10 Tips and Ideas for an Inclusive Valentine's Day Party Everyone Will Love | Renovated (2024)

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Not everyone has the same feelings about Valentine’s Day. Some adore it and share it with their partner(s), while others feel a sense of dread or loneliness. However, this shouldn’t stop anyone from celebrating with a Valentine’s Day party. There are many ways to make it inclusive for everyone, regardless of lifestyle or relationship status. The shindig can consist of more activities that focus on all types of love.

1. Activity — Romance Book Club

Pick your poison — you have contemporary romance, urban fantasy or nostalgic faves like “Twilight.” The books could focus on platonic love or relationships from backgrounds different from yours. You can read something more conventional or see what appeals to the party’s attendees. Perhaps it’s time to expand your tastes with new perspectives to ensure everyone feels loved and included.

2. Decor — Rainbow Flowers

There are gorgeous flowers outside of white, pink and red roses. You can create a romantic and joyous atmosphere with bouquets out of any flowers without making them so overtly associated with Valentine’s Day. Some people don’t even like the smell of roses. Additionally, friends hosting friends in the LGBTQIA+ community will appreciate flowers dressed in pride colors for the day of love. Not only is it inclusive, but it is bright and euphoric for any occasion.

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3. Food and Drink — In-Season Fruit Drinks

An inclusive Valentine’s Day party involves more than being considerate of others — hosts should also consider loving the planet while they’re at it. Parties often generate a lot of food and drink waste, and many pink and red drinks associated with festive love are out of season.

It’s essential to consider the planet’s health when drafting the food and drink menu, so try and construct alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with in-season produce, such as:

  • Pomegranates
  • Blood oranges
  • Passion fruit
  • Kiwi
  • Grapefruit
  • Apples

These choices put less strain on the food industry and transportation by shipping fruit worldwide.

4. Activity — Friendship Gift Exchange

If everyone at the party knows each other — even if some are romantically involved — do a gift exchange where everyone gets something else. You can set up something like a Secret Santa so people without partners can feel appreciated by loved ones, too.

It’s important to make everyone feel welcome and cared for so guests do not worry about why nobody is interacting with them on the outskirts of the room. Setting up a group gift exchange spreads love no matter what.

5. Decor — Favorite Things

Heart banners, streamers and pink glitter feel festive, but what do people love more? Their favorite things. If you have a group of movie buffs, do a cinema-themed Valentine’s Day party with buckets of popcorn and movie tickets as invites. If they are hockey fans, design the place to look icy with paraphernalia to match. Being surrounded by the group’s collective interest(s) is a powerful way to start conversations.

Plus, people feel a sense of comfort and belonging when they notice familiar and positive-associating hobbies and interests. Hopefully, this will combat any feelings of loneliness from some of your friends.

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6. Food and Drink — Charcuterie Reimagined

Did someone say vegan and vegetarian options? Do some of your loved ones have dietary restrictions based on their religion? Also, does anyone have allergies or health conditions the host needs to be aware of? Most parties include the classic charcuterie board, but this may not be an option all guests could enjoy based on the above — and more — reasons.

Talk to everyone attending the party to see if there are food and drink concerns and craft a charcuterie board accordingly. Include plant-based alternatives or separating the meat and dairy. If someone is lactose-intolerant, get milk and cheese options that allow them to enjoy the flavor without the side effects. When you take this time to talk to guests, everyone will be content with a full belly.

7. Activity — Appreciative Valentine’s Day Cards

Have everyone bring Valentine’s Day cards to share with guests. They don’t have to include lovey-dovey professions of romantic grandeur but encourage people to express one item of gratitude they feel for others. Alternatively, you can do a surprise box where people put in valentines anonymously at the door and read them out later in the party to celebrate everyone’s care for one another.

8. Decor — DIY

The atmosphere feels far more customized and artistic when you spend time crafting individual decorative pieces. You could even go a step further by asking guests to prepare one piece to bring with them — BYOD, or bring your own decor, if you will.

Once displayed, it gives people a chance to respect the detail everyone put into their contribution. Imagine all of the compliments and smiles that will get passed around. If you don’t have artistic friends, you can tell them to contribute to the decor in other ways, such as renting color-changing lights or helping set up before the party begins. There are options so everyone feels like a part of the magic.

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9. Food and Drink — Chocolate Bar

Hot chocolate, Hershey kisses, chocolate wine, chocolate chip cookies — you name it. Chocolate is synonymous with Valentine’s Day parties but is also a crowd favorite outside of the holiday. To make sure every item is inclusive, make sure there are options for all diets. Additionally, you’ll want to verify all chocolate is certified fair trade — to be inclusive of the workforce behind these tasty snacks.

10. Activity — Open Mic

Do your friends have delightfully lovely poetry? Can some play instruments and serenade the group and their partner(s) with feel-good vibes? You may have a stand-up comic for a friend. Even people who don’t have partners can participate in these fun activities, and everyone can revel in everyone’s creativity and talents. What’s not to love?

Valentine’s Day Party for All

Everyone should be able to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a festive attitude. It’s time to eliminate the toxic adage of “Singles Awareness Day” and transform the holiday and its parties into something that celebrates all kinds of love — romantic, familial, platonic and more. By choosing intentional decor, food and drink, and activities for guests, people will start to feel the warm and fuzzies people should associate with February 14th.

