Unique Valentine's Day Ideas
from HGTV's Libby Langdon

Saturday Brunch "Mixer" with Single gal pals

Each gal is required to bring a single, straight guy that she thinks is great (in a "non-romance" kind of way)

• Fun homemade Valentines for invites
• Mimosas with blood orange juice to get the conversation "flowing"
• Easy cheese/spinach strata, fresh fruit, biscuits and chocolate dipped strawberries
• Play charades to get people interacting with each other (not to mention laughing pretty hard too!)

Romantic Dinner for two

• Set a small table near the fire, in front of a window, or in the bedroom
• Use a tablecloth, good silver, fine china and crystal
• Use only candlelight, play soft romantic music anything from Beethoven to Barry White
• Start with finger food, use your hands – roasted red pepper/goat cheese crostini
• Serve multiple courses yet simple food – artichokes in lemon vinaigrette
• Main course can be prepared ahead of time and popped in the oven for low maintenance – Ricotta, rosemary & olive Stuffed chicken
• Warm individual chocolate cakes and champagne for dessert
• Music: Diana Krall, The Brazil Project, Marvin Gaye, John Coltrane, Jimmy Scott, Cole Porter

Outdoor Ice Skating Lunch for Friends and Family

• Use a fire pit to not only cook but to keep everyone warm, set up portable chairs around it
• Bring thermoses of tomato soup, giant chocolate chip cookies, Hot tea/ Hot chocolate and roast hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire
• Bring extra mittens, socks and blankets for when little ones get wet and cold
• Put name tags on mugs for refills of hot tea/hot chocolate

Valentine's Cocktail Party –"Must Wear Pink to Drink"

• Send fun invitation "Must wear Pink to Drink!"
• Make fun cocktails: martinis with pomegranate seeds, vodka and pink lemonade, champagne and blood orange juice, pomegranate margarita's
• Food can be as simple or as complex as you like:
  • Simple - order in trays of sushi and arrange on platters to serve
  • Complex – make caviar pie, lobster butter, foie gras
• Make small goodie bags for guests with valentine chocolates and candies, include a homemade CD "Love" songs – make a compilation of all the songs you "Love"
• Decorate with lots of pink carnations, roses, lilies and orchids

"Current Attraction" – A Comfort food dinner and a romantic movie

• Salad, Quattro formaggi baked pasta and chocolate napoleons
• Light only candles in living room, set out wine and glasses
• Set trays with good placemats, napkins and silver for eating in front of the TV
• Have soft blankets to snuggle under after you've finished dinner while you watch the rest of the movie
• Romantic Movie Choices: Out of Africa, Sabrina, The Piano, Babette's Feast, Annie Hall, Doctor Zhivago, Casablanca, Desk Set, High Society, Breakfast at Tiffany's

Valentine's Single Girls Spa Night:

• Invite all your single girlfriends over for a spa night at your place!
• Hire a manicurist and a masseuse to come to your home, and if you're low on cash check out your local beauty school- there's sure to be some good students that would love the experience and the chance to get some new clients.
• Ask your guests to each bring a comfy robe, slippers and wine or champagne.
• You provide some simple appetizers and great ambiance; make sure to have super music playing and lots of scented candles.
• Your guests will leave feeling pampered and pleased and wondering if they really need a guy anyway!

Previously, Libby hosted and was the lead designer on the FOX makeover TV show, "Design Invasion." This winter she'll be shooting a series of episodes for the new HGTV show, "The Design Club" where she'll share her cheap and chic design tips with viewers.