Saint Valentine's Day or Valentine's Day is a holiday on February 14.First decision: date and time. Your best shot for getting lots of guests is to pick a not-prime time. Try something the Saturday before Valentine's Day, for instance, or Sunday, the day after. Also an off-time, such as brunch of lunch instead of cocktail or evening party. Check to make sure "key players" can come. Also a time when you'll have the week before to do the work.
Guest List Write down whom you want to invite and take a count. This determines everything from cost to venue to refreshments.
Where will you have it? Your home? A romantic outdoor patio restaurant? A restaurant with a fireplace and strolling violinist? The rec room at your apartment complex? If you're going to rent, call ahead and find out how many people they can accommodate, if the place is available that day, how much it will cost, what's included in the rental fee, and what other services are available. If you're renting a place, go there and talk to the catering decorator, walk around and take a tour. Questions will occur to you that might not otherwise:
• Can you bring your own food and drinks?
• What about decorating?
• Are there separate fees for room rental, security, maintenance, waiters, insurance, etc.? How's the parking and public transportation. This can make a big difference in your guests desire to come, for instance on a rainy night. What's the theme?
Well, Valentine's, but romantic? Light-hearted? Formal? Casual? Choose your theme and then plan your tableware, decorations, invitations, party favors, music.
