VALENTINE'S DAY | Published January 26, 2026
Valentine’s Day may not be a holiday you decorate fully for, but a few thoughtful touches can bring a welcomed bit of cheer to the middle of winter.
A heart-shaped cookie cooling on the counter, a handmade craft tucked onto a shelf, a table set just a little more intentionally than usual. Nothing cutesy or overdone, just small details that feel warm and familiar.
This time of year, I love gathering ideas from creatives who do this beautifully: simple crafts, cozy recipes, and decorations that feel more heartfelt than themed. The inspiration below is a collection of just that: projects and ideas worth lingering over, even if you choose only one.
ROBYN'S FRENCH NEST
Decorating for Valentine's Day isn't all about shades of pink and red. Texture can also create those feelings of warmth and love to celebrate the season. While these neutral fillers were a purchase from Target, they'd be easy to DIY with some sisal from the craft store.
FERN AND LOVE
Soft little hearts are cut from felt and glued together to create a simple yet charming accent for the mantel, in a doorway, or draped along a shelf. It’s the kind of craft that anyone can feel confident creating. Click the image above for the how-to video.
CRAFTBERRY BUSH
A little air dry clay and Rub n Buff are all you need to add a little charm to your table during the month of February, no crafting skills required. Click on the image above for the full instructions.
Another charming banner easily made with felt Xs, Os, and hearts sitched together on the sewing machine.
COTTAGE ON BUNKER HILL
Using air dry clay, a cookie cutter, and a few sprigs of dried flowers you can create the prettiest botanical imprint clay heart ornaments. They could be hung individually or in a bunch. Click the image above for the full tutorial and display instructions.
If you plan on having a fun girls-night-in to celebrate the holiday, this charcuterie board would be festive to serve. Filled with special treats like marshmallows and brownies cut into heart shapes, along with pretzels covered with sprinkles and and macaroons in shades of pink it is a stylish way to enjoy some seasonal sweets.
STUPID SIMPLE RECIPES
These savory heart-shaped scones are a delightful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. With a buttery, flaky texture, they are perfect for serving at parties or enjoying during a cozy brunch. The combination of herbs and cheese makes them a tasty addition to any spread, and their fun shape adds a playful twist. Easy to prepare, these scones come together quickly and can be made in advance. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. Find the recipe by clicking the picture.
OUR COZY LITTLE HOME
The easiest way to add a festive touch to anything you bake for the holiday? Make it in the shape of heart. Prepare any of your favorite cake recipes in this heart shaped bundt pan, add a pretty drizzle on top, and display it on a cake stand surrounded by fresh strawberries.
Royal Icing Valentine's Cookies
HIKING IN BIG SUR
Got a little extra time? Make a batch of royal icing and tint it in shades of red, pink, and white to decorate your heart shaped cookies. This type of icing allows to you make designs and pattern on each cookie so they are truly one-of-a-kind (and almost too pretty to eat.) Click the image above for the recipe.
Raspberry Cream Sandwich Cookies
CURLY GIRL KITCHEN
These Raspberry cream sandwich cookie are like an Oreo's pretty little sister. They are made with buttery, soft-baked sugar cookies flavored with real vanilla bean. Sandwiched between the cookies is fluffy raspberry buttercream, and the sweet frosting pairs perfectly with the vanilla cookies. For an extra fancy flourish, one side is decorated with pink and white sparkling sugar. And the other, a few romantic sentiments stamped to make personalized Valentines conversation cookies. Tap the image above for the delicious recipe.
A Neutral Nod to Valentine's Day
ELEMENTS BY REMEDY
Valentine's Day decorating doesn't have to mean an explosion of pink and red throughout the house. This vintage inspired rose print layered behind a graphic framed "Love You" is a simple display for anyone who wants to acknowledge the season without breaking from their neutral loving style.
FINDING LOVELY
Blush pink roses paired with heart shaped plates leave this tablescape looking stunning and understated. Whether it's for a romantic mean for two and or dinner with the family, a few thoughtful touches is all that is necessary to celebrate the day. For more information about how to recreate this look for your own home, click the image above.
Kristen Sellentin
An unexpected way to acknowledge the season is to display something that you might already have pulled aside in a basket or bin. Setting out a collection of Valentine's Day children's story books on picture ledge shelves is a fun way to let your children decorate for the holiday in their bedrooms. Add a pretty little garland or two for the final perfect touch. (Learn how to make your own easy and inexpensive shelves here).
Christina Bee
There is a lot of talk about coffee and cocoa bars for the winter season, but have you ever considered giving it a little extra love? Mugs with hearts and Valentine sayings, heart shaped spoons, and a few pieces of holiday decor completely change the vibe of this cold weather staple.
I hope these ideas spark something simple and doable for you whether that’s baking one special treat, adding a small handmade detail, or simply appreciating the creativity of others.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be fully decorated in all things red and pink and hearts galore.. Sometimes it’s enough to acknowledge it in ways that blend naturally with the life you’re already living.
If nothing else, let this be a reminder that beauty can be borrowed, adapted, or simply admired and that a little nod to the season is often all that’s needed.
