Hostess with the Mostess®

If you’re looking to treat yourself or a special someone else today – check out the Valentines Gift Guide going on over at Indie Fixx. You’ll find special discount codes to use on lots of great gift ideas! I know this isn’t totally “hostess-related”, but I couldn’t resist passing along images of some of the cute stuff – especially the super adorable Red Bird Bag from Rosie Ro Designs! (on the “gifts for her” page)

I’m in love with the new butterfly collection from elum designs. The detail in the illustrations is absolutely gorgeous! These new letterpress notecards come in 2 different designs: Painted Butterfly (set includes 6 notecards and 6 coordinating enclosure cards) and Flutterfly (6 notecards).

Speaking of being in love…don’t miss the the new Valentine’s greeting cards from elum either!

Scroll down for info on HWTM’s “Setting the Romance” segment (as seen on NBC San Diego this morning!) – featuring the “Modern Romance” tabletop design and unique Valentine’s day treats & gift ideas…

Looking for a modern take on the traditional Valentine’s Day dinner for two?

Keep reading for detailed instructions on how to recreate the "Modern Romance" tabletop design shown here – and tips on where to find the things you’ll need!

How to recreate this setting at home:

1. Start with a palette of black and white dishes, linens, and accessories. Keep the setting primarily black and white with bold splashes of red. If possible, incorporate some unique dishware – such as the shimmery black charges and lotus-shaped bowls shown here. (Since you only need 2 of each item for your "dinner for two", it’s a good opportunity to splurge some creative dishes!)

2. For the centerpiece, find a few vases and pillar candle holders with unique shapes and clean product lines. Fill one of the vases with red berry spray (available at craft stores). Embellish the vases and candleholders with a some bold, eye-catching details – such as the patterned gift wrap and ribbon shown here – introduced in very small amounts to keep the design from getting overly busy.

3. Up the romance & glamour factors with a little sparkle – glittery candles and ready-made rhinestone stickers (with clear adhesive backings) are a great way to accomplish this. To make this design a little more "Valentine’s" – embellish one of your vases with a heart shaped rhinestone motif.

4. Tie everything together and fill empty space with 4 or more tealights (clear holders with red tealights pictured here) and decorative black rocks.

Resources for products used in this design:
1. 12.5" White Chinois Vase – Z Gallerie
2. Mod Red Candleholders – Z Gallerie (in-store only)
3. Red Bubble Vase – Target (in-store only)
4. Black Lotus Bowls – Pier 1
5. Black Charger Plates – Pier 1 (in-store only)
6. Square Wire Napking Rings – Pier 1
7. Red Napkins – Macy’s or Target
8. Lace Noir Gift Wrap – The Container Store
9. Rhinestone Heart Icons – Scrapbooking Warehouse (online) or The Container Store (in-store only)
10. Clear Tealight Holders – Crate and Barrel / Target
11. Red Tealights – Target

{click on images to view larger}

This Valentine’s day, up the wow factor on your edible gifts by choosing creative alternatives to the typical heart-shaped box of chocolates. Here are a few yummy Valentine’s gift ideas with unique packaging and presentation!

Product Resources:
1. From Eleni’s Cookies: Sweethearts Red gift tin, Love Birds gift tin, and Hugs & Kisses gift tin
2. From Michael’s Cookies: Triple Chocolate Chunk and Chunky Chocolate Chip gift boxes (13 cookies per box)
3. From Red Envelope: Valentine Carmel Apples, Romantic Fortune Cookies, and Valentine Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

*Quick Tip: Most perishables require 1-3 day shipping to keep fresh. Expedited shipping for these types of edibles can run $15-25, so remember to factor that into your budget!

Stressing about how to add some romance to your Valentine’s Day? Well, this very clever Couple’s Bath Caddy from red envelope should do the trick! Comes with 2 acrylic champagne glasses and slots to hold them firmly in place (so you can enjoy your bubbly amidst actual bubbles!), a glass dish perfect for floating candles, and room for the always-necessary indulgent edibles…such as rich belgian chocolates or chocolate covered strawberries. And at only $60, the bath caddy is a lot easier on your wallet than an expensive meal out. {depending on your choice of bubbly, of course!}

Wine on the beach or a romantic picnic more your style? These steady sticks should make your outing a lot easier. Designed to be embedded in a sandy beach or grassy patch and keep messy spills from messing up the mood. ($30/set at red envelope)