Thinking about ditching the romantic dinner for two this year and hosting a Valentine’s Day party for your fellow couple-friends? Whether you are keeping it low-key or going all out, some planning is required to pull off a successful party. Keep reading for Northwest Arkansas Valentines Day ideas for creating a romantic, yet playful experience for your guests that will keep everyone entertained all night long. These ideas will have your friends calling you the “hostess with the mostess.”
Invitations
Whether you take it old-school vintage-style (like Ninja-Turtles!) or modern chic custom stationery, the style will set the tone of your party. While online sources such as Zazzle or Basic Invite have many beautiful options. Or choose a more bespoke experience with a local stationer like Amanda Day with Dayflower Design based in northwest Arkansas. Alternatively, there is nothing wrong with going completely online with invitation and tracking tools. Paperless Post has RSVP tracking options to help you finalize guest details. You can also create a Facebook group or create a Facebook event as well for ease of communication with party-goers. Be sure to communicate event date, time, theme, attire and ask for any special dietary needs guests may have. Send invitations out approximately three weeks before the event.
Cocktails and Mocktails
Your guests will enjoy being greeted with a tasty liquid treat upon arrival. Whether you choose cocktails or mocktails, a Valentine’s Day theme should be considered. Any pink or red drink would be appropriate such as strawberry daiquiris, pomegranate martinis, cosmopolitans, or pink champagne to name a few. Name your drink something catchy that mirrors your theme. Love Potion No. 9, Cupid’s Arrow, or Strawberry Kiss are all fun names for custom Valentine’s Day drinks. Then, top things off with fresh strawberries, cherries, or pomegranates to be sure to impress your guests.
You can even go all out here by providing rose-colored vintage glasses rented from a local rental company in your area. Someone like Pretty Old Stuff NWA or Eventology in Arkansas are great options. Also, check out some adorable swizzle sticks or straws on Etsy to jazz up the presentation. Or, roll each glass’s rim in honey then add sprinkles from Fancy Sprinkles for some serious sparkle. For non-alcoholic drink offerings, try Shirley Temples, virgin daiquiris, or raspberry-lemonade sherbet punch.
A Catered Affair
You will certainly want to feed your guests, and a catered formal dinner could be the highlight of the party. Gather your couple-friends around the table for a full-course dinner like fashion blogger, Mary Kate Whitmire with Chic Little Honey, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Who can be seen here enjoying the event with her husband, Cole, on Valentine’s Day. Mary Kate’s dinner was curated by Vibrant Occasions Catering in central Arkansas. Choose a main entree that your guests will love like pan-seared black Angus beef filet, grilled twice-cut pork chops, or wild salmon with cilantro wine butter. Delectable hors d’oeuvres, salads, bread or rolls, side dishes, and desserts will dazzle your couple-friends and keep them very satisfied. Always ask guests about any dietary restrictions. You will want to convey those details to your caterer for appropriate options. Incorporate candlelight, soft music, and a beautiful tablescape for romantic touches and ambiance.
Games and Activities
There’s no denying it…people love chocolate on Valentine’s Day! Why not turn that love into an exciting activity for your guests? Artist and cake designer, Natalie Madison, with Art is in Cakes, Bakery Supplies in Little Rock, Arkansas, has created Youtube tutorials for this type of activity. Madison has a cocoa bomb tutorial that works perfectly and what’s even better is that you can purchase the needed baking materials on her online store and have them shipped to your home. Add in some red hearts and sprinkles to tie in that Valentine’s theme, and you have created a party-pleasing and palate-pleasing activity for your guests to enjoy.
There are also some really fun party games you can find on Amazon as well. Games such as the card game, Loaded Questions, Cards Against Humanity, or even Exploding Kittens. Or try something more physical and equally hilarious like these Valentine relay race spoons. Whatever the activity you choose, always keep the personality of your guests and the vibe you are trying to create in mind.
Party-Goer Sweetheart Gifts
Our new favorite crush are these unique and trendy sweetheart gifts in the form of live flower jewelry. Created by the master florist, Althea Wiles with Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio in Fayetteville, Arkansas. These luxury pieces are great to purchase for your significant other in lieu of a traditional bouquet of roses.
Since they are meant to be worn as a fashion statement and enjoyed with a time limit, a night out on the town or party is the perfect way to experience this gift. From heart-shaped necklaces to rings, to cascading masculine boutonnières, Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio is on the cutting edge of creating stylish embellishments that can be delivered right to your door. It is such a thoughtful, personal and fun gift to ask your guests to try to incorporate into the evening with their attire. These will make great conversation-starters throughout the event and guests will look fabulous.
Looking For More Than Just Northwest Arkansas Valentines Day Ideas?
While we know planning a valentines day party is the main reason you are here, you won’t want to miss what else we have to offer. From Northwest Arkansas date night ideas to Bachelorette party ideas. Also, if you are looking for a photographer for your next big event, head over to our contact form and let us know! Because we may know a lot about having fun, but we know even more about capturing the moments.
Article by Meredith Corning, Meredith Corning PR & Meredith Events
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