Transform Your Home into Cupid's Cafe: Delightful Tips for a Charming Valentine's Coffee Shop Experience!

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Creating a romantic atmosphere at home for Valentine's Day can be very exciting and rewarding. One very fun idea I came up with was transforming a space in our house into my very own Cupid's Cafe. This is my take on a cozy, love-themed coffee shop right in your own home. Cupid's Cafe combines the warmth of an at-home setup with the great ambiance and gourmet experiences of a cute little local shop. Whether you're hoping to create a memorable breakfast experience for your spouse, or for friends, or simply want to get into the Valentine's Day spirit, read on for tips and inspiration that will help you set the perfect mood.

The key to creating an at-home coffee shop that's both inviting and realistic lies in the atmosphere you set. Begin by setting up a dedicated coffee station, using a mix of cute and functional items like heart-patterned treats and artisanal coffee beans. Consider a variety of flavored syrups to give your guests options for customizing their beverages, much like a real cafe would offer. You can also design a simple menu featuring all the drinks you'll offer that they can create. You can also label all your pastry themed treats such as heart-shaped pastries, decorative heart cakes or tarts, and chocolate-dipped cake pops to complement your coffee offerings. To fully capture the ambiance, play a festive playlist of romantic songs that enhance the setting and make the experience unforgettable. Each of these elements, when carefully orchestrated, will contribute to a complete and lovely Cupid's Cafe feel.

What are some decoration ideas to transform my home into a cozy Valentine's coffee shop?

Decorating your home to mimic a cozy Valentine's coffee shop isn't as challenging as it may seem. Rearrange your furniture to look like a coffee shop set up with a backbar to make coffee on and a front table with pastries and plates. I did this easily in my dining room and just removed my chairs to give a more open coffee shop feel being we wouldn't be sitting in here anyway. This is more the coffee shop area and guests could obviously head to the living room for a cozier atmosphere once they had their treats and coffee. This invites your guests to unwind and encourages great chats. Another engaging element is setting up a DIY coffee and dessert bar with diverse flavors and toppings, paired with heart-themed treats that keep guests engaged in a fun, creative experience.

Elegant coffee cups, saucers, and a matching teapot can add sophistication to your serving setup, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your Cupid's Cafe. Comfy seating is invaluable, with the addition of comfy cushions or throws to make guests feel at ease and encourage conversations in your transformed space. This combination of decor, comfort, and music effortlessly brings out the cozy charm of the ideal Valentine's coffee shop.

How can I incorporate Valentine's Day themes into my coffee and dessert menu for Cupid's Cafe?

Integrating Valentine's Day themes into your coffee and dessert menu involves embracing love-themed flavors and aesthetics. Chocolate, strawberries, and rose are not only classic, romantic ingredients but serve as perfect infusions for unique lattes and desserts that embody the spirit of the holiday. Design your treats to be visually appealing using heart-shaped pastries, red and pink decorations, and even edible flowers or lavender to capture the romantic atmosphere you’ve created.

Create specialty Valentine's Day coffee drinks, like a "Cupid's Cappuccino" adorned with heart-shaped latte art or a "Love Potion" featuring a hint of cherry or raspberry syrup. Offering a limited-time menu encourages guests to explore new flavors and have experiences unique to your Cupid's Cafe. Finally, accentuate the serving area with festive elements such as pink themed dishware, ensuring every inch of your home cafe fits the vibe of Valentine's Day.

Are there any budget-friendly tips for decorating my home to resemble a charming Valentine's cafe?

Transforming your home into Cupid's Cafe doesn't have to be expensive. Start by repurposing existing items your probably already have like candles, tablecloths, and dishes. Consider DIY decorations like a coffee sign and name tags for each item. I made my tags on Canva and ordered the menu sign on Etsy. Using the coffee beans and your pastries to be the stars of the show and as your main decor is the real way to not overspend for this event.

Coffee Recipes

Valentine's Day provides the perfect opportunity to explore unique, themed coffee recipes that can transform your home into a romantic atmosphere. Experimenting with flavors such as chocolate, lavender, raspberry, and rose adds a festive touch to your offerings, while heart-shaped latte art ensures each cup looks as special as it tastes. Whether it's making a chocolate raspberry mocha or a rose-infused latte, these coffee recipes can embody the spirit of Valentine's Day, taking your celebrations to new heights. Make sure every brewed cup not only satisfies your guests but also celebrates the romantic theme you’ve created throughout your at home coffee shop.

