I remember being single and Valentine’s Day was either something to look forward to like a fabulous vacation, or something to dread like going to the dentist. It all depended on whether or not I had a boyfriend at the time. Fast forward to married with children and most of us seem to be more worried about getting the kid’s classroom valentines than thinking about our own celebration of the day.
I’ve seen plenty of ideas around the web for Valentine’s Day with kids in mind, but since I’m a bit of a purist and believe in the original purpose of the day – love, courtship, and romance – I wanted to offer you a simple way to celebrate with your sweetheart. Set up a romantic table for 2 and serve Valentine’s Day dinner of fondue in front of the fire place!
Don’t worry about getting a sitter for the night and going out, instead set the kids up with a movie or put them to bed so you can enjoy a fondue party for two in front of the fire. The setting is simple: a low table covered with red cloth, surrounded by pillows and fluffy throws on the floor that you can sit on. If you don’t have a low table to use, just set up some trays for a steady flat surface.
Red roses are the centerpiece of choice, of course.
Instead of buying a card, make one yourself with a few basic items. Heart shaped paper doilies are easy to find now. Print out a cute saying and tie it on with a coordinating “prop” such as a key seen here, or a candle with “you light up my life”, a pair of matching playing cards with “we’re a perfect pair,” or “you’re as precious as a diamond” with a fabulous piece of jewelry attached.
For a night of romance you don’t want to eat a heavy meal. Serving cheese fondue is fun and playful and won’t leave you feeling weighted down. I like light dippers like raw or lightly steamed vegetables, sliced cured meats like summer sausage or salami, and bread cubes. Wash it all down with a bottle of red.
Try this classic cheese fondue recipe:
Cheddar Cheese Fondue
Ingredients
- 4 ounces beer or broth
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Warm 4 oz of beer or broth in a sauce pan over medium high heat.
- Add garlic and stir.
- Add small amounts of cheese at a time and mix thoroughly, letting each batch melt before adding the next.
- Add pepper and Worcestershire sauce, and stir until fully combined.
- Transfer to fondue pot and serve with cubes of bread, veggies, cooked meats, and sliced apples.
I hope you’ll remember to take the time for romance on this Valentine’s Day and set up a little celebration for two. After all, HOME is where the HEART is!
