Valentine’s Day parties aren’t just for school

When the winter blues start to set in - Valentine’s Day warms things up with red and white, and lots of fun!

  Valentine’s Day is big celebration at school. This year, why not bring the celebration home, and host your own Valentine’s Day party. You don’t need to be Martha Stewart, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money – just do some Valentine’s decorating and plan a few surprises.   Here are a couple of links to Valentine gift ideas, crafts, and games.   Gift ideas: Valentines for kids 

Crayola : http://www.crayola.com/holidays/valentines/index.cfmDLTK’s : http://www.dltk-holidays.com/valentines/index.htmAll Free Crafts: http://www.allfreecrafts.com/valentine/index.shtml Plan a special Valentine’s dinner for your family, or invite the Grandparents, or a few friends. Try to include the kids in the party planning.   Here are a few ideas:

• Make Dinner Invitations: drop paper invites off, or email invites

• Suggest a Dress Code: maybe fancy; or wear red, wear PJ’s, etc.

• Set the “table”: consider having dinner somewhere other than the kitchen table, maybe picnic    style in the living room, or in a tent in the basement.

• Plan a Dinner Menu with favorite foods: have a dinner which consists of everyone’s favorite, maybe it’s Mac & Cheese, or Tacos’, just choose something everyone loves

• Festive Dessert: make cupcakes (or buy them, Publix has the BEST Valentine’s cupcakes)

After dinner, play a board game or musical chairs (no TV, no computer) With a little effort and a few ideas, you’ll have a memorable celebration which won’t cost much money.   Tell us, how do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?