February 14th is the perfect time to show love and affection to all the people you care about.
Valentine’s Day does not have to be a strictly couples, romantic flowers and dinner affair. It can also be a day spent with family and friends. We’ve got two suggestions for you to plan with family and friends — a DIY project to do with grandchildren and a casual party idea for the adults in your life.
1. Make a Heart-Shaped Suncatcher with Your Grandkids
Hearts are the symbol of this love-filled holiday. Why not make a heart-shaped suncatcher — or multiple ones — with your grandchildren? Here are simple-to-follow directions from http://makobiscribe.com.
Tissue Paper Heart Suncatcher
Materials You Will Need
Old T-shirt gift box or poster board (red or white)
Clear contact paper (shelf paper)
Leftover tissue paper (pink, white and red)
Gift wrapping ribbon, red
Scissors
Glue
Pen
Instructions
Open the gift box and fold it at the corners and cut out a shape of a heart.
Cut another heart out of the inside of that heart so that there is about a 1-inch border.
Roll out the contact paper and lay the heart on it good side down.
Cut the tissue paper into squares. Let the kids do the cutting — you will get all kinds of fun shapes.
Place the tissue paper on the contact paper so it is touching or slightly overlapping.
Place a second sheet of contact paper over the top of the tissue paper.
Fasten the strings with a dab of glue in the middles and seal the contact paper over it.
Cut around the hearts to trim the extra paper.
Hang in the window for catching the rays of sun!
2. Celebrate with Family and Friends
Your time and presence can add happiness to a day that may otherwise be lonely or cause sadness for someone you care about. Better yet, why not host a Valentine’s Day luncheon? Tell everyone to wear red or pink and make Valentine’s themed finger foods, like heart-shaped tuna sandwiches and cookies. Serve a pink sherbet punch in paper cups festooned with hearts.
Pink Sherbet Punch
Ingredients
1 (1.75QT) carton Raspberry Sherbet
1 (2 liter) bottle Canada Dry Ginger Ale
Optional: 1 cup Frozen Raspberries
Instructions
Scoop raspberry sherbet into a punch bowl, individual cups, or a pitcher.
Pour ginger ale slowly over the sherbet. It will foam up a lot.
Let drink sit for 15 to 20 minutes (less if it’s hot in the room) to let the sherbet melt into the soda a little bit.
Remember: Even the simplest things — sending a card, email or text message; calling; or stopping by to visit — can mean a lot to someone you know who may be struggling with grief, depression or loneliness.