How to Celebrate Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day Like a Local Pro

Every February, Erin Schoneman, owner/designer of Sage Green Events in Keego Harbor, creates a new look for Valentine's Day with fresh flowers and other lovely details.

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and friendship. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two, a Galentine’s party with your girlfriends, or a fun-filled day decorating cupcakes with your kids, there are plenty of ways to make this holiday special. Here are some tips from local pros for a celebration to remember.

Erin Schoneman, owner/designer of Sage Green Events in Keego Harbor, creates a new look for Valentine’s Day every February with fresh flowers and other lovely details. Her last Valentine’s Day display featured heart balloons in the front window and string lights arranged to look like curtains.

“They were a little cute and cheeky,” she says.

Lip-shaped vases were perfect for a Galentine’s Day party where cosmetic company Cosmakery did “lipovers” to help guests select the right shade.

“It had a whole kissy theme,” says Schoneman.

Her event space features a DIY bouquet bar.

“We encourage people to come with their friends for champagne and mocktails in the Green Room on Valentine’s Day,” she says about the ticketed event where guests can build their own bouquet.

The last Galentine’s Day celebration featured little welcome gifts like heart-shaped sunglasses. Skewers with strawberries topped heart-shaped champagne flutes, while rings with purple and red hearts that Schoneman calls “a last-minute low-budget dollar store find” helped to identify drinks.

Modern celebrations often include photo ops with items like the flowers, balloons and disco ball that made a statement last year.

“If you are planning a Valentine’s or Galentine’s party, you can have a welcome champagne toast and décor that includes a backdrop to take selfies,” says Schonefeld who cut colored tissue paper to look like fringe for the backdrop.

“Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day is the best reason to do anything girlie and really celebrate the holiday for what it is about and just embrace it,” she adds. “Have fun with pretty flowers. Get the pinks and purples and reds and make gifts like mini bouquets with a simple rose wrapped in tulle with a bow that looks like a little rose ballerina. It can be a little token and you can keep it low budget. Hit up your dollar spots. It’s about keeping it fun with your girlfriends. It’s just a fun day that looks rich.”

Thyme & Honey creates charcuterie boards and other selections they deliver across Metro Detroit and does catering for special occasions throughout the state.

“We really lean into Valentine’s Day. It’s kitschy and fun,” says Cat Shapiro-Warneck, chef and owner.

This year they have a limited-edition heart-shaped Mon Cherie box filled with cheese and crackers, charcuterie, fruits, chocolates, and honey from Bees in the D. The company also partnered with Sage Green Events for the option to add a beautiful floral arrangement.

Their charcuterie boards are like edible art.

“There is no right or wrong when you are doing this for fun. Pick a cheese you love, one that is new to you and a fan favorite. That way you have a really good array to choose from,” Shapiro-Warneck says. “It’s all about communal eating with grazing tables and strolling and trying something new. You can have a Manchego, an aged cheddar and brie.”

Break your selections down into smaller bites and think about color, as well as texture with crackers and breads.

“People eat with their eyes first,” she says.

For charcuterie boards, Shapiro-Warneck recommends wood or stone. When serving two to four people, a good size would be around 8 by 12 inches; for more than 10 people, 16 by 20 inches. “Lean into the fun festivities for Valentine’s Day and create a board with disco balls or red and pink heart-shaped platters from stores like Target and Hobby Lobby. You can also do individual boards with two variations. Add fresh floral and greenery for another layer of color with edible flowers or eucalyptus to liven them up.”

A fondue party fits the occasion.

“You can have savory and sweet and you can use premade or make your own creamy cheese and chocolate with berries and breads,” says Shapiro-Warneck, who also mentions a wintery theme like a ski lodge with soft pretzels and roasted potatoes that go well with fondues. “Going out to dinner is fun, but you can make some really special memories at home and you can even do fondue for two.”

As for decor, Shapiro-Warneck suggests a bow theme with red or pink ribbon tied around champagne flutes along with candlesticks that feature