They Love me, They Love me NOT? Valentine's is close!!!! AHHHHHHH

The most undeniably romantic holiday is right around the corner... so let's shift our thoughts from last week's big game and focus on the perfect Valentine's Day for couples, singles, parents, children, and even those who just met! FIRST, some fun facts about the pink and red filled day...

Women on average will spend: $85.76

Men on average will spend: $168.74 (that’s about double- way to go guys!)

Consumers plan to spend:

$25.25 on children, parents, or other family members

$6.92 on friends

$4.52 on pets

Top Valentine’s Day gifts include:

- Flowers-- over 40% of all gifts are flowers!!! Ah she loves me she loves me not!!!!

- Candy-- more than 38 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold

- Jewelry

- Clothing

- Special evenings out-- On Valentine’s Day, couples spend the second most amount of money on romantic dinners

- Greeting cards-- The Greeting Card Association expects that nearly 150 million greeting cards will be purchased this year in the US. Truly, it's a Hallmark kind of day!!!

With those statistics in mind... let's throw out some ideas of what to do on this anticipated evening... 

For couples:

1. Go away on a trip (unexpected getaways are SO romantic) Even if it's just a quick day trip. Do something fun, festive and new.

2. Enjoy a couple's massage

3. Reenact your first date

4. For the shy guy: make your girl a mixtape (old school, simple, thoughtful- does the trick!)

5. For any girl: the key to a man's heart is through his stomach, so whip up a tasty meal. A suggestion that will NOT disappoint below:

Filet Mignon with Caraway-Cilantro Compound Butter 

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temp

2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro 

1/2 teaspoon caraway seed

1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 6-ounce filet mignon, tied (about 1 1/2 in thick)

What to do:

Stir together butter, cilantro, caraway, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place compound butter in a piece of wax paper and roll into a cylinder, then refrigerate until ready to use.

Sprinkle steaks with remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat oil in medium heavy skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Sear beef, turning occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes total for medium rare. Transfer beef to a cutting board and let stand 10 minutes. Remove strings and serve topped with compound butter. 

Serve with sauteed vegetables and some mashed potatoes! 

6. Spend the evening at home together- a romantic movie maybe?

             Guy-approved chick flicks: In Her Shoes, Jerry Maguire, Love Actually

             Guy movies she might like: High Fidelity, Bill Durham, Swingers, Top Gun

The number one romantic move of all time is: When Harry Met Sally.

7. Do something adventurous- go ice-skating.

For the new couple (only a couple dates under the belt):

Don’t fret about a big, lavish celebration. Suggest something more low-key but still romantic- maybe dinner and a movie. If your partner seems uneasy about this, stay away from the 14th of February- after all, it’s just a date on the calendar. Plan something for a different night and take it slow.

 If those plans do work out, however, there’s that awkward feeling of “Do I bring a gift?” It is okay to bring something small- maybe a book or a bottle of wine. But remember, you may not get one in return, so don’t get too worked up over the little details. Just enjoy your night.

For the singles:

Throw a party! There's no need to feel sorry for yourself, down a bottle of wine, and cry to a romantic movie on this holiday. Invite your single friends over and have some fun! Here are some DO's and DON'Ts for creating the perfect atmosphere at a Singles Valentine's Day Party:

DO serve a signature cocktail or featured drink

DO make the drinks a bit sexy

DO create a self-serve bar

DO have drink charms

DO keep the lighting low and flattering

DO keep the music upbeat and danceable

DO encourage introductions

DO serve delicious foods... and we have ideas!!

(Asparagus and Mushroom Tarts, Parmesan Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon, Peppered Tuna skewers with Wasabi Mayo, Mini Zucchini and Goat Cheese Tarts, Mini Black and White Cookies, Mocha Tartlets)

DON'T forget about nondrinkers

DON'T paint the place red with decoration

DON'T call it a Lonely Hearts Club Party (for obvious reasons)

DON'T make the games mandatory 

Just a few ideas from the LR team can guarantee a win on the big red heart day!

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