Here are a couple of ideas to surprise your Valentine with a fun and/or romantic evening!

Candlelight Dinner for Two

Last year I decided to surprise my husband with a special Valentine's.  I surprised him with an outdoor dinner for two by candle light followed by dancing and an outdoor movie.  Here's what I did.

We rent a house, so we have just a patio are, but it is fairly good size and it's closed in with a wall.  I strung up icicle lights around the perimeter of the wall.  I then used a card table and covered it with a white sheet.  The sheet was Queen size so it draped off the table and made it look more romantic.  I brought out two chairs and a microwave cart.  I draped another white sheet over the microwave cart and brought out our t.v. and placed it on top of the cart and hooked up our dvd player.  I then brought out a queen size air mattress and placed blankets and pillows on top making a cozy place to lay and watch the movie under the stars.  For the table decorations I sprinkled the table with pink and red heart confetti and an array of candles.  We have a standing wrought iron candle holder with a glass vase for the holder.  I brought that out and filled it with ice and placed sparkling cider inside.  It was a perfect fit.  Next I brought out a small CD player and put on our favorite music.  For dinner I prepared two plates of shrimp Alfredo with bread.  For dessert I made and Oreo cookie crust cheese cake topped with cherries and chocolate hearts.  When my husband came home he was so surprised.  We had dinner and danced and then we relaxed on the air mattress and watched princess bride. It was a fun and romantic valentine's day. 

Valerie Blake

Dinner Out

  In 2001, Ben and I had taken a more specific focus on our marriage and doing nice things for each other.  This Valentine's Day has been the best ever!

  I had planned to get out of bed early to make Ben and the kids a big breakfast.  I had insomnia that night, so I slept in a bit.  Instead, Ben brings me breakfast in bed!  He made me pancakes and dyed some of them red!!!  He put the butter in the shape of a heart!  I was so surprised!!!
 
  When I got up and went to start checking my emails, I found that he gave my computer a "heart attack!!!"  It was sooooo sweet!!!!!

The kids opened their candies and cards and were so excited!

  Then, last night, I went to the store for some last minute preparation for that evening.  When I came home, Ben had bought me a cute little stuffed frog with a heart that said something about how my prince needs a kiss.  He also put the card for me on my computer keyboard! 

I asked him to help me with dinner and to get the cooler from the shed.  I told him that there was a big surprise so to help me without any questions. :)

  He helped make the fettuccine Alfredo with garlic butter shrimp.  We also made vegetables and garlic bread.  I made him and the kids hide in the family room without peeking while I finished.

  I put all the food in the car.  I then put the drinks and our bottle of sparkling grape juice, strawberries and whipped cream in the cooler.  I packed a blanket and lots of candles inside bottles.  Then I came and got each person one, by one and put two pillowcases on their heads.  The kids loved it!  Ben was so confused!    I then drove them all around time, trying to confuse them. The problem with Ben growing up in this town is that he knew exactly where we were at the whole time!!! Oh well!

  I took them out of town, where it was dark!  I found a hill off the side of the road.  I made everyone stay in the car and I set up the blanket and candles.  Since Benjamin wouldn't keep his little pillowcase on his head I let him help me.  Every time I went back to the car, he blew out our candles!! It was the only light we had!  I told him not to because we needed them, and he said, "No, mommy! It's Happy Birthday Time!"  I got everyone out and they loved the surprise! 

Shiloah Baker
 
"To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, and be nothing." -Aristotle
 
http://www.homemaking-cottage.com
http://homemakingcottageblog.blogspot.com

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