HOLIDAY

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF VALENTINE'S DAY?

Valentine's day is a holiday that has been celebrated for centuries. It is believed to have originated from the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was held in mid-February and was a time of fertility and matchmaking. Over the centuries, many legends have developed around the holiday, including a story of St. Valentine, a martyred priest who was imprisoned for performing marriage ceremonies for soldiers who were forbidden to marry. The holiday also has ties to the ancient Christian feast day of St. Valentine, a day to honor the martyrdom of St. Valentine of Rome. In modern times, Valentine's day is celebrated as a day of love, with couples exchanging cards, flowers, chocolates, and other tokens of their affection.

WHY IS VALENTINE'S DAY POPULAR?

Valentine's Day is popular because it is a day to celebrate love and relationships. It is a time to tell those special people in our lives that we love and appreciate them. It is a great way to show them how much we care by sending cards, flowers, chocolates, and other thoughtful gifts. It is also a time for couples to enjoy a romantic dinner or spend the day together, creating lasting memories.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO DECORATE FOR VALENTINE'S DAY?

How to use Flowers to decorate for Valentine's day

Decorating with flowers for Valentine’s Day is a great way to show someone how much you care. You can start by picking out flowers in colors that symbolize love and passion, such as red roses or pink carnations. You could also pick out some greenery to add color and texture. If you’re planning an outdoor event, you could use a combination of potted plants, cut flowers, and vines to create a romantic atmosphere.

If you’re decorating indoors, try using cut flowers in vases, or create a floral centerpiece on the table. You could also hang floral garlands on the walls or drape a few bunches of flowers around the room to add a romantic touch. Whatever you choose, adding fresh flowers and foliage can help create the perfect Valentine’s Day atmosphere.

How to use Candy to decorate for Valentine's day

Decorating with candy for Valentine's Day is a great way to add fun and is also a budget-friendly way to get into the spirit of the day. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Hang candy garlands. String candy hearts and conversation hearts together to make a colorful garland to hang over a doorway or around a window.
Make a candy centerpiece. Place a selection of conversation hearts, chocolate hearts, and other Valentine's Day candy in a large bowl or vase. Add some pink and red ribbon and a few sprigs of greenery to make it look even more festive.
Create a candy tree. Attach candy hearts onto a Styrofoam cone and cover the tree with conversation hearts, chocolate hearts, and other candy. Place the tree in the center of your table for a unique centerpiece.
Use candy to make a Valentine's Day card. Place a selection of candy hearts, conversation hearts, and other Valentine's Day candy onto a piece of cardstock and write a special message.

How to use Candles to decorate for Valentine's day

Decorating with candles is a great way to create a romantic and cozy atmosphere for Valentine's Day. Here are some tips:

Place a few pillar candles of varying heights in the center of your table and surrounded them with rose petals or colorful confetti for a festive touch.
Place a few tea lights in small glass votive and set them around the room for a subtle glow.
Create a romantic ambiance by lighting some lavender-scented candles around the room.
Place a few heart-shaped candles on the mantle or your nightstand for a festive, romantic look.

How to use balloons to decorate for Valentine's day

Decorating with balloons for Valentine's Day can be a budget-friendly way to give your space a festive look. You can start by selecting a color scheme for your balloons that works with your overall decor. For a classic look, choose red and pink balloons. If you want to switch it up, you could also opt for shades of lavender, white, or even gold.

Once you've chosen your colors, you can begin to fill the room with balloons. Fill the space with clusters of balloons of different sizes, or use ribbons to tie them to chairs, tables, and other furniture. You can also create a balloon arch or heart by using a combination of single and double-stuffed balloons. With a little creativity and some colorful balloons, you can easily transform any room into a beautiful Valentine's Day paradise.

How to use ribbon to decorate for Valentine's Day

Decorating with ribbon is an easy and fun way to show your love. Here are some ideas for how to use ribbon to decorate for Valentine's Day:

Make a festive wreath for your door. Choose a ribbon in the colors of Valentine's Day (red, pink, and white) and use it to make a large bow. Then, attach the bow to a wreath form with hot glue. If you'd like, add some other Valentine's Day decorations like hearts or embellishments.
Use ribbon to decorate a window or mirror. You can make a large bow out of ribbon and attach it to the top of a window or mirror or glue it to the wall. You can also use ribbon to make a garland. String the ribbon in a festive design, such as hearts or a zigzag pattern, and hang it up in the window or mirror.
Make a "Love" sign. Use a piece of wood or canvas and paint it white. Then, use a red ribbon to make the word "Love" out of letters. Glue the ribbon letters onto the wood or canvas and hang it up as decoration.
Decorate a Valentine's Day card. Use a thin ribbon to create a design or lettering on the front of a card. You can also attach a piece of ribbon to the card for a festive look.