Here are a few coffee recipes to help set your menu:

Irresistibly Delicious Gingerbread Affogato Recipe

Gingerbread Latte Recipe with Splenda

Pastry Recipes

Creating pastries for a Valentine's-themed menu is a great way to bring the romantic spirit of Cupid's Cafe into your home. Explore a variety of recipes that not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also cater to the theme, offering both classic and unique options to charm your guests. Heart-shaped pastries or those with red or pink accents visually enhance the romantic theme, honoring the day’s loving feel. Incorporate flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla to highlight the essence of love, ensuring each bite offers a special touch to your homemade treats. Experiment with a range of textures, from the flaky layers of croissants to the melt-in-your-mouth delicateness of cake, to provide differing taste experiences that everyone will love. Look to your local bakery or ordering from Williams Somona like I did here to help fill your pastry line up and not have you cooking all day and night. Focus on presentation, elegantly arranging your pastries on beautiful platters and colorful plates to elevate their visual appeal.

A few Pastry Recipes You Can Create:

Indulge in This Deliciously Sweet Chocolate Espresso Cream Pie Recipe

Indulge Your Taste Buds with The Ultimate Raspberry Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe

Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Cookies: A Delightful Twist on A Classic Treat

Blackberry Cinnamon Rolls with Mascarpone Frosting

Sweet Perfection: Baking the Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Loaf with Espresso Glaze

Deliciously Sweet: Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Pecan Crumbles

An Irresistible Treat: The Delicious Berry Custard Puff Pastry Tart

Creating your Cupid's Cafe should be a fun and rewarding task, blending culinary creativity with thematic decor to wow your guests and celebrate the day of love. Whether through coffee or pastries, your personalized coffee shop at home can be a testament to Valentine’s charm and your thoughtfulness.

Make Valentine's Day Unforgettable With Creative Ideas for Setting a Delightful Valentine's Table for Your Little Ones!

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Valentine's Day is a perfect opportunity to show some love and appreciation, and not just to your partner or spouse, but also to the little ones in your life. Setting a Valentine's table for your children can turn an ordinary day into something special and memorable. By incorporating fun along with engaging themes and decorations, we can create a lovely atmosphere that excites them for the holiday. Creating the best Valentine's Day table setting for children starts with incorporating bright colors and playful designs. The idea is to capture their attention and spark their imagination. By using themed tableware featuring hearts, cupids, or even favorite characters, you enhance the festive atmosphere and make the meal feel like a special occasion. Personalizing each place setting is another great way to make the children feel cherished. Custom name cards or little Valentine's notes can be nice touches to show they hold a special place in your heart.

Interactive elements are crucial to keep the children engaged during their meal. For instance, heart-shaped crafts or small Valentine's-themed games create a world of excitement along with the delicious treats. Adding sweet surprises, like small gifts integrated into the table decor, can also be fun for the little ones. By choosing the right colors and designs, not only do you provide them visual appeal, but you also make for fond memories that your children will associate with this loving holiday.

Including treats and snacks that tie into Valentine's Day keeps the holiday spirit high. Choose treats like heart-shaped cookies or pink and red candies, organized in a fun way. Encourage the kids to partake in the decoration process, making them feel valued and involved. Creating this shared experience has the added benefit of quality family connections and great play. Blending arts and crafts with a festive meal will make their Valentine’s Day unforgettable, and bring them lots of joy.

Valentines Day Ideas Centered Around the Dinner Table

Valentine's Day can be a wonderful time to bring the family together, and emphasizing a themed dinner helps set the tone for a great day. Create a festive environment with Valentine-themed decorations like heart-shaped plates, red striped tablecloth or napkins, and heart garland or balloons (or both!). This creates a delightful ambiance that appeals to everyone, especially the little ones. Transform your table setting into a fun-filled family activity by engaging the kids in making personalized place cards or paper heart garlands. This not only excites their creativity but also turns the preparation into a shared and joyful experience. Ensure the menu is kid-friendly, incorporating simple dishes like heart-shaped foods. I like to think of things like pancakes, sandwiches, or cookies. These presentations keep the meal exciting and festive. Make the evening even more fun with activities that encourage family togetherness, such as conversation starters or family games. Creating this interactive dinner table not only celebrates Valentine’s Day but reinforces those ever so precious family bonds.

