Behind the Scenes :: 425 Magazine Valentine's Day

I have had this idea to shoot one event three ways - but I never had the exact right location to shoot.  Then I started working with Albert Lee and they had oodles of kitchens to choose from to make each shoot just a little different.

First, Valentine's Day for the family.  This is my favorite.  Spend the day with your loved ones and do something really special.  I did make your own pizza and Banana Split Ice Cream Sandwiches with Shirley Temples.  My son recently discovered Shirley Temples (thanks to his cousins) and adores them.  Because of their great color, they are perfect for Valentine's Day!

Paper on the table lets everyone draw - even for placemats!

I sewed felt hearts and hung them over where we would eat - perfect for a chandelier! 

Make your own pizza dough, or buy some, and top with your favorite toppings.  My son likes pepperoni and black olive - but I like artichoke and sun dried tomatoes :)

Banana Split Ice Cream Sandwiches are easy!  Let ice cream sit for a bit (or use it right when you get back from the grocery store) and mash in ripe bananas.  Sandwich between two of my Coconut Butter Cookies (from the book) and top with whip cream, chocolate sauce and a strawberry!

Wood hearts stamped with white paint - easy and cute.  Learn how here.

Sometimes you just don't have a Valentine.  But girlfriends make great Valentines.  So organize a dinner for your girlfriends - and start it off with dessert and cocktails at home before, then head out somewhere fun and non-romantic for dinner.  For my girlfriends I always end up making WAY more sweets than anyone will eat, but they are so good for breakfast the next day too.

Pink, pink everywhere - so girly and so fun.  Use feather boas on the table and under pedestals full of dessert.  

Lastly, dinner for two.  The classic way to spend Valentine's Day is with your spouse/partner/loved one - and mine is no exception.  Mr. Hedin and I have never really put a special importance on Valentine's Day. We have gone out to nice dinners and been frustrated with the rushed service (more people being seated as soon as we were done) or crowded restaurants (one of our favorites set up the bar for seating - it was odd) or a short menu.  One year we ended up at the local pizza joint and had a great time.  Another year we called our favorite neighborhood joint about an hour before and managed to get in at a reasonable time.  The best nights always are our nights at home.  This is just one more excuse to make something divine and spend a little extra time at the dinner table.

Flourless chocolate torte.  Mr. Hedin is not a "sweets eater" so any extras of this are trouble for me.  

Chicken Pot Pie!!  SO GOOD - so decadent - so no on the menu at most fancy restaurants.  

 :: Resources ::  

Shot at Albert Lee Appliance in Bellevue

Red Dot Plates & Red Dot Glasses :: Rosanna

Red Mini-Le Creuset :: Sur la Table

Clear Pedestals :: Crate and Barrel

Monogrammed Napkins :: Pottery Barn