CAN CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS BE REPURPOSED AS VALENTINE'S DECORATIONS?

Christmas decorations can be repurposed as Valentine's decorations with a little creativity. For example, you could paint ornaments in pink and red and hang them on a tree or mantel. You could also get creative with garlands by wrapping them in red ribbon or adding hearts. Wreaths can be decorated with hearts, too. There are a lot of possibilities for repurposing Christmas decorations for Valentine's Day if you get creative.

CAN EVERYDAY DECOR BE USED IN VALENTINE'S DECORATIONS?

Everyday decor can be used to create beautiful Valentine's decorations. Adding a few festive touches such as red, pink, and white accents like pillows, throw blankets, and candles can instantly transform your space. You can also hang up some Valentine's-themed wall art, and add some light, romantic touches such as rose petals and string lights.

Here are some other fun and creative ways to decorate your home for the holiday:

Hang festive banners, balloons, and streamers.
Put up window decals in heart shapes or with Valentine’s Day messages.
Create a romantic atmosphere with scented candles.
Make a centerpiece for your table with fresh flowers or a bouquet of roses.
Hang up string lights in your dining or living area.
Add some color to your space with red and pink accents.
Place Valentine’s Day cards and photos of you and your loved one around the house.
Find creative ways to display Valentine’s Day chocolates and treats.
Put up a DIY photo collage with your favorite Valentine’s Day memories.

These valentine's decorating ideas will be a great help in creating a special Valentine’s Day atmosphere. Whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a fun family gathering, these ideas can help to make it extra special. From creative flower arrangements to heartfelt homemade decorations, there are plenty of ways to make your celebration unique and budget-friendly.

HOLIDAY

Holiday tablescapes are beautiful to look at and can be pricey. However, once you know how a tablescape is achieved you can create a beautiful holiday tablescape on a budget.

WHAT IS A TABLESCAPE

A tablescape is a creative arrangement of items gathered and placed on top of the table. It simply is a term used to describe the combination of table centerpieces and the table setting.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A TABLESCAPE

A tablecloth, runner, or place mats
Plates, bowls, and other necessary dinnerware
Stemware
Utensils
Napkins
A centerpiece

To take your tablescape to the next level you can add these additional items such as:

Candles (gotten at dollar store)
Chargers (these can be brought at the dollar store)
Name tags (these can be handmade)
Napkin rings (these can be gotten at any discount store, or handmade)
Other decorations

If on a budget I strongly suggest that you look around your house before purchasing anything. In fact, If you decorated for fall you probably can move the decorations around to borrow for your holiday tablescape.

CENTERPIECES

A centerpiece is a must to bring the design of your table settings together. Centerpieces should be made and brought at the dollar store and discount stores. You can also repurpose items from around your house (this is preferred).

Centerpieces can have candle holders, dough bowls, ribbons, copper accents, flowers, velvet pumpkins, and other fall decor pieces.

HOW TO CREATE A HOLIDAY TABLESCAPE

Choose a color scheme

Choosing a color scheme for your tablescape is very important. The color scheme should not be too matchy-matchy, but you want colors that complement each other.

Table runner

A tablecloth or a table runner is important in my opinion. Although, if you're creating a holiday tablescape on a budget, a table runner is the best solution.

Layers

To achieve a layered look, set the table using your dishes, glasses, and utensils using the rules of etiquette. Don't be afraid to mix dishes and napkins. This sometimes brings character to your table.

Add height

Your glasses will give some height, but use your centerpiece for height as well. Keep in mind that candles can also give height. Candles are a popular feature in tablescapes.

HOW TO CREATE A TABLESCAPE ON A BUDGET

1. The first rule of setting a tablescape is to repurpose items from your house. This is a major money saver.

2. The tablecloth is another means of saving money. If you're trying to save a tablecloth is not recommended. Use a table runner instead.