10 Tips and Ideas for an Inclusive Valentine's Day Party Everyone Will Love | Renovated (2024)

FAQs

How can I make Valentine's Day more inclusive? ›

Seven Ways to have a Happy and Inclusive Valentine's Day
  1. Focus on friendship. ...
  2. Have a love-themed story-time. ...
  3. Adapt holiday crafts projects. ...
  4. It's not a popularity contest. ...
  5. Teach social skills. ...
  6. Serve something for everyone. ...
  7. Plan a dance for teens with special needs.
Feb 13, 2017

How to celebrate Valentine's Day ideas? ›

Valentine's Day 2024: Unique date ideas to celebrate the day of love and build intimate memories with your partner
  1. Recreate your first date with your partner and relive some fond memories. ( Pexels)
  2. Go on a romantic bike ride with them. ( Pexels)
  3. Enjoy a spa day with your partner at home. ( Pexels)
Feb 14, 2024

What do you serve at a Valentine's Day party? ›

Party food for Valentine's Day
  • Valentine's Day Snack. ...
  • Macaroni Kid Roseville, Rocklin & Lincoln. ...
  • Valentine's Day Oreo Pops. ...
  • Valentines Day Cookies - Blush & Pine. ...
  • Valentine's Day Marshmallow Pops Recipe. ...
  • Creative Valentine Sugar Cookies - OMG Lifestyle Blog. ...
  • White Chocolate Pretzel Puppies with Printable Valentine's Day Tag.

What are different traditions for Valentine's Day? ›

7 Unique Valentine's Day Traditions
  • Packing Meaning Into Different Flowers. ...
  • Gifting a Puzzle Purse. ...
  • Celebrating Black Love Day on February 13. ...
  • Pigs and Gingerbread. ...
  • Celebrating Friendship Instead. ...
  • Mass Marriages in the Philippines. ...
  • 7. Japanese Men Receive Valentine's Chocolate. ...
  • Naming a Roach After Your Ex.
Feb 8, 2023

How do you celebrate Valentine's Day in a godly way? ›

4 Ways to Honor God On Valentine's Day
  1. Make a list of the ways He has shown His love for you. The book An “I Love You” Prayer is a perfect starter for this activity, whether you do it by yourself or with your kids. ...
  2. Do good in the world. ...
  3. Read God's Love for You Storybook together. ...
  4. Love each other.

What is the best plan for Valentine's Day? ›

Plan a special outing.

Go see a movie, watch or play a sport, see a concert or play, or another activity your date would enjoy. Try for an activity that you don't get to do together often, or that your date has been wanting to do for awhile.

How do you host a Valentine's dinner? ›

How to Host a Valentine's Day Dinner
  1. Avoid abandoning your valentine too long between courses by choosing dishes you feel confident about. ...
  2. Set the scene for romance. ...
  3. Keep portions small and enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace to avoid feeling overstuffed on rich foods.

How can I make Valentine's day meaningful? ›

5 meaningful ways to celebrate Valentine's Day
  1. Start the day with an old-fashioned love letter. ...
  2. Switch your morning roles around. ...
  3. Meet your partner after work for a stroll or bike ride home. ...
  4. Cook a meal together or take advantage of a meal deal. ...
  5. Plan a surprise outing.

What is the most popular Valentine's day activities? ›

35 Best Things to Do on Valentine's Day for Everyone
  • Go to a Bookstore. ...
  • Put Together a Bouquet of Flowers. ...
  • Go to a Drive-in Movie Theater. ...
  • Paint Some Pottery Together. ...
  • Get Crafty. ...
  • Go on a Day Trip. ...
  • Buy Tickets to a Show. ...
  • Have a Movie Marathon.
Jan 31, 2024

What are the most popular finger foods for parties? ›

Easy Finger Food Recipes to Make Ahead
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. ...
  • Slow-Cooker Jelly Meatballs. ...
  • Loaded Cheese Ball Bites. ...
  • Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. Treat your guests to a sweet and savory appetizer with bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
Jan 10, 2024

How can I make Valentine's Day better? ›

Reminisce with your loved one

You might listen (or sing along) to a piece of music associated with a particular memory. Researchers have found that mutual reminiscence – sharing memories with other people – is accompanied by abundant positive emotions, such as joy, accomplishment, amusement, contentment and pride.

How can I make Valentines Day special without gifts? ›

How to Celebrate Valentine's Day Without Buying Gifts
  1. Make a Meal. One of my favorite things to do is have friends over to my house for a meal. ...
  2. Bake Cookies. I don't know about you, but I love getting containers filled with tasty treats around the holidays. ...
  3. Write a Card. ...
  4. Frame a Photo. ...
  5. Have a Movie Night.

What are some ways to celebrate Valentine's Day without spending money? ›

Free or Cheap Valentine's Day Ideas
  • Make them a hearty, yummy breakfast.
  • Finish their laundry the morning of V-Day.
  • Leave a note in their coat pocket so they'll find it randomly.
  • Surprise them with morning sex.
  • Bake their favorite dessert.
Feb 9, 2024

How to celebrate Valentine's Day without gifts? ›

Plan some quality time with your loved one—cook their favorite meal, watch their favorite movie with them, take a class together (i.e., cooking, photography), set aside time to paint or follow a Bob Ross tutorial together.

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