Host A Valentine’s Day Luncheon

This post comes to us courtesy of home entertaining and lifestyle blogger Jenny Steffens Hobick. 

 

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for sweethearts. Let’s be honest: the women in your life probably appreciate heart themed desserts and lovely Valentines Day table settings more than the men do! This year get out your girly pink linens and heart-shaped cookie cutters to host a ladies luncheon celebrating the love you have for your gal pals.

Valentine’s Day Ladies’ Luncheon Menu

 

Lobster Bisque

Baby Spinach with Roasted Strawberries Salad

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

Sugar Cookie Valentine Favors with “Be Mine”

 

 

When I think of a ladies’ luncheon, I think of Lobster Bisque. It is elegant, decadent, luscious and beautiful to serve — always a winning combination when hosting women for an event.

 

Like most soups, Lobster Bisque is an excellent solution to entertaining because it can made completely ahead of time and it is a complete meal. It needs nothing more than a fresh salad, maybe some crusty bread and delicious dessert, of course.

 

For dessert, serve Heart-Shaped Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies with coffee. The cookies are sweet and tart, with festive red dried cherries and a wonderful crumbly texture. They are the perfect sophisticated cookies to serve at a ladies’ luncheon.

 

At the end of the party, send guests home with homemade Sugar Cookie “Be Mine” Valentines. My trick to making them look professionally decorated: ice the cookies with solid color-filled shapes accented with dots and dashed lines. They couldn’t be easier to make, even for the novice cookie decorator!

 

Use clear cellophane bags tied with colorful twine to package them as valentines. I created “Be Mine” labels to make them look even more special.  Create your own or use mine — you can download them from my blog.

 

About the author: Jenny Steffens Hobick, a home entertaining and lifestyle blogger, makes entertaining accessible and enjoyable… for the hosts and guests.  As a former caterer and party planner, Jenny shares her secrets to hosting casual and elegant parties. From table settings to recipes, her creative tips and resourceful methods inspire her readers to make Everyday Occasions special – whether it be a family style feast, elegant cocktail party or intimate dinner for two.  Jenny believes that entertaining at its best is done often, with an effortless and easy style.