After Marcia completely kicked her ass with her Halloween decor (as Marcia says: "Halloween is the new Christmas") Jan decided to shock and awe her by coming out strong after Christmas with what she confidently dubbed "Valentine's Transitional."
Why not? The house looks so bare without her Village Collection adorning every flat surface. And it's WAY too early to think about spring/Easter decor.
The problem is that Valentine's decor tends to be really country or really tacky. And if you aren't careful, your house will end up looking like this:
But Jan came up empty scouting her local craft stores. She wants elegant. She wants refined. She's not looking for another dishtowel with an ugly heart on it. And she doesn't want to spend a lot on stuff that will only be up for a month.With laser-like focus, she googled. She googled more. She googled again. And she finally figured it out. The work is done for you. Don't even waste your time looking around yourself. Here are some items to give your home a little winter face lift.
You absolutely need a heart-shaped candy dish. If you ever see one you like GRAB it. Throw in some red candy kisses and you are set to go. Better, yet fill with these sweet little pink, brown, white dragees for $6.95. Or put it on your entry table as a landing spot for keys. We like this affordable white ceramic, heart-shaped ramekin $6.95
Okay, Jan saved the best for last. From www.redenvelope.com These red resin wine stoppers look like hard candy! Use these darling bottle stoppers in your own glass bottles (or check out Crate and Barrel clearance--they have clear bottles starting at $3.95) . $38 for four. Yes--it's a lot, but these are high impact and you will use them year after year. Imagine them on your mantle. So subtle and so elegant. Take a pretty sheet of ecru paper and a fine-point Sharpie and write a love note (or your grocery list) to your husband. Have him do the same. Roll them up with the writing showing on the outside. Tuck in the bottle like a scroll. A "message in a bottle" and a cute new tradition. Break the suckers open in five years. Or throw it at him if he's being a jerk. Whatever.
www.lillianvernon.com has the most Valentine's decor by far. The good, bad, and ugly. Here are a few things worth checking out:
For the true romantic, shabby-chic gal, try the Heart-shaped rose topiary. Comes in pink in red...$19.95. Great on a sofa for entry table. Please don't buy two of these for your mantles. That would look totally weird. 
These are to die for. Blown glass candy heart ornaments. Sentiments say "I'm yours", "Hug Me", "Kiss Me", and "You're Sweet". Throw these in a glass bowl or hang them on an indoor plant or tree. String them across your mantle with a pretty ribbon. Twelve for $9.95. Buy here.
How about this for multi-use? Pancake molds. Six for $9.98. Use the handle as a "prop" and line them up across your mantle. Minimal and cute. For the modern girl, grab your spray paint can and spray them BLACK or GOLD.
Doing your stairway is overkill, but we think the wreath would be pretty hung by a wrought iron wreath hook over your favorite mirror. Made with shiny heart-shaped and round beads. Take the bow off it for a more sophisticated look. $14.98. 
www.crateandbarrel.com never disappoints.
These are to die for. Blown glass candy heart ornaments. Sentiments say "I'm yours", "Hug Me", "Kiss Me", and "You're Sweet". Throw these in a glass bowl or hang them on an indoor plant or tree. String them across your mantle with a pretty ribbon. Twelve for $9.95. Buy here.How about this for multi-use? Pancake molds. Six for $9.98. Use the handle as a "prop" and line them up across your mantle. Minimal and cute. For the modern girl, grab your spray paint can and spray them BLACK or GOLD.Doing your stairway is overkill, but we think the wreath would be pretty hung by a wrought iron wreath hook over your favorite mirror. Made with shiny heart-shaped and round beads. Take the bow off it for a more sophisticated look. $14.98. www.crateandbarrel.com never disappoints.
How precious is this tiny little Heart candle holder for $1.95? Very pretty for your powder room vanity. Buy three of them and put them on a pretty tray on the back of the toilet!
You absolutely need a heart-shaped candy dish. If you ever see one you like GRAB it. Throw in some red candy kisses and you are set to go. Better, yet fill with these sweet little pink, brown, white dragees for $6.95. Or put it on your entry table as a landing spot for keys. We like this affordable white ceramic, heart-shaped ramekin $6.95
Okay, Jan saved the best for last. From www.redenvelope.com These red resin wine stoppers look like hard candy! Use these darling bottle stoppers in your own glass bottles (or check out Crate and Barrel clearance--they have clear bottles starting at $3.95) . $38 for four. Yes--it's a lot, but these are high impact and you will use them year after year. Imagine them on your mantle. So subtle and so elegant. Take a pretty sheet of ecru paper and a fine-point Sharpie and write a love note (or your grocery list) to your husband. Have him do the same. Roll them up with the writing showing on the outside. Tuck in the bottle like a scroll. A "message in a bottle" and a cute new tradition. Break the suckers open in five years. Or throw it at him if he's being a jerk. Whatever.
Of course, Jan knows that she is ahead of the trend on this one. By next year, Target will have aisles and aisles of elegant Valentine's decor. But THIS year is what matters. And THIS year, Marcia is going down like the smug ho she is.
Find something you like? Please tell us.
2 comments:
Have to have the wine stopper and the tea lights from Crate & Barrel. Too cute. I like the ornaments as well.
I just ordered the ornaments. Very cute. I am giving some as a gift as well.
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