This Valentine is more important than ever before! In a world where we can’t always be with the ones we love, we now have to get creative with expressing ourselves. Whether it be flowers, snacks or cocktails, my favourite suppliers are pulling out all the stops and are not ready to knock your socks off. Take a look at my Valentine Gift Guide for inspiration.
Flowers
If It’s Valentine’s Day and you don’t receive flowers from your partner or Galentine then sorry but they’re not the one for you. Flowers are an absolute classic when it comes to romance and whether it be a cliche or not everyone has a guilty pleasure for being spoiled with roses. This season I have not one, not two but three of favourite flower shops offering a valentines special whether that be a bouquet or a bundle. If you’re not familiar, Kidge are an amazing store who create artistic sculptural flower designs with wild flowers and foliage. They are a must have for anyone who has succumbed to the cottagecore trend at the moment, their wild flowers offer a new element to a classic bunch of flowers whilst still looking elegant.
But maybe your partner is someone who’s after something more colourful, Bud Flora offers beautiful and classically designed bouquets that are vibrant with splashes of colour and greenery. With a big emphasis on the ‘romantic colours’ their brand is perfect for the upcoming festivities. Another modern florist is taking a turn this year, as Blume collaborates with Chilli Bees catering, Haymans Gin and Heather Evelyn to create an idyllic valentines hamper. Their ‘Lockdown Lover’ hamper includes flowers, of course, candles, wine and snacks for you and your loved one. I don’t know about you but if someone else doesn’t buy me one of these I’ll definitely be treating myself.
Food
As the saying goes, a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, what they don’t say is it’s the way into a woman’s as well. Food is the language of love and Valentines is no exception, whether it be something sweet, salty or sour, what better way to spend the day then pigging out with the person of your choosing. If you loved our Christmas charcuterie recommendations then you will be happy to hear that they are making a return! Berry and Brie are making a comeback with seasonal graze boards perfect for your Valentine staycation. Meats, cheese’s, fruits and chocolates, if you’re a charcuterie nut or just fancy trying something new then these boards are perfect for you. Couples who snack together, stay together.
What do you need after a wonderful designed, delicious graze board? More food of course, but this time, something a little sweeter. What do you think of when you think of Valentine’s Day? Flowers and chocolates right? Well I can do you one better, personalised biscuits, cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries AND giant heart-shaped gingerbread cookies. The Indulgent Sugar Plum, Sugarplum Bakes, Claire Owen Cakes and Gingerbread Maid are all offering lovey dovey treats this February. Or if you’re up for something sweet but want something a bit more DIY Dolce Lusso Cakes are offering a cupcake masterclass for you and your lover. Something to do and something to eat? That is a win win in my eyes.
Drinks
After all that food, you must be parched. Don’t worry we’ve already thought of that. Mix and Twist and the Mixology brothers are both offering online masterclasses. Not only do you learn to make some fabulous cocktails, included in the price you will also receive ingredient hampers so you don’t have to mask up to go to the grocery store and recipe cards. Bottomless brunch or an in house club night, these masterclasses are great for either and with not much else to do this year, why not get a little tipsy in your kitchen this Valentines Day?
Stationery
Not everyone is the biggest fan of the love season, but even if you’re not. You always buy a card at least right? Ink and Paper have created a line of minimalist style cards that perfectly express the “I Love You’s” without all the fuss. Or if a card is somewhere you really want to splash out Pretty Post are potentially the most aesthetically pleasing stationery brand around. Not only does their hand written calligraphy look like something straight out of Bridgerton but this Valentines they have made their own love heart confetti. Cute.
So if Valentines is a big deal for you or just another day, our valentine gift guide has something for everyone, all the suppliers have been working incredibly hard, so make sure to shop small this year!
Featured Image by Eva Tarnok Flowers by Kidge Flowers