Set the Table with the Kids in Mind

When setting a Valentine’s table for children, it's important to create an inviting atmosphere with colorful tableware and kid-friendly decorations. Begin by gathering heart-shaped balloons, tablecloths, and themed plates to set an engaging atmosphere. The idea is to draw them into the celebration right from their place setting, using fun, themed elements. Consider heart-shaped plates, napkins, and utensils which add charm and cohesion to the themed setting. Also, include personalized touches, like valentines' cards with each child’s name or small heart-themed notes, to make them feel special and personally connected to the festivities. We only have one little one so we even did a customized Valentine's mailbox for him to use this year and years to come. Choose durable and safe materials to ensure peace of mind during the dining experience, allowing you to be worry free and fully focusing on enjoying the celebration. Adding a special surprise or treat at every child's place setting can make the meal more memorable for them. This detail shows love and care, giving the meal an extra touch of affection. Such love and care guarantees a dining experience that is cherished and remembered by your little ones.

One way to tie in food to your table is adding in desserts as your decor. Incorporate a variety of sweet delights like cupcakes, cookies, and candies all styled within the Valentine’s theme. Introducing interactive elements like a DIY dessert station adds another layer of engagement, allowing kids to decorate their own treats for more creativity and fun. Choose desserts that most kids would enjoy, like heart-shaped cookies and mini cupcakes, accompanied by chocolate-covered strawberries, offering a range that caters to different tastes and preferences if you have more than one. This thoughtful dessert table lets children dive into a celebration filled with fun, taste, and love. I used a fun gumball cookie jar that doubled as a table decoration and as Valentine's decor all month long in my kitchen. I also used a white cake stand that I already owned filled with cupcakes for a tasty and easy treat. Buying variety cupcakes from a bakery gives you more time to prep without the baking and also gives a variety of flavors for your little ones and guests to try.

Valentine's Day is synonymous with indulgent sweets, and offering a selection that captures the spirit of the day ensures your little ones will be thrilled. Discovering treats such as heart-shaped candies and brightly colored cookies transforms your table setting into a true place of fun and festivity. By offering a variety of colors and flavors, you can keep the experience both exciting and visually appealing, while caring for each child’s unique preference. Homemade or personalized treats add an extra special touch to the celebration, showing effort made from love. Adding a balance of sugary treats with healthier options lets families enjoy a well-rounded feast, keeping children happy without overwhelming them with sugar. By exploring all of these options, you deliver a meal that is both festive and thoughtfully balanced for Valentine’s Day.

Imagine the excitement and surprise when your children return home in the afternoon from school or wake up to a themed Valentine’s table. My son woke from his nap to this table decorated. Although he is only 6 months old his eyes lit up with happiness at the sight of all the colors and fun balloons. The spoon was the biggest hit of all. You can start with love-themed decorations on the table to surprise them after school, building an inviting scene with festive tablecloths and dishes adorned in hearts, pinks, and reds. This sets a cheerful mood and creates an instant celebration. Add interactive engagements such as puzzles or coloring sheets for entertaining for your little one beyond the meal itself. These little efforts are both fun and help their development, giving a wonderful experience. Consider small gifts or notes of love to cherish the day’s experience as memorable and heartfelt, and to help strengthen the parent-child bond. Setting a Valentines table for your little ones ensures they feel loved, and it creates many wonderful memories.

Involve your children in creating DIY Valentine's crafts, such as personalized placemats and homemade centerpieces, making preparation a fun part of the celebration. Consider activities like a candy guessing game or a love-themed scavenger hunt for engagement around the table. Finishing with classic love stories or Valentine’s-themed books ensures a cozy atmosphere throughout your celebration. Through these activities, children will love their over-the-top Valentine’s experience, and it will help them to remember the spirit of this great day.

Creating a memorable Valentine's Day for your children is a labor of love that combines creativity, care, and planning. By setting a beautifully themed table, incorporating engaging activities, and offering personalized touches, you ensure an unforgettable celebration. Help make Valentine's Day becomes more than just any old holiday and transform it into a magical experience that demonstrates love through effort and thoughtfulness. From colorful tableware to individual treats and fun crafts, the time you take is a testament to how much you love your little ones. It really builds heartwarming memories that will last forever. I hope this gives you inspiration to create a fun table to enjoy with your little ones. Everything I used to create my table is linked below to help you find it easily. Happy Valentines Day!

Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Cookies: A Delightful Twist on A Classic Treat

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Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat. These cookies perfectly blend the sweetness of strawberries with the tangy kick of lemon, offering a flavor combination that is both delicious and refreshing. Their buttery, crumbly texture is a hallmark of traditional shortbread, giving that melt-in-your-mouth experience that few can resist. These cookies are an ideal treat for spring and summer parties, cozy afternoon teas, or as a refreshing snack to brighten any day. Made with simple ingredients and just a few easy steps, these Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Cookies are easy enough for bakers of all levels, from newbies to seasoned pros. Their vibrant appearance and inviting aroma are sure to make them as appealing as they are delicious, adding a splash of color and zest to any dessert spread.

These Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Cookies goodness lies in their distinct flavor combination. Using ripe strawberries' natural sweetness against lemon's zesty tang, these cookies create a balanced taste that hits in all the right ways. With a base made from buttery shortbread, each cookie offers a tender and crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with its vibrant flavors. Fresh lemon zest and tiny bits of dried strawberries enhance the cookies' fresh and delicious taste, making them truly special. One of the best aspects of these cookies is their simplicity, as they require only a few basic ingredients that are often found in the pantry. No matter what time of the year, these cookies are bound to be the highlight of any dessert table or afternoon tea gathering.

By utilizing those fresh ingredients such as ripe strawberries, lemon zest, and high-quality butter, this recipe reveals the simplicity behind mastering these delicious cookies. Follow the easy steps to mix, chill, roll out, and bake, ensuring the best possible texture and taste. As they bake, be prepared for your kitchen will be filled with the best citrus aroma, getting you excited for the delightful treat waiting ahead.

Flavor Profile: Savor the blend of sweet strawberries with zesty lemons, made to offer a refreshing and enjoyable dessert experience. Each bite delivers a vibrant taste, capturing the essence of summer.

Texture: The cookies feature a buttery, crumbly shortbread texture that balances richness with lightness. Each one is a delight as it melts away on your tongue, leaving you craving more.

Visual Appeal: Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Cookies stand out with their colors of charming pink hues and specks of lemon zest. This eye-catching treat is sure to elevate any dessert platter, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Aroma: As they bake, the fragrance of strawberries and lemons will fill your kitchen, making the baking process just as enjoyable as eating them.

Versatility: Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are perfect at tea parties, serve as a sweet snack, or could be gifted as a homemade treat.

What is Shortbread?

Shortbread is a traditional Scottish biscuit known for its rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture. The key to shortbread's great taste and delicate texture lies in its high butter content, which gives its signature melt-in-your-mouth quality. Originally enjoyed during festive occasions, shortbread has become a versatile cookie base suitable for various flavors and creative innovations. Its simplicity makes it the perfect cookie for delightful variations like Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread, where fresh strawberries and zesty lemon add a memorable twist.

Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Dried or Freeze-dried Strawberries in the Recipe?

While fresh strawberries can be used in the recipe, it’s important to consider their high moisture content, which might affect the cookie's texture. To balance this, you can reduce the amount of other liquids included in the recipe. However, freeze-dried or dried strawberries often provide a more concentrated flavor and are preferred for ensuring a consistent texture. If you do choose to use fresh strawberries, chop them as finely as you can and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. Also, be prepared to adjust baking times if necessary to make sure the cookies are fully cooked.

Are There Any Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free Alternatives for Making Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Cookies?

Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Cookies can be baked to fit in dietary restrictions by exploring dairy-free or gluten-free alternatives. For a dairy-free version, coconut oil or vegan butter can substitute traditional butter, maintaining the rich texture. Gluten-free options include almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix. Incorporating plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, or dairy-free yogurt, can help maintain the desired moisture in the cookies. Choose gluten-free confectioners’ sugar to ensure the cookies remain completely gluten-free. Fresh strawberries and lemon juice offer natural flavor enhancements while keeping ingredients free from dairy and gluten.

How Long Do Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Cookies Typically Last When Stored Properly?

Properly stored Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Cookies can last for about one to two weeks, keeping their taste and texture intact. To ensure their freshness, it's recommended to store the cookies in an airtight container, preventing staleness. Keeping the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight helps in maintaining their flavor and texture. For extended storage, freezing the cookies can preserve them for up to three months. It’s always helpful to label the container with the date of storage to keep track of their shelf life. For an additional layer of protection, you can place parchment paper between cookie layers to prevent them from sticking together. When ready to enjoy, allow the cookies to reach room temperature naturally by placing them out of the freezer an hour before serving.

