
Ahh that day full of foil wrapped chocolate hearts, flowers and doilies fashioned into love notes. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner- and this year- instead of a romantic dinner out- it might be looking a bit more like a romantic dinner at home. But romantic dinners at home can be pretty amazing too. Today is all about a bit of inspiration for creating a beautiful inspired table and evening at home with your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day. With just a few tips- you can set a table full of ambiance and charm- and create a fun board for nibbling on for dessert too.
Create Ambiance
The first tip would be all about that ambiance. Candles, cozy, twinkle lights and more- bring them all out and create a beautiful table.

I love to layer lots of candles on the table- and for safety and to keep them lower for a cozy warm glow that illuminates and flatters- use smaller candles in glass. The best source I have found for inexpensive candles like these is the Dollar Tree- you can spend $10 there and come home with a whole bagful of these. But if you don’t want to venture out to the store- these are also well priced and would be amazing on repeat. (affiliate)

Twinkle Lights
Don’t forget those fairy twinkle lights – you can bring in a few strands of battery operated lights for the mantel or add a few to the table itself to create even more cozy.

Flowers
Of course, always flower on repeat over here- though this time of year- I have a couple of rules regarding flowers and bringing them home. Number one? Bring them home. All year long. Flowers in the house just make everything feel warm and happy. And number two? Wait to bring roses home until AFTER Valentine’s Day and then scoop up several dozen at bargain prices. Read more about Why I tell my husband not to buy me roses for Valentine’s Day HERE.

Create a Romantic Playlist
We have playlists for everyday, evening relaxation, morning meditations and creativity, cleaning the house, workouts, etc. so why not create a combination playlist that is perfect for a romantic evening at home. It can be instrumental or something like a favorite restaurant might play. A couple of our favorite date night playlists? Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble, Opera, Jazz and coffee shop music compilations- among favorite country playlists.

Think Outside- or outside the box
If you can’t set a table outside because of weather or for whatever reason- think outside the box to create a different atmosphere for dinner. Instead of your everyday dinner spot at home- make a few changes. Move that dining table in front of the fireplace or set up a small table in the sunroom, etc.

A Delicious Dessert
I have been known to make a delicious, somewhat sinful and definitely not on the diet cheesecake for sweethearts day. And I may do that this year again- I have been thinking about this peanut butter cup cheesecake and might be drooling a bit.
But also something else that is fun to do is to create a simple chocolate lovers ‘charcuterie’ board that is layered in rich delicious chocolatey treats. This one was so easy and fun to put together- and I picked up all the elements for it at HomeGoods. From the wood serving board to the chocolate almonds and macaroons.

Creating a Sweet Treats platter
Here is what I used- of course- tailor it to fit your tastes and favorites. There is no right or wrong way to put everything together.
Sweet Treats Grazing Board
Equipment
- Bread Board or serving platter
Materials
- Chocolate Covered Almonds
- Chocolate Covered Blueberries
- Chocolate Covered Pecans
- Thin Chocolate Wafers
- Rolled Chocolate Straws
- Macaroons
- Fudgy Dusted Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
- Yogurt Covered Pretzels
- Caramel Popcorn
- Chocolate Hearts
- Fudgy Balls
- Biscotti
- Cheese and Crackers
- Slices of Cheesecake
- Chocolate Covered Bananas
- Anything else you would like to include
Instructions
- Assemble all your sweets on the board and serve as is for nibbling.

It is so easy and so delicious to nibble on while visiting and enjoying a romantic evening at home.

A couple of tips for arranging- simply place a handful of various treats on the center of the board and start arranging towards the outsides from there.

I started with the larger things like the biscotti and the waffle wafers and the powdered sugar covered fudge cookies in paper- and then added the smaller bits like the popcorn and nuts.
I love the wafer cookies for grabbing and nibbling on- and also for enjoying in coffee. Place a few of those foil wrapped hearts minus the foil wrap on the board also.

And of course, for more tips and ideas- pick up a copy of my newest book Inspired Gatherings. 🙂

Don’t miss what my friends are sharing today as well- happy Monday all.

Maison de Cinq | Designthusiasm | Happy Happy Nester

I liked this
Thanks Jo!
beautiful as usual
Your Valentine’s ideas are fantastic. I’m drooling over your charcuterie board since I’m on a serious diet! Once I lose it, I’m going to have fun with creating a chocolate dessert!