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Editor's
note: Do you know someone for whom it is extremely
hard to buy gifts? Do you have a question about gift giving etiquette and
protocol? The Gift Gal can help! Drop her a short note with your
etiquette question or describing your gift giving dilemma. The Gift Gal
will tap into the Gift Suggestion Databank for a solution to your gifting
problem. Send your question to: Giftgal01@aol.com
For more information about the Gift Gal advice service, click here.
Dear
Gift Gal:
Like
most of my friends, I don’t have a “significant other” with whom to
celebrate Valentine’s Day. It’s a rather depressing holiday for us, so I
would like to do something special for them this year.
I’ve thought about sending them a friendship card or a box of candy,
but really want to do something a bit more memorable. Any ideas?
The
Gift Gal responds:
Why
not throw an elegant Valentine’s Day tea party for all your unattached female
friends? Although
this isn’t a tangible present (like a box of candy or a friendship card),
it’s certainly a gift that your friends will remember and cherish for many
years!
Start
with a color scheme that only women could appreciate, like pink and red English
roses, or Victoriana.
Then plan your menu.
Perhaps you could serve traditional foods—like heart-shaped watercress
sandwiches and a light fruit salad. Or maybe you could serve scones
and Devon cream; there's a delectable scone mix available from iGourmet
(Item #701, $19.95). Plan for some decadent desserts, too!
Two of my favorites include Iced Expresso Brownies or Fudge
Truffle Cheesecake. You can find these recipes and hundreds of others on
the Godiva
Chocolate website.) Of course, you will want to include your favorite blend of
tea. I've found some great Oriental blends at iGourmet.
Don’t
forget decor! Borrow
or purchase tablecloths and napkins that match your theme. Consider using tulle
swags around the table for a romantic touch. Treat yourself to a dozen pink
roses to grace the center of your table.
Don’t have fine china or silver serving pieces?
Check with your local equipment rental store; many have these pieces
available for a reasonable rental fee.
You
could also provide each of your guests with a little favor, like candy roses in
chocolate pots (available from Lillian Vernon 
for
$19.98, item
# 009325) or the "You're My Cup of Tea" Dreamsicles
collectible (available from Abbey Press 
for $17.95, item #34946.)
Chances
are, you will have so much fun planning and giving your Valentine’s Day tea
party, you will even feel sad when the day is over!
And who knows, you might start a new holiday tradition!
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