The allure of these Strawberry Lemonade Shortbread Cookies lies in their delightful combination of fresh strawberries, zesty lemon, and buttery shortbread, making them the ultimate summertime treat. Not only are these cookies great tasting, but they also fill the kitchen with the best smells. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies offer a simple yet rewarding baking experience. They provide an opportunity to use familiar loved flavors and enjoy a refreshing twist on traditional shortbread. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy and smiles to those who savor them.

Ingredients:

1 cup salted butter

1 teaspoon lemon extract

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 granulated sugar

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon lemon zest

3 tablespoons dried strawberry pieces

5-6 tablespoon whole milk

melted white chocolate & extra dried strawberry pieces, optional

Ingredients

1. Mix together sugars, flour and sea salt. Add in butter and vanilla and mix with mixer until combined.

2. Dough with be flaky. Add 1 tbsp of milk at a time until dough started to stick together. Usually only need 5 tbsp of milk. Wrap in plastic wrap and put in fridge for 1 hour.

3. Remove from fridge. Flour surface and roll out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut dough with your favorite cookie cutters and bake at 325. Baking for 12-14 min in oven. Remove and place cookies on cookie sheet.

4. Once cookies are cooled you can drizzle with white chocolate and additional strawberry pieces to decorate. Serve and Enjoy!

Other Delicious Cookie Recipes You Will Love:

The Best Monster Cookie Recipe You'll Ever Try!

Deliciously Sweet: Mastering the Perfect Pumpkin Molasses Cookie Recipe for the Autumn Season

Indulge your Sweet Tooth: The Ultimate Guide to Making Brown Butter Maple Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Birthday Cutout Sugar Cookies

Brown Sugar Toffee Cookies

How to Make Delicious Nutter Butter Cookies At Home

Brown Butter Caramel Pretzel Cookies

Decadent Almond Joy Cookies: A Tribute to the Classic Candy Bar

Deliciously Good Brown Butter Pumpkin & Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth: The Ultimate Guide to Making Gingerbread Whoopie Pies at Home

Decadent Brown Butter Shortbread Cookies with a Chocolate 'Wax' Seal – A Vintage Twist on a Classic Treat!

Deliciously Sweet: Mastering the Perfect Pumpkin Molasses Cookie Recipe for the Autumn Season

Fall-Off-The-Bone Feast: Mastering Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs at Home

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Welcome to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth world of slow-cooked indulgence, where the rich flavors and succulent textures of delicious Braised Short Ribs take center stage. Slow cookers, our trusty kitchen allies, unlock the full potential of this hearty cut of beef, allowing it to simmer gently and tear apart to perfection. In this blog post, we're diving into the art of crafting the ultimate Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs—a dish that promises to transform your meal into a celebration of deep, comforting flavors. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a slow cooker novice, you'll discover tips and tricks to making this classic recipe. The low and slow cooking process allows the flavors of the seasonings and broth to fully develop, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.

Slow cooker braised short ribs are an incredibly flavorful and tender dish that can be easily prepared in a slow cooker. The key to making the perfect slow cooker braised short ribs is to brown the ribs before adding them to the slow cooker. This helps to create a flavorful crust on the outside of the ribs and helps to lock in the juices so that the ribs stay perfectly juicy and succulent. The slow cooking process helps to break down the tough fibers of the meat and creates an incredibly tender dish. The slow cooker should be set to low heat and left to cook for several hours until the ribs are tender and falling off the bone. The liquid used for braising should be a combination of beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, and herbs. Once the ribs are cooked, the liquid can be reduced to a thick and flavorful gravy for a delicious, slow-cooked meal.

What goes well with short ribs?

The ribs are typically served over a bed of mashed potatoes, but there are many options for sides that can be served alongside the short ribs for a complete meal. Roasted potatoes, buttered egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted root vegetables, buttery green beans, garlic-parsley roasted carrots, grilled corn on the cob, sautéed kale, creamy polenta, and baked macaroni and cheese all pair wonderfully with slow cooked short ribs. For extra flavor, a sauce can be created with the braising liquid from the short ribs and served over the top. With a variety of side dishes, these short ribs can be served for any occasion. Enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort today and savor the flavors of Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs.

Should you sear short ribs before slow-cooking?

