Are you facing the prospect of Valentine's Day without a special someone in your life to share that intimate dinner for two? Don't despair.
The tradition of Valentine's Day is about expressing love, and that love extends beyond just erotic coupling.
There are many ways to share a celebration with some of those other loved ones in your life.
Give the gift of love to your single friends.
Throw a sexy cocktail party for your single friends.
I was once in a women's group where we were all sitting around griping about the lack of men in our lives.
One of the women said, "you know, one of these days I'm going to throw a party for all my single men and women friends, so they can meet each other.
" Have you been meaning to introduce Jeannie to Al? Do you secretly suspect that Dana and John might hit it off?What a wonderful gift to throw a mixer party for your friends who are looking for love.
Plan a menu with interesting "interactive" foods - like a Bruschetta or mashed potato bar where the guests can mingle as they scoop various toppings onto their Crostini or mix various toppings into the potatoes.
Serve sexy cocktails like cosmopolitans or raspberry Bellinis to accompany.
Enjoy a tea party with your women friends.
There are not many things as romantic as a lovely Victorian tea party.
Break out your best china and silverware.
Assemble some dainty tea sandwiches and canapés.
Invite your girlfriends to dress in their Sunday best, complete with fancy hats to join you for a Valentine's tea.
By the way, those cute little sandwiches and canapés go just as well with champagne as they do with tea.
Pink would be nice.
Throw a cookie baking party for the kids in your life.
Children delight in baking.
They love getting their hands in flour, patting dough and cutting fancy shapes.
And when the baking's done, there's a prize- cookies for them to enjoy and to give as gifts to their friends.
Use some of those heart shaped cutters to cut grilled cheese heart sandwiches for them to enjoy while the cookies are in the oven.
Or give yourself a loving gift.
If you have a very hectic schedule, this is perhaps the best idea of all.
Some very nice champagnes are now available in splits, sized perfectly for one.
Pop open a bottle, take a bubble bath, then fix yourself some luxurious little comfort food treat.
Borrow an idea from the kids and make a grilled cheese sandwich, but with crusty artisanal bread, a great cheese like Fontina and some sautéed shiitake mushrooms.
Eat in bed.
Then watch a favorite rented movie or curl up with a book you've been meaning to read.
Whatever you do, enjoy yourself! Topping Suggestions for Mashed Potato Bar Grated Cheeses Sour Cream Bacon Bits Purchased Pestos Roasted Garlic Sautéed Mushrooms Caramelized Onions Suggested Bruschetta Toppings (many of these items may be purchased from gourmet groceries) Black Olive Tapenade Eggplant Caponata Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Herbed Goat Cheese Spread White Bean Puree with Herbs