With Valentine's Day around the corner, how do you make your dinner table look fancy without breaking the bank?
Bus Stop Mama Emily Blodgett shared her ideas, that all sparked from the special feelings she got as a kid.
"One of my favorite memories is being gathered around the dinner table with my family, talking and laughing for a long time after dinner was done," Emily said. "It's still one of my favorite things to do with my siblings and my family. My mom would do things to make each holiday special but I have 7 siblings (5 of them boys) so we had slightly simpler ways of being fancy. "
She continues, "What I remember most is being involved with the preparation. Whether it was helping decorate, setting the table, or prepping food, I felt important because I was part of the process. My mom also had china for special occasions and I always felt fancier using them!"
Don't go spend a fortune on china, though, when you can get china-like plastic plates that you can layer to look extra fancy!
In addition to the plates, here are some other budget-friendly details that make a Valentine's meal memorable:
Name cards
Cloth napkins
Napkin rings (and kids can make these)
Candles
Garland
Conversation hearts (you can put them into sentences for an extra "awww")
Fancy drinks
A gift
Tea cups
Dress up! (Either fun costume dress ups or fancy clothes like you're painting the town red! Whatever suits your family best.)
Go the extra mile! (You'll be glad you did)
Take pictures! (Not just for social media; take them for your memories. )
For dessert, do an easier version of fondue!
favorite throwback with a favorite treat.
Microwave Nutella in a safe container until warm. Separate into individual cups or a bowl for everyone. (Stick with individual cups if your kids are young!). Pair with fruit, cookies, and whatever else you want to dip, and enjoy!
Find Emily on Instagram and Facebook at Bus Stop Mama
And to find the plates Emily talked about chick here for the white ones ones and click here for the pink ones.