Slow cooking is becoming an increasingly popular cooking method, and one of the most popular dishes to make in a slow cooker is braised short ribs. Short ribs have a lot of flavor and a good amount of fat, and the slow cooking process helps to bring out that flavor even more. But before you can slow cook your short ribs, you need to sear them. Searing your short ribs before slow-cooking them helps to add flavor and color to the dish. The process of searing creates a caramelized, brown crust on the outside of the short ribs, which helps to create a more flavorful end product. The fat from the short ribs is rendered out during the searing process, which can help to create a richer flavor. The browned bits that are left behind during the searing process are packed with flavor and can be deglazed with a bit of liquid to make a flavorful sauce or gravy. Another reason I love the 360 Cookware Slow Cooker is you only have to dirty one pan to sear and slow-cook these short ribs. So, get out your slow cooker and try making some delicious slow-cooker braised short ribs today!

How do you store your leftover short ribs?

Slow cooker braised short ribs are a delicious and easy meal that can be made in advance and enjoyed any day of the week. The slow cooking process tenderizes the ribs, making them juicy and full of flavor. Plus, the leftovers can be stored for later! Refrigerate leftover short ribs in their cooking liquid in an air-tight container for maximum freshness and use within 3 days. If you want to store the short ribs longer, you can freeze them in an air-tight container or freezer bag for up to 3-4 months. To reheat, defrost the short ribs in the refrigerator and heat them in a pot on the stove or in the oven. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth short ribs with some mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons salted butter

3 pounds bone-in short ribs

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper

1 large yellow onion

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped carrots

4 cloves minced garlic

1/4 cup tomato paste

2 cups red wine

3 cups beef broth

2 bay leaves

2 sprigs fresh thyme

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

1. Using your 360 Slow cooker plug the base in and turn to 3 setting. Add the pot to the stovetop on medium-high heat. Let warm and add butter to the pan and let melt.

2. While butter is melting pat dry short ribs and season with salt and pepper. Add to hot pan and sear on all sides for 5 minutes each. Remove from pan when done.

3. Add in garlic and saute until fragrant. Add in onion, celery and carrots. Sautee for 5-6 minutes and pour in wine. Let come to a simmer and continue until the wine reduces in size by half.

4. Once wine is reduced add in beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary and short ribs. Move the pot onto the slow cooker base, cover and cook for 6-8 hours or until meat is falling off the bone.

5. Remove short ribs and strain out vegetables. Return juice to pot and place over the stovetop on medium-high heat again. Let come to a simmer and cook until thickened. Serve short ribs over mashed potatoes and pour juices over top. Enjoy!

Other Delicious Slow Cooker Meals:

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Bar Station

Creating a Magical and Romantic Valentines Table Setting

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February is one of my favorite months of the year! I’m a sucker for all the love in the air! So I had to kick off the month with an adorable table scape that has all the romantic feels! Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to surprise your loved one with a romantic evening filled with love and affection. One of the best ways to do so is to create a beautiful and intimate Valentine’s Day table setting. With the right tableware, décor, and table layout, you can create the perfect romantic setting for a magical night. In this blog post, you will learn how to set the perfect romantic Valentine’s Day table setting that will impress your loved one!

Creating a romantic Valentines table setting is a great way to make your dinner special. Begin by choosing a light and airy color palette such as pale pinks, golds, and whites to create a romantic and whimsical atmosphere. To start, create a romantic setting with candles and cascading florals. Go for an all-pink theme with pink linens, and pink accents for a classic look. Incorporate velvet and gold accents for a romantic textured vibe. To add more beautiful texture to the table, try using floral place settings. Using lots of baby's breath and beautiful pinks of all shades for a cascading floral display make for a one-of-a-kind centerpiece. To finish off the look, set up a fun bar cart with drinks. Decoy wines are a great option to allow guests to pick their favorite. To add a touch of romance, use pastel-colored candles and place them in long stem gold vases. This look is beautiful and sure to set the mood for a romantic dinner. With these ideas, your Valentine's Day table setting is sure to be the most romantic occasion yet!

Last year I did a fun and flirty theme with lots of rosey pink! This year I went more of a mauve pink, with romantic baby's breath everywhere!! The velvet tablecloth gave a lovely soft texture with cascading flowers down the side and candles burning for an even more intimate final touch!

Blossom Lane dishes from Lenox gave yet another delicate touch with the most beautiful white on white floral pattern. These dishes were absolutely perfect for a fancy Valentines dinner but also not too over powering for everyday use as well! I finished the place settings with Tuscany Rosé glasses to enjoy our Decoy Rosé all night long!

