Valentine Day Party

I didn't post anything for Artful Thursday this week, I was getting ready for my Valentine Day Party Cookie Exchange. So...this will have to count as my Artful Thursday post. I had been wanting to host a cookie exchange for some time and thought Valentine's Day would be the perfect time to do it. I invited about 13 of my good friends and asked them to bring a favorite cookie to swap with each other. The party started in the morning, so I threw together a quick brunch. Quiche, Pear/Gorgonzola Salad and chocolate covered strawberries. The treat table was the most fun to put together. I had a definite look I was going for (ala Amy Atlas) but on a budget! I am going to share some ideas about the party.

Because of Valentine's Day I wanted everything pink, red or white. I was able to use my cute vintage glasses that I collect. All pink ones!

I made yummy treats, carmel/chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate covered strawberries and rice crispy treats drizzled with chocolate. These are all treats that are super easy to make but pack a big visual punch.

I pulled out all my glass jars ( I use them all the time, for parties, displays, they are really handy and depending on size only cost $5-7 each.) I saw tags similar to these on Amy Atlas's blog and asked my hubby to design some for me. I am happy to share the template. Leave me a comment if you would like the template emailed to you. I chose all red,white and pink candy.

The bags for them to fill with candy. I got the bags at $1 store used the template my hubby made for tags.

I love cupcakes and bought these at Kohlers. The hearts are picks from the $1 store.
I also wanted a few extra white platters, so I made my own. I wrapped a can with cute heart paper and put a white plate on top. Instant platter!

These are paper flowers. A Martha Stewart Kit. They were so cute and something I will use again.
I made this cute dum-dum topiary. I had a little give-away and one lucky friend got to take it home.
They yummy cookies friends brought to exchange.
Thanks to all my fun friends for celebrating Valentine's Day with me! And we all got to bring home yummy treats to share with our families.
My friend Lisa's sweet little Madeline. After 3 boys she finally got a beautiful girl.
And one last Valentine tidbit.....on Thursday the dotter's and I made boxes for the school parties the next day. (Their hair looks all crazy because prior to that they were playing Project Runway and used 1/2 can of hairspray!)
The finished products......


I hope you had a fun and sweet Valentine's Day.