photography by Ted Dayton

Plan a Girls-only Night of Decadence
Just because you might be partnerless (temporary or otherwise) this Valentine's Day does not mean that you should skip out on the holiday festivities. Instead, join with other similarly-stationed gal pals and enjoy the best of what Valentine's Day has to offer: chocolate, gifts and love.

"Your girlfriends will be there for you through good and bad; through divorce; break ups; the works," reflects Myra Harbour, owner of Celebrate - Planning for an Event to Remember (259-8611). "That's why it makes sense to celebrate a holiday that's supposed to be about love with them - you love each other no matter what!," she says.

Harbour suggests planning a relaxing girls night "in," complete with do-it-yourself manicure/pedicure stations, great comedy movies and lots of chocolate. Gifts play a role, too. "Give your party favors ahead of time, along with the invitation. Give everyone matching pajamas to wear at your grown-up sleepover, slippers or monogrammed pillowcases," she suggests.

Sweets for the Sweet
Sleepover menus can be ridiculously easy; order some pizza and you're good to go. The same is true for Valentine's Day - with one sweet exception. Dessert needs to be amazing! Select a wide variety of rich treats for your dessert buffet.

Chocolate Lovers
Receiving chocolate for Valentine's Day is a long-held tradition. Blow your guests away with a collection of the most luscious chocolatey-goodness you can get your hands on. We love this combo, selected from the Babe's Dessert Bar (254-4770) menu.
• Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Chocolate Lovers Cake
• Chocolate Cream Cheese Brownies
• S'Mores Bars

Cupid's Collection
Carrying the Valentine's theme all the way to the dessert table is easy to do with this delicious line up, selected from Posh Pastries'
(360-4949) special Valentine's Day menu.
• Vanilla Linzer Heart Cookies
• Chocolate-covered "Tuxedo" Strawberries
• "Red Hot" Cinnamon Mousse Cups
• Chocolate Heart Box filled with Posh Bons Cheesecakes

Relax with your Favorite Chic Chicks
Bid farewell to cliche Valentine's traditions, grab a group of your girlfriends and have a decadent girl's night this Valentine's Day. Whether you are looking to glam it up or enjoy a pajama party at home, a night with your girlfriends will be even more entertaining than celebrating in traditional Valentine's fashion.

Party for the Love of Friends
Celebrate your inner diva! While planning a night on the town on Valentine's Day can be fun, there is something exciting about creating the perfect party atmosphere while skipping the drama of heading out. In true diva style, rent a few cocktail tables and barstools; decorate them with linens of gold accented with elements of fuchsia, leopard print and basic black for a fun and girly look. Light some candles and add faux fur pillows to your couch and chairs. Ask each friend to bring an authentic international dish, serve molten chocolate souffles and consider adding themed cocktails, for example: all pink and red cocktails, named cocktails, elements of love cocktails and more. An event of pure luxury and sophistication, you'll be glad to have missed an overrated night out.

Beauty Bar
Get all dolled up with nowhere to go! Enjoy a night of pampering with the girls by transforming your home into your very own beauty bar. Offer manicures, pedicures, makeup applications and more while enjoying some of your favorite appetizers, cocktails and tantalizing desserts. Decorate your home in striking colors of black, fuchsia and white for a truly chic experience.

Pajama Mama
Nothing is better than hanging out with girlfriends in your pj's, cozy by a fireplace, watching your favorite chick flick while sipping a glass of wine. Create a cozy atmosphere by dimming the lights, setting a buffet of your favorite foods and wines, and add a few extra decorative pillows and throw blankets to your couch and chairs for the ultimate posh pajama party. You will be glad to have skipped out on the typical Valentine's Day dinner rush, and trust me - you won't miss the pain of a long evening in stilettos.
Tips courtesy of Stacie House of A-1 Rentals Event Services 775-8111.