I have a Valentines Day tradition that my mom started when I was a teenager. We had a family dinner, efforts were made to make it fancy like matching Valentine’s Day pajamas that my mom got for the occasion. As years passed we would bring our significant partners to the dinner but it remained a fun and frivolous holiday we celebrated together. We'd make surf and turf every time and I adored our way of celebrating it.

As the years have passed, it has become less of a family holiday but I continue the tradition by having a Valentine's Dinner Party… surf + turf, pajamas, and feminine indulgences. Our friends look forward to it and we avoid the stress and unfulfilled expectations that are often held against this pink and red holiday.

Tradition is such a building block of fond memories so maybe consider what a Valentine’s Day tradition that you’d look forward to looks like.

If you want take inspiration from our tradition, keep reading!

THE DRESS CODE

Pajamas only!

THE MENU

Main:

Filet Mignon (Snake River Farms or Costco)

Baked Lobster or Shrimp Scampi

Sides:

Asparagus

Salad

Twice Baked Potatoes

Dessert + Wine:

Julia Turshen’s Happy Wife, Happy Life Chocolate Cake (but make it gf)

Rose (we love this one!)

And I like to do a fun surprise treat of some kind too… like cheese boards at each seat, matching pajamas, floral garnishes or mini floral arrangements.

SPECIAL TOUCHES

I like to do a fun surprise treat of some kind too… like cheese boards at each seat, matching pajamas, floral garnishes or mini floral arrangements.

Jaimi Brooks is a licensed marriage and family therapist, women's group leader, founder of The Well Lived Woman, and creator of the Values Deck.