I’ve sat by (mostly) quietly this week while listening to people complain about Valentine’s Day. It’s standard fare for the holiday: people either go gaga for it or completely despise the thought of it. When I was younger, it seemed clear that most of the people who didn’t share the joy were simply jealous because they were alone, and vice-versa those who treated it like the most important day on Earth were usually madly in love. Now, as I converse with friends, coworkers and colleagues alike, I find that those lines are, and probably always were, blurred.

It’s a typical marriage-like assertion: you get comfortable, you have kids, you’re busy at work, there’s just no time/money/need to do anything special. I’m tired of hearing it.

There’s always time to do something special.

Where’s the harm? Why does it have to be some tremendous chore to show your friends or loved ones just how much you care? If it takes 30 minutes out of your life to stop at CVS and get some sweetheart boxes for coworkers, or an hour to make some homemade chocolate-covered strawberries for a special someone, is the smile and glimmer in their eye not enough for you in return? Does it not make you feel good to make someone else feel happy and loved?

I’ve always believed that you can find the time for others if they are truly important to you, so this year I encourage everyone who was thinking about taking a pass on v-day to reconsider. And I’m here to offer some last-minute advice on delish ways to spread the love to anyone and everyone you can.

BRIGHT BUBBLY: Brachetto d’Acqui always makes an exciting Valentine’s Day drink. With its vibrant soft red color, crisp sparkling mouth and delicious strawberry flavors, it’s an easy-pleaser for a gathering of friends or an intimate drink for two.  Also, it pairs perfectly with a box of assorted chocolates. Rosa Regali from Banfi is always a good choice.

CHOCOLATE: I’m a fan of chocolate (who isn’t?) but those heart-shaped boxes with assorted non-identifiable truffles have to go. There’s nothing worse than biting into one of those nasty flavors (lemon? really?) and, let’s face it, the thought just isn’t really there. So, this year be a little different and daring by making some of your own treats. Melt some chocolate chips and dip strawberries in them, and then drizzle with melted white chocolate chips for a bit of artistic flair. Don’t like strawberries? Try pretzels. You can even coat them with a wide variety of toppings like chopped nuts or sprinkles. Whatever the result, the recipient will be so grateful for the time and thought you exerted, it won’t matter what they look like. 

CARD: I know it sounds cheesy, but try to revert to being a 6-year-old and make an old-school Valentine. It’s really sweet, as I can attest to, and there’s no Hallmark card that will say “I love you” as much as that will.

FOR THE MAN: Perfect for the beer-loving man in your life, FromYouFlowers.com has an awesome “Hoppy” Valentine’s Day basket, complete with Sam Adams Boston Lager pint glasses, a Sam Adams bottle-opener keychain, organic dark chocolate, artisanal salami, smoked gouda and an assortment of mixed nuts. Just pick up your favorite 6-pack and enjoy the bounty… plus, you can get 20% off with the promotional code “SAM”.

So there you have it… some suggestions to spice things up. I’d love to hear what you think or if you have some other ideas on how to keep things interesting and spread the love. And above all, have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

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