This post may include affiliate links in which we earn a commission, as we are supported by our users. All opinions expressed are always our own and any commissions earned are of no cost to you.

While so much of our commercial society has changed the way that we view and celebrate love on Valentine’s Day, it is a day, and time of year, in which we should celebrate those most dear to us within our lives. It seems that children are often the best at celebrating those they love on Valentine’s Day, as they long to give each one of their friends and family members a Valentine’s treat of sorts. Candy hearts, teddy bears, chocolates, roses… it seems there are a plethora of ways to celebrate. However, for adults, much of the commercial holiday seems to be locked around romantic comedies or dinner reservations. But this Valentine’s, I wanted to celebrate not only my husband, Charlie, but also those whose love has inspired me and been passed down for generations. In this same mission, I hope to give you 3 tips for how to create a Valentine’s Day luncheon to celebrate your family and friends that you love dearly while creating a festive and beautiful atmosphere to celebrate within.

1 Peter 4:8-10 says “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

While you may not feel equipped with many gifts when it comes to hosting a Valentine’s Day luncheon, even the thought and act of opening your home will be an act of service, exemplifying God’s grace to us and your love for others. While it can be a simple or elaborate affair, here are 3 ways that can hopefully help provide sweet intention and joy to your Valentine’s Day luncheon.

1. Use Your Wedding Gifts – Or Those Passed On To You – In Your Decor

When setting the stage for your luncheon, why not use the gifts you were given to celebrate your love when you were first married?! Whether it be a salad bowl, set of China, silver flatware or serving dish, bring out the pieces that you were so excited to register for and put them to use to celebrate love once again! In this luncheon, I used several pieces that we received as gifts for our wedding, including this Oliva & Oliver China set and glasses from the Hearth & Hand collection from Target.

Valentine’s Day Luncheon: How To Celebrate Those You Love

Another way you can continue the theme of using items given in love is by incorporating pieces that perhaps your mom, mother-in-law or grandmother might have used or been given for their weddings. For this occasion, I used an antique Army Navy tablecloth that was given to my nana to use at her wedding by my great grandmother, crystal candlesticks that my mom was given for a wedding present and a monogrammed pitcher that was given my mother-in-law as a gift at her wedding. If your family members have not given these items to you, ask if you might be able to borrow them and then they will have a happy surprise waiting for them at the luncheon. Not only will they love seeing these pieces used in your life, but it also will bring back a flood of memories and stories that will enliven your lunch conversation.

This is a great way to mix the old with the new, to use items that you typically keep stored away and to celebrate the lives and loves of those around your table.

2. Prepare A Simple Menu Ahead Of Time

Similarly, another great way to celebrate those you love intentionally is to prepare a simple but thoughtful menu ahead of your lunch. By mentally (or physically) preparing what you will serve, it allows you think through any special dietary needs of your guests and loved ones. Are they gluten free or lactose intolerant? Do they have a special circumstance that makes their palate more limited? If so, or even if not, preparing a menu ahead of time for what you will serve will allow your lunch to go much more smoothly and be less stressful when creating the meal.

Likewise, if having people over and cooking seems too daunting, order in! Whether you are making your meal from scratch or ordering in, preparing your menu can help to ease your mind and provide thoughtful intention for your guests.

Our Valentine’s Day Luncheon Menu

For our Valentine’s Day luncheon, I served a salad with a homemade pear vinaigrette (recipe courtesy of Magnolia Table’s Layered Arugula Salad) and optional toppings of raspberries, pomegranates, walnuts, goat cheese and pears, in addition to a savory frittata and this holiday Trifle to top off for dessert. All these items could be made ahead of time, so preparation once my family had arrived was minimal. As my grandfather had recently been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, I carefully processed through which items contained sugars and carbs to prevent large spikes in his blood sugar. While he couldn’t eat the trifle just yet, this savory frittata recipe was a huge hit and certainly would be a wonderful lunch staple for any crowd, but especially a crowd that is gluten free, lactose intolerant or might have a different dietary need.

Savory Frittata

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings 8

Ingredients

1 head of broccoli
1.5 lbs ground sausage mild or hot
1 red bell pepper
1 sweet onion
8 to 12 large eggs
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

In a medium to large skillet, cook the ground sausage until fully cooked over medium high heat. Transfer to paper towel lined plate and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 375°.
While the sausage is cooking, chop the broccoli florets off of the whole head. Likewise, chop the red pepper and slice the onion into thin pieces.
In the same skillet that you cooked the ground sausage, add the broccoli florets, chopped red pepper and sliced onion. Cook until the broccoli and red pepper are fork tender.
Once the vegetables are sauteed, crack 8 eggs into large glass bowl. Beat with a fork until thoroughly mixed.
Add sausage and vegetable mixture to the eggs before adding the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
Depending on how eggy you want your frittata to be, add in the remaining 4 eggs to the mixture one at a time, or until you reach your desired ratio. Make sure that there is enough egg mixture to thoroughly coat all of your vegetables and sausage.
Pour into a greased deep pie pan. If you do not have a pie pan deep enough, you can also use a cast iron skillet.
Cook for 40 to 50 minutes or until the entire frittata is well set.
Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Serve plain or with salsa / tomato chutney over top. Enjoy!

Notes

Store frittata in the fridge for up to 4 days.

3. Establish A Relaxing, Yet Festive, Atmosphere

Relaxing

Lastly, when hosting your Valentine’s Day luncheon, try to establish a relaxing and festive atmosphere. Turning on background music can help to put your guests more at ease or fill in any uncomfortable silences that might sneak in, especially if you are having company from a variety of circles.

Festivity

Likewise, adding red taper candles, a fun tassel banner, felt hearts and a centerpiece on the table helps to create a festive atmosphere for a minimal cost and preparation. From anywhere between $15 and $45, you can add some serious festivity to your home that can last you through both this Valentine’s season and those in the future (except for maybe your floral arrangements).

Similarly, for a tip on your floral arrangement, by setting a block of soaked floral foam (Oasis) on a platter and then arranging it as normal, you can eliminate the need for a vase and make your arrangement short enough for people to see over throughout the meal. You can hide the platter or plastic plate by adding greenery at the bottom, so not only will no one know what you are using, but it will allow for easy conversation throughout your table.

Final Thoughts

A Valentine’s Day luncheon does not have to be reserved for what you would imagine in the movies. Invite your friends, family and loved ones to celebrate the love you have for them and that they have for one another. By using pieces that have celebrated another’s love, preparing a thoughtful menu and establishing a festive but relaxed atmosphere, you can be sure to have an occasion to reminisce upon for years to come.

Happy celebrating!