Valentine's Decorations

	The Victorian theme for Valentine’s Day says ‘I love you!’ in so many ways. From the Victorian card with lace and ribbons to the vintage style candle arrangement, the celebration will remind us all of the significance of love. A mid-nineteenth century Valentine was painstakingly made with flowers, scents and paper that was cut to look like lace. The art of making Valentine’s has been replaced by store-bought cards. Although these achieve some of the desired affect, the handmade card, by far, said so much more. From the flower and lace front to the inscription on the inside of the card, the giver was the designer and poet.

Rose Scented Candle in Jar

Rose Scented
1 1/2 Inches Tall

Home > Decorating Ideas > Holiday Decorating > Valentine's

Valentine's Decorations

The Victorian scraps that were used to make the cards enchant collectors to this day. The colorful scraps were used by the Valentine makers to add to the embossed lace paper. The central medallion on the front would include a scrap of a flower or other image that was appropriate for the occasion. Hidden under the scrap as well as inside the card was the name of the caller and a verse or two expressing their feelings. Why not make a card this year? Use some imagination by integrating the color scheme or theme for the evening into the card. For some great ideas on creating this very personal Victorian era card, check the Valentine Card section of ‘The Scrap Album’ Web site at http://www.scrapalbum.com/stvalent.htm.

Flowers are another standard for Valentine’s Day. Whether you are giving them as a gift or using them to set the ambiance for the evening, they are perfect for the occasion. The red rose, symbolic of romance and love, is customary for this holiday. The Victorian theme lends itself well to this motif. From dinnerware to table linens, any one of the Victorian floral designs will suit the occasion. Whatever you do, remember to use a florist who you have dealt with before and place the order early.

One more way to set the mood for the evening is by using candles. There is a wonderful choice of color schemes for Valentine’s Day. Of course, you can use the traditional color of red. Red is the color of passion while pink promotes romance and romantic love. If you want to present a more Victorian setting, then the burgundy, purple, green or blue tones can be displayed. Emerald green attracts love and royal blue, the color that represents loyalty, would complement a vintage setting. Why not express your feelings with colors?

To get the conversation going during the before-dinner drinks, select a stimulating scent. A combination of orange with a touch of black pepper scent should do the trick. Black pepper is actually one of the lesser known aphrodisiacs. There is no reason to wait to start to set the tone for later in the evening.

For the dining room, Victorian style brass candle stick holders will flatter any table. Why not choose a colorful taper that will off-set the colors of the table cloth and napkins? If you have an ivory table cloth, use one of the deep, rich shades of purple for the candles. Place some Victorian style prisms around the base of the candle to catch the sparkles of light. Then, position small, heart shaped votive holders around a centerpiece of flowers to complete the romantic look.

For a less formal meal in the kitchen, display a group of soy candles. Soy candles burn cleaner and are made from all-natural soy beans. A mixed set in frosted containers will provide a soft, warm glow for your informal dinner. Select a rich shade of blue with an aromatherapy scent; such as a spicy vanilla, which is vitalizing and soothing.

Scent chips in a simmering pot are appropriate for in the kitchen, too. These are nice if you are not particularly keen on dealing with candles. A good mixture of scented chips for Valentine’s Day would include musk and vanilla. Musk is also part of the love, companionship and relationship aromatherapy scent group.

This is the holiday to impress that certain someone with romantic interludes and gifts. Allow for quiet time during the evening together to give the love a chance to develop or to be renewed. The intimacy of the after-dinner drinks presents a perfect time for doing just that. First, dim the lights. Then, light one large pillar candle, with a blend of chamomile for relaxation and lavender for romance, on a nearby table. Now would be just the right timing to present the card or present. Later in the evening, burn a blend of some of the better known aphrodisiacs; such as, Jasmine, YlangYlang, Clary Sage, Sandalwood and Patchouli.

For enhancing the ambiance with your décor, several glass votive holders, painted with red roses reminiscent of Victorian design, will give a soft glow to the evening. Use different colors, sizes and fragrances of aromatherapy candles to enhance the mood. The deep, musky aroma of Oakmoss is another one of the scents for romance and love. A set of varying sizes of pillars, set on a gold platter in front of a mirror, will emit a calming fragrance and add a wonderful glow to the room. The Candlefind.com Web site is a great resource for ideas and information as well as a directory for candle sites on the Internet.

Capture the spirit of love and romance that Valentine’s Day represents with soft music, flowers, candle light, and dinner for two! For a truly special evening, include the romance of the Victorian era in your celebration.