I can’t believe it is time for Valentine’s all ready. I have barely stopped thinking about Christmas.  I guess I had better get in gear and start planning though because it is on it’s way.

Valentine’s doesn’t need to cost a bunch, it just needs to be fun. We are always being asked how to have an inexpensive meal for Valentine’s. I don’t mind coming up with inexpensive menus but it really should be about serving your sweetheart’s favorite food.

I can hear you now ” But he (she) loves steak, cheesecake, gourmet coffee….” so how can I do an inexpensive meal when they have such expensive taste? First of all if things are that tight your sweetie will understand if you can’t do the most expensive meal at this time.

Here are a few things you can do to make it fun and special without a lot of added cost. First if you can’t afford to do the whole meal think about just making one part of it special like their favorite meat or side dish or have their favorite dessert.

Serve an inexpensive meal with candle light, good dishes, hearts everywhere etc. and it will seem special no matter what you are serving.

If your family isn’t used to getting things like homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, cherry pie or even quick breads, bake something like that for them.

Add touches of red and hearts where ever you can:

Add maraschino cherries to everything from your fruit salads, quick breads and muffins to 7 up for a bubbly drink for everyone- of course served in fancy glasses which are set on a heart doily. Don’t forget to use them for garnishes on your platters of other foods.

Instead of throwing rose petals every where for effect cut out hearts from red and pink tissue paper. Just fold a sheet and cut a bunch all at once.

You don’t have to do a lot. It is the little things which count:

Glue a paper heart to the end of a tea bag string instead of making them tea with the usual paper square hanging over the cup. You could even make several of these and place in a cute mug for a little something extra for someone.

Cut out a paper heart and glue a Hershey’s kiss to it and set at each person’s place setting or on their pillow. It isn’t a big thing but even something little like this can mean a lot and have a big impact.

I get the extra large candy bars on sale all the time. My grandkids love them. You could slide the wrapper off and either print your own wrapper for it or hand write your own poem, love message or drawings.

Last but not least get out your heart cookie cutters. If you don’t have one just make a stencil out of cardboard or plastic whipped topping lid. Now cut out everything with it; cookies (of course), biscuits, Jello (red of course), rice crispy treats (with red food coloring added), brownies, toast, quick breads, cheeses (for cheese and cracker tray or in a lunch).  Look at every food you make and think can I make it red or cut it out.

Be sure and check out the web site for more inexpensive Valentine’s ideas.

Jill