Valentines Dinner and Tablescape

I love Valentine's Day. Each year I throw a "fancy" dinner party and invite four or five couples to our house. I decide on a theme for dinner, then spend weeks combing the internet and my library of cookbooks selecting just the right recipes combing the internet and my library of cookbooks for just the right recipes.

Over the years I have purchased a variety of vases, placecard holders, candle sticks, linens and glassware that compliment the table. I always buy lots of fresh flowers a few days before the party and get creative when setting the table.

About three weeks before the dinner party, I send out invitations. Sometimes I put Valentine's confetti in the invite, which surprises my guests when they open the card. I then use the some of the confetti sprinkled on the table.

Get creative with clear glass vases as I have done here. I filled square jars with colored candy and put candles in the center of each. Individual vases filled with a mixture of red, pink and white tulips, carnations and roses adorn each place setting.

In this setting I filled an oversize champagne glass with water, then floated candles. Round vases received Valentine M&M's and a small vase was inserted into the candy then filled with red tulips.

This year my theme is French food. I will start with a French Onion Soup Au Gratin. The main course will consist of Chicken Cordon Bleu with Bernaise, French Green Beans Almondine, and Basil infused Mashed Potatoes. While in France this past fall, I couldn't help but notice the daily visits to Le Boulangerie for Baquettes, so of course we will serve these with unsalted butter.

I love to bake, so dessert is always the special finishing touch. This year's choices will be heart shaped cookies dipped in chocolate, a Chocolate Kahlua tart in a heart shaped pan-Martha Stewart Recipe and Tarte Tatin which is a carmelized apple upside down cake.

Our dinner would not be complete without a variety of French wines. I'll visit the local wine store with my menu so just the right pairings will be made.
Bon Appetite!