Host a Valentine's Day Card-Making Party

February 14 is as much about handmade valentine cards as it is a celebration of love. This year, invite a group of close friends over for an afternoon of delectable treats and creative crafting.

There's no question that Valentine's Day is all about sweets. Guests will love the chance to indulge in a stunning display of desserts; when displayed down the middle of the table, they double as a striking centerpiece. French macarons, chocolate fudge cakes and rosemary panna cotta are all fittingly indulgent, while a delicious cheese plate adds a savory touch to the menu.

Nothing gets creative juices flowing quite like a little festive bubbly. Kick off the evening in celebratory style by offering pink cans of champagne. Festive and delicious, they're the perfect complement to a sweet dessert spread and fit seamlessly with the party's decor.

When else can you get away with setting an entirely pink table? Punch up the color with horizontal runners, bright glasses and vases wrapped in crepe paper. When placed on top of butcher paper, the table can easily be cleared after dessert, revealing a perfect workspace for crafting.

Doilies not only make perfect supplies for crafting, they also make eye-catching place cards. Simply write the name of each guest onto a circular doily, seal it with a kiss and place beneath a clear glass plate. The result is a girly and unique place setting that can be repeated time and time again.

Set up a well-stocked craft display with enough supplies to go around. Be sure to include crafting staples such as glitter, watercolors and assorted paper, while also incorporating unique options like Scrabble tiles and pipe cleaners. Don't forget to supply enough scissors and small glue bottles for each guest to have her own.

Once all sugar cravings have been satisfied, clear the table and let the real fun begin. Print out various templates and stencils for guests to use, and provide examples of completed cards for inspiration. Everyone will be amazed at how quickly the time flies when they lose themselves in creating little loving works of art.

Transform a blank wall into a drying rack with red and white kitchen twine, origami hearts and clothespins. Write the name of each guest onto heart-shaped pieces of card stock, and hang on the line to identify everyone's work. Completed valentine cards display beautifully and create a playful backdrop as they dry.