Valentine Inspiration: Lovely Meal Ideas

Alright, so today I'm wondering...how do you fuel up and start your day on the 14th?  Maybe some heart shaped waffles?  That's what we usually like to do.  You can click any of these items to get some specifics on the products.  Aren't they fun?  I think they'd make Valentine's Day just a bit more special for sure.  I can personally vouch for the Snoqualmie Falls Pancake and Waffle Mix.  We wouldn't use anything else...well except for homemade!

  

 

Do you have any special plans for dinner this year?  Lunch?  Take out?  Dine in?  Fancy restaurant?  Your favorite hole in the wall?  Meal with the whole family?  How do you celebrate?  I'd sure love to hear...

Found a few more inspirations for your Love Day meals.   I haven't had much opportunity to enjoy cooking lately due to my arthritis being a terdy bird, but all these recipes from some fabulous folks sure inspire me to give it a go as soon as my body allows!  Hope you find something here that makes your mouth water!  You'll find a little inspiration for ambiance, drinks, appetizers, and main dishes.  Enjoy!

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A Little Ambiance

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When you are setting the table, don't forget the flowers.

Whether you get them from your sweetie or find some for your self,

they always make the day feel more special!

VIA DESIGN SPONGE

VIA STYLE ME PRETTY

And a few candles sure seem to set the mood and create a cozy atmosphere.

COURTESY OF MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS

COURTESY OF STYLE ME PRETTY

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Refreshments Served in Style

What is your beverage of choice?  We love to do a little mixing.
We've got nothing against alcohol, our taste buds just don't seem to fancy it.
Same goes with coffee.  I know, right?!  Bummer for us.  
But there are plenty of alternatives.  Here are a couple of our favorites.
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Bubbly Raspberry Lemonade

    

Minute Maid Raspberry Lemonade
Freshly Cut Lemon Slices
A Little Bit of Bubbly...7-UP
This makes a sweet and refreshing, bubbly lemonade.  Pink to boot!






Pomegranate Spritzer

        
Pomegranate Juice
Bubbly Factor...Ginger Ale
Beautiful red color, tangy fruit flavor with a mildly sweet fizz.






Sparkling Apple Cider
Of course it's Martinelli's!





A new one to try...






Pomegranate Citrus Juice



COURTESY OF MARTHA STEWART


How do you like to serve your refreshments?

Aren't these carafes/pitchers sleek and beautiful.  I found a mini
version at Value Village a while back.  Maybe I'll bust that out!

Drink Me Tag with Ribbon

Love this.

COURTESY OF SERENDIPITY




Need some goblets?  We use these as our every day glasses, 
and they seem to make every day and every meal feel special.  




  




These are always fun.  Stemless wine glasses...
with a very affordable price tag.





Whatever you serve your refreshments in...
take a moment to make them feel special!

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For Starters...
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Goat Cheese and Fig Jam
Best served with water crackers.  For presentation, drizzle fig jam over
goat cheese log and surround with crackers.  Lovely and delicious!

COURTESY HALLELUJAHS BY HOLLY



Stuffed Mushrooms
Don't these look elegant and delicious!

Stuffed with Brie

COURTESY OF THE PIONEER WOMAN






Stuffed with Sausage, Onions, and Cheese

COURTESY OF THE PIONEER WOMAN






Savory Greens, Tomatoes, and Goat Cheese Tarts
This makes my mouth water!


COURTESY OF TARTELETTE



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Fill Me Up Buttercup
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Pantry Pasta for Two

Easy but looks so divine.

COURTESY OF THE PIONEER WOMAN

Down Home Spaghetti and Meatballs
All time favorite...would be perfect for a family dinner.

COURTESY OF HALLELUJAHS BY HOLLY

Simple Roast Chicken and Vegetables

Beautiful and delicious...table for two or for the whole family!

COURTESY OF BETWEEN U AND ME

Grilled Chicken Under A Brick

COURTESY OF PINCH MY SALT

Chicken Marsala

COURTESY OF HALLELUJAHS BY HOLLY



Pan Fried Ribeye Steak with Roasted 
Garlic and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Although I've never met Ree Drummond, I sure trust her recipes.
Every meal always looks so rustic and beautiful.  Can't beat it!


COURTESY OF THE PIONEER WOMAN



Ina's Beef Bourguignon
So incredibly delicious.  I've had it and can't wait to make it myself!

COURTESY OF EAT MY CHARLOTTE

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Buttered Rosemary Rolls
Yes please.

COURTESY OF THE PIONEER WOMAN
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Okay, now pick your jaw up off the floor, and wipe the drool from your chin.
Doesn't this all look so delicioius???
So many options out there...and all totally doable.  Go for it!

Or.......if you're planning to kick back and have a fun, relaxed evening...
whether it's just the two of you...
all the kids joining you...
party for one...
or with a big group of friends...
and you want to keep it simple?  Try some...

Heart Shaped Pepperoni Pizza

Too fun.  Who wouldn't get a kick out of this?

COURTESY OF ONE CHARMING PARTY

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Hope you all have fun figuring out the food that will help you celebrate this year!
For me, food is where it's at.  The way to my heart is through my stomach...for sure!

Much love to you and yours,

Enjoy tomorrow...Valentine Inspiration: Sweet Treats and Lovely Packaging.