We’re thrilled to announce a fresh new red hue of the best-selling collection from Marlo Thomas, the talented home cook, award-winning actor and consummate host. (You may already be smitten with her blue-and-wood-forward home line.) The busy actress even has a best-selling book out in advance of the launch of her Valentine’s-ready red collection. She wrote it with her husband, a fellow you might have heard of named Phil Donahue. The duo interviewed 40 famous couples across the country to learn What Makes Marriage Last.
It’s a superbly romantic collection appropriate for Marlo, who has been married to Phil for more than 40 years. Their book is a charming account of the little moments that lift and sustain a marriage. We loved reading Marlo’s memory of a clarinetist they saw play in Kentucky on an early first date. Suffused in bliss as he played, he’s become their touchstone of someone “who’s truly in the moment.” Lovely.
Without further ado, here’s how Marlo makes Valentine’s Day magic.
1. Flowers, Candles, Wine and Music!
Three must-haves, we asked her? She likes four: There must be flowers, candles, music and wine! Candles go into “wonderful, eclectic candleholders I’ve collected over the years that I love to mix and match.” And she’s a big fan of using her wine cooler for her beloved peonies (“or hydrangeas, or any favorite posey!”) which she sets out with her new red and white appetizer plates. What to put on them? “A pre-set of your date’s favorite food,” of course.
2. Remember Trips for Inspiration
“I look for inspiration in the favorite pieces I have collected or admired from my travels,” says Marlo. “A beautiful plate from England, a special vase I once found in a market in New Mexico, some Chinese-influenced candlesticks I saw in a window in a little shop.” Maybe it’s as simple as putting some Brillat-Savarin on a round little covered cheese plate to conjure memories of a couple’s trip to Paris. “When you put them all together, you have a beautiful table that’s very personal and interesting.”
3. Mix Vintage With New
Yes, you’ll love her whole new line, but consider mixing in a few vintage pieces too, says Marlo. “I love mixing my very modern things with pieces my mother passed down to me. There is something so special seeing those treasures on my table from my mother and grandmother twinkling back at me.”
4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Forever
When asked what the famous couple’s favorite dessert is, Marlo admits she keeps it simple.. and sultry. “We love dark chocolate everything, especially strawberries dipped in dark chocolate—that’s a very romantic treat—served warm and cozy.” How good would those look on Marlo’s red floral plates? They’d be a dream.