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Utah Bride and Groom Magazine  / Bridal Buzz / February 2010 / Heart to Heart {A Valentine's Day Party}

Heart to Heart {A Valentine's Day Party}

 
As promised, I have a sweet Valentine's Day party to share with you all today! I hope you think this soirée is as cool as I do: there are tons of fun details that you could easily recreate for your own romantic shindig, a bridal shower or even a wedding. The party was hosted and created by the lovely Lauren Brady (some of you may know her from The Write Image). Over the past few years I have come to know Lauren and I just adore her—she always greets you with a big smile, and always has something cool and new to talk about. Plus, she's got great style. So it's no surprise she can pull together a totally charming party.

Cute right? Lauren shares her inspiration for the party: "Valentine's Day has always been my favorite holiday, and since everybody has Christmas parties, I thought it would be fun to do something different." Her Valentine's shindigs started a few years ago with some close friends, and every year more and more lovestruck souls flock to what's affectionately termed "The Amore Lounge."

Through her work at The Write Image, Lauren has an eye for stylish invites, and she always creates a one-of-a-kind invitation for The Amore Lounge. Lauren is a big fan of the '50s, so the party channels mid-century glamour a la Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. The cocktail party atmosphere fits perfectly in Lauren's Foothill loft, which is full of vintage décor. "I'd love to have everyone show up at the party in gloves and ties. It's kind of a lost art, being dressed to the hilt and going out," she says.

Friends and family arrive in their finery, and are rewarded with one classy party: Lauren believes firmly in using real china—no paper of plastic here—and believes in serving food prepared in her own kitchen, rather than tired deli takeout. Guests graze from food stations throughout the apartment; several wines are available in one corner, a cheese tray—labeled with red hearts—sits in another, and a dessert table beckons with cheesecake, pear cake and a seductive molten chocolate fondue.

One of the liveliest stations is in the kitchen, where guests can mix special Valentine's libations following recipe cards written on pink and red card stock. Drinks range from relatively tame Pink Ladies to the adventurous Chocolate Cake, a concoction including hazelnut liquer and sugared lemon wedges. And teetotalers can get in on the fun, too—there's always a yummy non-alcoholic option available. "One year we did Italian sodas," says Lauren. "Pink ones, of course." It doesn't get much sweeter than that.

Hope you all enjoyed today's shindig! Have a happy Valentine's Day!