A Stylish Valentine’s Day Without Kids

This post contains affiliate links and we make a small commission for purchases made using these links.

Ah Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love. Just the thought of it brings images of little heart-shaped, handmade red and pink crafts and sloppily frosted heart cookies to my mind. However, like everything else in our lives lately, this holiday has really changed. Our kids are gone.

For those of us without little ones running around anymore, Valentine’s Day can offer a unique opportunity to transform our homes into a haven of elegance. There are all kinds of stylish ways to decorate for Valentine’s Day as well as unique recipe ideas to make the day of love memorable…even without kiddos.

Pink felt hearts laying on a pink background.
Two tacos sitting on a white plate with chopped avocado and cilantro on top.

download our free

Meal Planner & Grocery List

dinner made easy

    First, Let’s Talk About Decorating

    1. Subtle Elegance Over Childlike Charm:
      While heart-shaped decorations are undeniably cute, opting for subtle and sophisticated elements can elevate your Valentine’s Day decor. Consider incorporating soft color palettes like blush, burgundy, and gold for a more refined ambiance. Selecting rich fabrics such as velvet or cheesecloth for throw pillows or tablecloths can add a subtle touch of charm.
    2. Candles:
      Illuminate your space with the warm glow of candles. Create a captivating atmosphere by placing candles of varying heights, shapes, and sizes on tables and mantels. Candles can bring an intimate feel to any Valentine’s Day setting.
    3. Floral Arrangements:
      Flowers are a timeless symbol of love. You can’t go wrong with classic blooms like roses, lilies, or orchids arranged in tall vases. To add a modern twist, mix in metallic accents or incorporate unique containers like crystal bowls or sleek ceramic vases. For a more rustic feel, place flower arrangements inside woven baskets or galvanized tins or buckets. And don’t forget to accessorize with sprigs and branches.
    Do you love this post?

    Share it on Pinterest

    Some Tips For An Elegant Aesthetic

    1. Neutral Base With Pops of Color:
      Start with a neutral color scheme as the base for your decor, such as whites, creams, or greys. Then, strategically introduce pops of Valentine’s Day colors like deep reds or romantic pinks through accent pillows, kitchen towels, blankets, or artwork. This ensures a sophisticated look that doesn’t overwhelm the space.
    2. Minimalist Artwork:
      Consider swapping out existing artwork for pieces that evoke feelings of love and without being overly sentimental. Minimalist art or wooden signs with subtle mentions of love and romance can be a stylish addition to your Valentine’s Day decor.
    3. Luxurious Fabrics:
      Upgrade your textiles. Put the soft linen pillows away and add some velvet or faux fur throws. A satin table runner will add a touch of luxury to your decor. All of these textures create a cozy and inviting environment, perfect for celebrating love.
    A charcuterie board with meats, fruits, and cheeses.

    Now For Recipe Ideas You’ll LOVE

    1. Gourmet Charcuterie Board:
      Begin your evening with a gourmet charcuterie board featuring an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, and artisanal crackers. Add a touch of romance by arranging the elements in the shape of a heart or layer thinly sliced meats in the shape of a flower.
    2. Herb-Crusted Filet Mignon:
      For the main course, impress your loved one with herb-crusted filet mignon. Cooked to perfection, this dish exudes elegance and is sure to delight the taste buds.
    3. Decadent Chocolate Fondue:
      End your evening on a sweet note with a decadent chocolate fondue. Dip strawberries, marshmallows, and cubes of pound cake into velvety chocolate for a delightful and interactive dessert.

    Just because we don’t have little ones anymore, doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating and decorating for Valentine’s Day. By focusing on subtle decor and indulgent recipes, we can transform Valentine’s Day into a celebration of love that reflects our personal (grown-up) style. And I love it. *wink*

    Find everything from this post and more in my Amazon Valentine’s Day Store.

    Leave a Comment or Question

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    2 Comments

    1. Hi Kristine, thank you so much for writing this post. I find that all the holidays are harder with no children at home, but it’s a good reminder that we should still celebrate – just differently. I appreciate your inspiration to do so!

      1. Hi Beth, I’m right there with you my friend. It’s been a real struggle for me, but I’m trying, so I thought I’d write about it and share. I’m so glad you can relate and found it helpful. Have a great time celebrating! 💕