Valentine's Decor 2019

 I can't believe it is just a bit over two weeks till Valentine's Day! Are you excited?

 I always have to put my tree up for Valentine's. Anything with lights and sparkle helps me through the gloomy months. I showed you my tree last year.

But here are a few of my favorite ornaments. The "love boat" was a Hobby Lobby find one year after Christmas. It's blown glass and was 75% off. That's why I always say- look for things in different seasons that will go perfectly at another time. This goes for shopping for Valentine decor amongst all the reds of  Christmas sales,  or shopping for vintage coats in the middle of summer...

 Here is one of my favorite turn-of-the-century blown ornaments. Yes, it is also meant for Christmas, but the color and the lovely rose made it perfect for this holiday.

 This double sided ornament was crocheted by my Grandma Betty over 20 years ago.

Another 1900's glass ornament. These are so very thin and fragile, but how could I not put them out and enjoy them?

 I wrote last year HERE about how I gave my folks each a heart shaped container of Red Hots and Conversation Hearts for the holiday and then I fully expected to share in each ;)! My dear moma read me reminiscing about it and gave me one of the containers that she had kept all these years! She even filled it with a hand-picked assortment of only yellow and white conversation hearts- my favorite! Now that's true love...

 As usual Squeaky has on his cupid wings and clutches his Valentine for his "squirrel-friend" (he he). But after all these years of my never seeing this elusive heartthrob, I've begun to think that the poor critter is only imagining that perfect woman...

 Here is the sweet little Valentine that Pop gave me that had originally been gifted in 1922. In front is a very special candy jar. And inside it is my new obsession. Do you remember how I told you HERE about how I make all my Christmas cookies completely covered with Red Hots, just so I can eat them? Well, I found Chewy Red Hots this year. I was hugely skeptical, especially since I am not a big gummy fan. But, oh my heavens! These things are amazing!!!! Hot, chewy, and addictive. I literally ate half a bag in one day, just by walking past and getting a little pinch each time. Then I realized I was making excuse to pass by and decided I might have a problem. Since these are liable to go away after the holiday (I'm kinda praying they do), I got four more bags. One wouldn't want the candy jar to sit empty, now would we?

 Why is it a special candy dish? Well, besides the fact that it has the Red Hot version of crack in it, it happens to have belonged to my Great-grandma Jeanette. She was my Grandma Tommy's moma and so she put a label on the bottom so I wouldn't forget. Isn't that great? I have done the same thing with tons of other family pieces, so I won't forget and so it will be there for the kids to cherish.

 An old Valentine from when cars were just becoming a thing. I love all the multiple layers that open. Much like a stage in a really good play.

 In the window is my burlap banner, and my adorable heart apron. Can't wait to wear it for my party!

 Here is an old sign that was from the local VFW storage. And in front is a glorious cake cover from my friend Andrea- its color and style is just perfect.

 I even found a dress at Goodwill that, if I get it taken in and seamed up, will be my new Valentine's dress. We shall soon see, hmmm?

 And now I need to turn my thoughts to the Valentine cards I will make. I usually make 30 or so, and I always have some kind of theme. I have really been enjoying the illustrations from the fronts of Parisian magazines from the 1920's. I may incorporate some of them into my cards. I am so looking forward to our family party and exchanging cards. I am busy planning the foods (I already decided on the desserts several weeks ago :) and the table setting. So much to look forward to!

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day, Dear Reader? Do you make or exchange cards? I'd love to hear what you might do come February 14th!