Decked Out for Valentine's Day*

I have never been one to decorate my house for what some might consider "Hallmark Holidays." While Valentine’s Day is a legit holiday dating back to 500 A.D., there is a ton of marketing hype around it. But I have a new theory. We are so excited to deck out our homes for Christmas. Then when January comes we can't wait to take it all down. But January is loooong and grey (at least in Seattle), so a pop of color here and there and some hearts to remind us of those we love is actually really fun and uplifting. So this year our house is pretty decked for Valentine's Day, in a tasteful way of course. Here is a glimpse inside....



 This heart garland in my kitchen window is my favorite Valentine's decoration. I was inspired by a similar garland I saw at Volunteer Park Cafe a couple of years ago. It always goes up first and it makes me smile every time I see it.


  

My in-house decorator, fashionista and able helper, Sofia, is all ready to put up another garland. She loves this one because it's sparkly. Usually she insists on getting dressed before she comes downstairs, but she was so excited
to decorate that she kept her PJ's on. Classic!



 Sparkly red and pink garland and glassybaby in dining room window.

Awesome, huge heart wreath my sister made me for my birthday on my front porch looking into dining room.



Even Sofia's playroom is decked out for Valentine's Day. It's not hard because it is already pretty pink (and green and orange)! But we added some sparkly heart garlands.



Hearts in Sofia's bedroom too, of course!



For many years, my friend Lara and I made heart wreaths for our front doors for Valentine's Day. This is one of my favorites from several years ago.



And last but certainly not least a beautiful stargazer lilly in a white glassybaby for my kitchen counter.

For some reason as I was writing this post the Beatles song "All You Need is Love" kept running through my head.

Check back for my next post – food or fashion? Vote or be surprised.

Until then, more smooches!

*This is the second in a series of “pink” posts. See my Feb. 3 “Smooch” post for background.