3. Table runners can be brought cheaply or made. Make a table runner out of tablemats lined together. Hide the edges under the centerpiece. You can also
use a scarf, or throw or buy a piece of fabric to use as a centerpiece.

4. Most of the things you need to achieve an amazing tablescape can be brought at the dollar store or discount stores

5. Be creative and create your own centerpiece.

Some ideas for your centerpiece.
Using garland with candles can make an amazing budget-friendly combination.
Fill a dough bowl with pumpkins.
Vase of flowers
Use small lanterns as an alternative to candle holders
Unique object (this may be from an antique store or passed down from a relative)

HOLIDAY

Throwing an awesome Halloween party doesn’t have to cost and arm and a leg. There are lots of ideas for hosting a Halloween Party on a Budget. Listed below are some ideas on how to throw a Halloween party and that looks like you spent a lot of money on it.

THEME

Picking a theme is the first thing you should do when planning your party. This will make all the other things easier. Some great themes as well as ideas for costumes and decorations ideas are here and here. Sometimes a Halloween party theme can come from the costume.

COSTUME

I recommend choosing a costume to match your theme. This is where you should be creative and make the costume. Remember, the best costumes are hand-made. If you really need help on picking a theme, choose your costume first.

DECORATE THE DOOR WITH DOLLAR STORE FINDS

One of my favorite places to shop for seasonal decorations is the dollar store. Even without DIY's the dollar store carry a great selection of Halloween items, although it been my experience that you should shop early. They frequently run out quickly. You may want to also check other low cost stores for decorations.

DECORATE WITH FOOD

Halloween food can be used as decorations for a cheap addition or alternate to traditional Halloween decorations. This website has a list of Halloween appetizers that can be us. Don't forget the drinks! Just make sure you have something for the kids.

DIY

There are so many easy and cheap DIY'S for Halloween that you may want to give it a try....if you haven't already. Making your own decorations can save you a buck. They also can be a lot of fun. Let your creativity juices flow.

GAMES

Make your party fun with games

Movie

If you are just going to watch a movie, or choose a movie themed party you may want to check the movies out on this website .

DISPOSABLE EATING UTENSILS

The best place to get decorative plastic cutlery, paper napkins, etc. is the dollar store. Although, I have came across some disposable plastic cutlery, paper napkins, etc. at my warehouse. If you have access to a warehouse and you're really concern about designs. I advise getting them at a warehouse. The quality is much better.

HOLIDAY

Even though styles change from one year to the next year. I don't recommend buying seasonal decor. The only time I do think you should buy seasonal items is at clearance, at a good discount from the original price or at my favorite place to get seasonal items, the dollar store. Often times just leaving something or moving the decor around can make a huge difference. Well-placed decorations beat trends any day.

DIY

Many seasonal decorations have DIY's connected to them. Often times these projects can be fun and fulfilling. I do recommend you do at least one DIY for your seasonal decorations.

PUMPKINS

Pumpkins were originally Halloween decorations, and even now the carved pumpkin is still a symbol of Halloween. Now, you're if going to decorate for fall, a safe bet is to have a pumpkin. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials. DIY a big one and buy several small ones for a vase. Your home will begin to look like a fall.

CENTERPIECES

A Beautiful way to decorate for fall is a centerpiece. I have seen them in the entryway, above the fireplace, and on the coffee table. I think this can also be a DIY project to decorate for fall. I would not buy this at a dollar store and only buy at a huge discount. The dollar often doesn't have the quality you need.

BRANCH

Bring the outdoors inside. I think there is no better way to decorate for fall.

COPPER SPRAY

Let's face it, somethings are perfect for fall but aren't really made for the season. No worries, you have your handy spray can. Decorating for fall just became easier.

WREATH

This simple decoration is a great way to introduce fall. There are so many DIY projects to create this fall decoration. If you are going for DIY projects this may be the fall decoration you choose.

PIX

There is a lot of nice pix to decorate for fall. These bring natural fall colors into your home, and are a great way to introduce classic aspects of the fall into your spaces!

FALL ART

You can bring the outdoors, inside again. Framing leaves are a way to make easy art. Getting a fall picture from a book or free photo place frame is great also.

BLANKETS

Having Blankets are a wonderful way to introduce fall into your home. Put all cozy blankets around your house for maximum coziness.

Tip: Don't buy seasonal items before the season. (except dollar store).