you prepare this earlier in the day so it’s ready to enjoy.
• Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie Recipe – Serve this warm and rich dessert in individual mugs for a portable treat to enjoy while you cozy up and watch a movie.
• Dessert Table – If dessert is your or your sweetheart’s favorite, enjoy making a beautifully arranged display of sweet treats they’ll love. Curating a dessert table with delectable desserts featuring a variety of choices can be the final piece of a memorable date night in.

Step 3: Pick your Dinnerware and Serveware

Whether you’re setting the table for two or for a group, a beautiful tablescape can set the mood for the evening. We recommend considering your menu and your theme when selecting the dishes for the gathering. 

Our Valentine’s Collection 

For some statement pieces that will stand out on your tablescape, choose from our Valentine’s Day Collection. These Valentine’s dishes and table linens are perfect to pair with your everyday dishes as serveware or to add to your place settings as festive accents. 

 

Stamp of Love Cocktail Napkins – Shaped like red stamps, these linen cocktail napkins have a darling design that’s perfect for your bar cart or dinner table. Adding stylish accessories creates a thoughtful tablescape that’s themed for the evening.	XOXO Heart Plate – This pink ceramic plate features a heart shape with a red and pink X and O design. Add it to your Valentine’s dinnerware as an option for desserts or appetizers.  .	Stamp of Love Trinket Dish – This small dish can be incorporated into your serving spread or added as a decorative piece in your home. The trinket dish features a scalloped edge with a stamp design and “sending you love” message.

Kisses Dipping Bowl – With a classic tic-tac-toe pattern of X’s and O’s, these small bowls are perfect for your tablescape or as accents in your Valentine’s décor. Stylish and functional, they’re perfect for sauces, dips, garnishes, or toppings.	XOXO Mug – With a classic pink and red color palette, this mug is ideal for after-dinner coffee or tea. It also makes for a great Valentine’s gift to remind them of your love every day as they sip morning coffee.

 

Our Blush Collection

For a more subtle pink color palette, we recommend our Blush dishes. This collection features elegant designs in blush and white to create an inviting table for your Valentine’s Day evening. 

 

Blush Layered Diamond Dinner Plate – Set a beautiful table with these dinner plates featuring a hand-drawn diamond pattern in a cozy blush shade. The 11” diameter is ideal for holding large portions from your serving spread.	Blush Quatrefoil Salad Plate – With a hand-crafted quatrefoil pattern in blush tones against a white background, this salad plate is a stylish addition to your Valentine’s Day table. Add them to individual place settings for easy serving of salad, desserts, or fondue accompaniments.	Blush Arabesque Trim Small Bowl – Add this small bowl to your table when serving soups and stews or for larger portions of sauces or toppings. The blush color sets the scene by adding a hint of pink to your Valentine’s Day tablescape.

Signature White Collection

Create a classic look for your Valentine’s Day date night with our hand-painted Signature White dinnerware. These neutral dishes feature a ruffled edge for a romantic touch with ivory and white brushstrokes, making them easy to mix and match with designs from other Coton Colors collections you own. 

Signature White Ruffle Dinner Plate – This dinner plate is the perfect backdrop for any menu, making your food the star of the show. The signature ruffle edges add a delicate touch to your table, perfect for a romantic evening.	Signature White Ruffle Mug – Match this Signature White Ruffle design with others in the collection or use it as a neutral piece that can coordinate with reds and pinks within your tablescape. This mug is great for tea or coffee {or hot chocolate} with your sweetheart.

 

 

Serveware for Valentine’s Day Dinners

After spending time preparing the perfect Valentine’s Day meal to share with your loved one(s), serve it up in style. Choose serveware that functions best for your menu, considering appetizers, the main course, and desserts to ensure you’re ready. 

• Blush Notch Tray – This elegant tray makes a stunning addition to your Valentine’s Day serving dishes, perfect for charcuterie, a main dish, or dipping essentials for fondue. Personalize the tray for a special touch with a name, initials, or monogram.

• Signature White Ruffle Trifle Bowl – This neutral bowl is wonderful for sharing fruit for fondue and can also be used to add candies and sweet treats to your serving spread. The pedestal bottom and ruffle edges make it a statement serveware design.

 

Feature Accessories on Your Valentine’s Tablescape

Accessorizing your tablescape can bring the entire spread together. Whether you are creating a stunning centerpiece or looking for functionality, these designs are the final touches for your Valentine’s Day table.

• White Small Cake Stand – With white and cream brushstrokes, this neutral cake stand is a versatile piece for your table. The uses for cake stands are countless; from staging appetizers and desserts to adding more space with layers, you’ll love this addition to your table.

• Deco Gold Scallop Salt and Pepper Set – If you’ve added a touch of glam to your table with gold accents, these shakers are essential. Providing both style and function, this salt and pepper set features an all-over Swiss gold dot pattern and scalloped edges. 

• Color Block Cloth Red Napkins – Add additional reds to your place setting design with our festive cotton napkins. A punchy red is outlined in a deeper crimson embroidered edge for a pop of color that’s sure to stand out. 

Decorating your Home for Valentine’s Day

Create a warm and romantic atmosphere in the comfort of your home using reds, pinks, and gold. From pretty tablescapes to stylish serving areas, set the mood and make your Valentine’s Day celebration feel special. With our curated selection of dinnerware, décor, and personalized keepsakes, you can craft a setting for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day gathering. 

Add Valentine’s Décor to the Rest of the Home

Subtle decorative Valentine’s Day accents can make your home feel like a warm and inviting space. Adding our Stamp of Love Hand Towel to the kitchen or an XOXO Hand Towel to the bathroom can be a simple way to spread the love. Effortlessly decorate by swapping out some of your everyday items for festive Valentine’s designs. 

 

 

Pro tip: Wherever you place the hand towels, consider hanging them both on the hook or ring for a layered effect with extra love and festivity.

We encourage you to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a way that feels uniquely yours. Heartfelt touches like a curated menu and stylish serving space enhance the ambiance, making your special someone or best gal pals feel welcome. Valentine’s Day at home can become a new tradition you can share with your favorite people.