I truly hope this helps in your planning for a romantic Valentines tablescape!

I linked everything I used and all the brands who made this gorgeous valentines come to life:

Floral: Emerald Grace

Wine: Decoy by Duckhorn Portfolio

Dinnerware Set & Glasses: Lenox

Linens: La Tavola

Bakeware: 360 Cookware

Dress: Red Dress Boutique

Other beautiful Valentines Tablescapes I have done:

A Rosy Pink Galentines Party

Creating the Perfect Valentines Rosé and Brunch Tablescape

A Rosy Pink Galentines Party

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Are you looking for a unique and fun way to celebrate Valentine's Day this year? How about throwing a Rosey Pink Galentines Party? This fun and festive celebration is perfect for getting together with your closest friends and celebrating love, friendship, and all things pink and rosey! Whether you're hosting a dinner, brunch, or an afternoon tea, a Rosey Pink Galentines Party will bring a bit of cheer and joy to your special day. From decorations to activities, we'll show you how to plan the perfect Rosey Pink Galentines Party. Read on to find out more!

Galentines.. a fun way to celebrate the season of love with your favorite gals. I am always looking for a way to incorporate my very favorite color of pink into any dinner party I throw, and for this time of the year it fit the theme perfectly. Valentines is a month where my favorite color is EVERYWHERE! I turned our dining room into a rosy pink Valentines oasis filled with the most stunning flowers and pink touches everywhere.

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For the balloon wall I found a listing on Etsy that lets you pick whatever letters or numbers you want. I measured the wall to see how many X’s and O’s I could fit onto the wall. The exact ones I got on Etsy are linked -here-! The best part is you can deflate these after you use them and save them to reuse the next time!

For the table setting I used two different sets of glasses to add differing heights and dimensions. One set were crystal wine glasses and the other antique pink glasses that were my grandmothers. To make them even more special I dipped their rims in melted white chocolate and then sprinkles. It adds a cute element and tastes delicious! To layer up the place setting I found the cutest pink heart shaped plates at target for only $3 each! Such a steal and so popular they keep selling out! Just add Target to notify you and they will when they come back in stock, but hurry.. they sell out very fast! Next, I folded and placed cheesecloth napkins (They are the same ones I used on my Thanksgiving table linked -here- for another way to style.) on top of the plate and put my silverware on top then wrapped in a bow. Its super simple but oh so cute! All the layers add such great detail as well!

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Onto the superheroes of any good party.. the Vendors! Luckily for parties we have help and resources and don’t have to hold all the weight of it all. I found the best food and floral vendors to help put this fun party together.

I was so excited to work with Emerald Grace who did all the floral arrangements for the gorgeous table! She is such a doll and did AMAZING work!! I have loved all of her beautiful arrangements she’s done for me in the past but this table really took the cake! She also added a very special unique element that any girls party needs…a bouquet bar! She brought different types of greenery and flowers to put on my bar cart with butcher paper and string. This added a cute focal point and something special for each of the ladies to take home and enjoy the rest of the week! For more of Julie’s work from Emerald Grace head to her website -here-.

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In my opinion party favors are something that every party, big or small, needs. I added an adorable touch next to each place setting with a yummy cookie favor from Just Dough With It! They have a Valentines cookie with The Moira Rose (rose shortbread). They are so delicious and they came individually bagged to perfection! To get cookies for your valentine or for your next event head to their website -here-. On top I placed a valentine card.. because after all it is that time of year. I found the cutest small valentines cards from Minted that went perfectly with everything else!

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Food! It’s probably the most memorable good or bad part of any party. If you leave with a full and happy belly you will never forget it! For this event I started with the most delicious charcuterie board that was perfectly made with heart shaped cheeses and strawberries along with salami folded into the shape of roses. Sandra from Fig and Olive totally created a masterpiece of food. I don’t think I can ever make my own board again haha!! For more info on Fig and Olive and to hire her for your next event or for just a box of yummies on your next date night at home head to her website -here-.

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Dinner was absolute perfection! My friends at Tacos San Marcos made the most delicious spread! They made tacos, Strawberry Limeade, Quesadilla, Quesatacos, rice and beans and delicious churro cheesecake! Each and everything they made was delicious. They even cater so I highly recommend they for your next event! Everything was amazing and they send all the toppings you could possibly want. To see where they will be located this week or to book for your next event head to their website -here-.

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