How to Decorate for a Valentine's Day Party

Valentine's Day is the time of year when people express their love for each other by exchanging cards, gifts and having parties. Throwing a party is a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day with those you love, and you can decorate to reflect the loving mood of the day.

Things You'll Need

• Craft supplies
• Chocolate candies
• Flowers
• Pillows
• Vases
• Red or pink light bulbs
• Candles
• Tablecloths
• Place settings
• Banners

Instructions

Create a Valentine's Day Mood With Decorations

1. Use traditional Valentine's Day motifs to decorate your party in the Valentine's Day spirit. These can include hearts of all shapes and sizes, cupids with arrows, pictures of candy like chocolate kisses and candy hearts, images of roses and bouquets, and the colors red, pink, white and purple.

2. Decorate and post banners with romantic words and phrases. Find the word for "love" in several different languages, or use phrases from conversation hearts like "be mine," "cutie," "kiss me," and "sweet thing."

3. Create beautiful centerpieces to bring attention to your tables and add romance to the environment. Fill vases with red, pink and white roses, and bowls with rich chocolate candies.

4. Set your table with plates, cups, napkins and utensils in Valentine's colors for a festive feel, or use heavy, antique looking silverware and delicate white china for elegance. Attach lacy sachets filled with candy to a square of cardboard for place cards. Sprinkle the table with rose petals or heart-shaped confetti.

5. Light the party softly by setting candles all around the space, amidst centerpieces, atop tables, mantles and shelves, and even in the bathroom. Replace white light bulbs with red or pink bulbs and bathe the party in sweet, soft light.

6. Place soft pillows around the room to create a soft, romantic feel. Drape them with fabrics or blankets in Valentine's Day colors or elegant materials like lace and tulle.

Purchase or Create Decorations

1. Go to a party supply store for a wide selection of decorations. You can find themed sets of decorations or pick and choose the items that fit best with your own theme.

2. Make your own decorations at home to save money and explore your own vision for the party. You can use simple craft supplies and easy designs, or get creative with fabrics and materials.

Tips & Warnings

• Tie in the theme of the Valentine's Day party with your decorations. Colors and designs can be used repeatedly on the invitations, paper goods, party favors and decorations for a truly pulled-together party.