Let's face it: having a day to celebrate love is pretty fun. It may be cheesy and over-commercialized, but I won't deny that I enjoy it. I like sending valentines to my friends, writing a sappy card to my husband, decorating our house with flowers and paper ephemera, and making heart shaped cookies. Oh! And since I like Valentine's Day so much, I made this pretty bouquet just for you. While I was taking a picture of it, I found this gorgeous pink bougainvillea blooming in the alley behind my house. That just seemed too serendipitous. Whether you are single or attached, think about the people in your life whom you love, and take some time today to check in with them and remind them how much they mean to you. You can even send them these pictures, if you want! Virtual Valentine's greetings to all!

Image | Styling | Floral Design by Lauryl Lane.

Every year when Valentine's Day rolls around, I try to come up with something new for my annual "Love Day Dinner at Home" with my husband. The frou-frou decor that gets passed around the internet really isn't my thing. I'm not a fan of pink, and my husband isn't a fan of "girly," so I try to avoid the cliches like red and pink color schemes or bouquets of roses, and instead imagine a darker, more mature, sexier version of Valentine's Day. This year, I decided to use modern graphic prints in the linens and china to set off my romantic, textural florals. I used tons of greenery, some ranunculus and anemones in a deep burgundy, green cymbidium orchids with burgundy throats, and gold-painted succulents and lotus pods for an extra pop of va-va-voom. Additional gold accents in the china, crystal, flatwear and candles added a bit of drama, and the gold chain on the napkin treatments added a subtle "masculine" element. This tablescape was 100% husband approved and appreciated. What do you think? Would you ever dare to go non-traditional for the holiday celebrating love???

Images | Styling | Floral Design by Lauryl Lane.