Valentine's Day is knocking on the door. Have you already thought about how to surprise your sweetheart? How will you declare your love, what will you give them, and how will you delight them to celebrate Valentine's Day in style?
The lovers' holiday, St. Valentine's Day, is celebrated every year on February 14th in honor of Saint Valentine, a Christian priest who lived in 3rd-century ancient Rome. Despite the ban by Emperor Claudius II, he performed marriages for couples in love. The Emperor was convinced that men made better soldiers when they didn't have a wife waiting at home. Valentine was supportive of lovers, which is why he was executed for his "subversive activities" on February 14th. Before departing this world, he wrote a message to the jailer's daughter, whom he had fallen in love with, which ended with the signature "Your Valentine." This is the origin of the tradition of writing "Valentines," love messages for our beloved. In the Middle Ages, thanks to the tradition of chivalry and troubadours, this custom of writing love notes spread. In the modern era, Valentine's cards began to be mass-sold, and today many consider Valentine's Day a successful commercial holiday. In the USA, total spending related to Valentine's Day ranges from 25.8 to 27.5 billion USD annually (including gifts, dinner, flowers, cards, and more). This makes Valentine's Day one of the biggest shopping holidays of the year, similar to Christmas or Mother's Day. According to surveys, Slovaks spend an average of approximately 54 euros on Valentine's gifts and experiences (flowers, dinner, sweets, perfumes, etc.). Flowers, sweets, and jewelry lead the gift rankings, followed by shared dinners, experiences, or wellness. Gifts such as luxury lingerie or adult toys also bring a spark of passion to a relationship.
Some like to spend Valentine's Day in grand style in the public eye, while others prefer the intimacy of their home. Either way, don't forget to express yourself; the worst thing is to remain silent on this day. Whether you write a classic letter to your love, opt for a lipstick message on the mirror, compose a song, or whisper loving words directly into their ear, the message is clear: I love you. When brainstorming Valentine's gifts, some bet on the classics, while others ride the wave of creativity and come up with original declarations of love. Those more skilled aren't afraid of handmade greetings and gifts, such as jewelry boxes or safes for preserving eternal feelings. Personalized gifts like a photo album or a painted picture also put the giver on the ultimate pedestal of love in the eyes of the recipient. If you want to come up with an original gift for your sweetheart this year besides flowers—something that delights once but can be used any time of year—get inspired by Orava's Valentine's offer.
February 14th is not celebrated the same way everywhere in the world. For example, in Scandinavia, the custom of gifting loved ones has expanded beyond romantic feelings to include other people. In Sweden, this day is dedicated to "All Hearts' Day," where family members and friends also receive gifts. In Finland, it is even "Friend's Day" instead of Valentine's Day. Even here, there are people who give Valentines and gifts not only to their partners but also to children or parents. But let's get back to the lovers...
Perhaps you are among those who usually visit a restaurant with your love on Valentine's Day. However, if you prefer celebrating at home, be inspired by our tips. Prepare your significant other's favorite meal for dinner. Pay attention to the table setting and serving as well. Reach for a red or pink tablecloth; heart-themed napkins are a must, and you can arrange rose petals on the table. Heart-shaped balloons will beautifully complete the atmosphere in the room. Don't forget candles, which provide a sense of intimacy with their dim light during dinner. Place a vase for the Valentine's bouquet in the middle of the table. A delicious meal also deserves sparkling wine or a bottle of good wine, which you can easily open with an electric wine opener. The sweet finale of a Valentine's dinner can be crispy heart-shaped waffles, which you can create with the help of a waffle maker from Orava. As background music for the entire dinner, compile a playlist of romantic love songs that your partner loves to listen to. 
Before you end up in a passionate embrace, you can play a memory game with your love using the magic phrase "Remember how we...?" Or dance in the living room to romantic songs. And how about watching a romantic movie together? Here are the top 20 love films to pleasantly surprise your partner:
Romantic Classics
Modern Romantic Movies
Romantic Comedies
Love with a Powerful Story
Enjoy a beautiful Valentine's evening and may your love bloom every day, not just on Valentine's Day!
Photo: Orava, pexels.com
