Valentine’s Day is the one day each year to celebrate love. Creating a perfect Valentine’s Day isn’t about money spent – it is about making your valentine feel special. But a perfect Valentine’s Day doesn’t just happen it requires some advance planning and effort. If you are lucky enough to have a special someone, make this year’s Valentine’s Day celebration memorable with these suggestions.
Dining Out: If you are considering eating out, make a reservation long in advance to ensure the evening will be ideal. If you are planning something that doesn’t require a restaurant reservation you have more leeway.
Cards: Go card shopping in advance. The closer it gets to Valentine’s Day the less selection you have. In addition to cards found at Walgreens and CVS, try Papyrus, Avante Card and Paperwhirl in San Francisco. Or be really creative and create your own Valentine masterpiece.
Candy: If you wait until February 14, to buy chocolate you will be waiting in long lines. Instead purchase a few days in advance. In addition to Sees Candies, San Francisco is fortunate to have local artisan chocolate makers such as Ghirardelli, TCHO, Poco Dolce, and more. Heart shaped boxes are pretty, but a few decadent truffles are equally appreciated.
Champagne: Don’t wait until the last minute or you will have to take what others didn’t want. Buy in advance and chill so that it will be perfectly cold on your special day. Consider stocking up so that you always have a bottle of chilled champagne for any occasion. Read about my favorite California sparklers.
Dining In: A home cooked meal is always special. Prepare your signature dish or ethnic cuisine. If cooking isn’t your thing order take-out but invest in some attractive plates, glasses, silverware, place mats and napkins.
Flowers: Flowers are special regardless of their price tag. The price of roses spikes near Valentine’s Day. Choose another pink, red or white bouquet of flowers, Stargazer lilies are beautiful and have a lovely scent or buy a flowering plant such as an orchid. Read about some of the colorful flower stands in San Francisco.
Activity Date: Who said Valentine’s Day has to be about eating. Go on a hike or urban walk, see a movie, go wine tasting in Napa or Sonoma, or go on a self-guided Artisan Chocolate Tour.
Play Tourist: Ride the cable car, go on a Bay Cruise, see Alcatraz, visit Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square or Pier 39.
Get cultured: Visit a museum , gallery or show.
Couples Massage: Book a couples massage at one of the many spas in San Francisco.
Night on the Town: Book a romance package at a local hotel. Ensure you can order room service or make advance dinner reservations.
Set the mood: Whether you are staying in or going out, some thoughtful touches can go a long way. Scented candles, a bubble bath for two or rose petals strewn on your sheets all create romance.
Travel vicariously: Get a taste of Spain with tapas and flamenco along with micro-brews at Thirsty Bear or visit North Beach for an Italian experience.
By planning ahead and being creative you can make this the best Valentine’s Day ever.
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©Karla Erovick 2013 article, photos
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