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The theme for a nostalgic Valentine's Day, without doubt, is red and white. Go for an all-white abode splashed with touches of rose red to make those colors sizzle. Swath everything in white sheets if you've got 'em or bleached muslin (available for about $.99 a yard at most fabric stores) if you don't. Cover every flat surface at minimum. If you've got a bigger budget, cover all the furniture too.

Move single chairs into a non-party area and close the door -- you can't share the love if you're sitting all by yourself. Then move every bed in the house into the party area and drape them all in white. Buy red pillowcases off the clearance racks or hit the fabric store again for inexpensive red taffeta (a slippery, shiny fabric) to make your own pillowcases. Cover every pillow in the house in red, and scatter them over the beds, the couches, and the floor. Mass seating encourages conversation and a sense of camaraderie among strangers. Being in bed together makes it sexy and fun.

I know you just put all your holiday lights away, but get them back out again and hang them all over your ceiling to create a soft glow (those little white lights are very romantic and make everyone look good). Borrow from friends if you need to, and make sure every inch of the ceiling is covered.

Next, buy a packet of red construction paper and silver gift-wrapping ribbon. Cut out a slew of hearts -- make a lot of them. Next, cut an equal number of silver ribbons, of varying lengths (no longer than 18 inches unless you've got really high ceilings). Using tape, a stapler, or glue, attach one heart to each ribbon so you have a heart dangling from one end of the string. Tape the other end of every ribbon to the ceiling. Now you have a sea of fluttering hearts overhead. The silver ribbons will sparkle when they catch the light from the strands on the ceiling-very romantic! Very junior high gym!

Candles also add a romantic touch, but you need to be safe with real flame and crowds. Put white votives in clear glass votive holders, empty jam jars, whatever you've got that will protect the flame. Line the buffet table and other flat surfaces with the candles and surround each one with a ring of red rose petals. Don't have the budget for roses? Hit your local dollar or craft store and buy a bunch of silk roses. They come apart easily and, in dimmer light, look like the real thing. Scatter rose petals over the seating areas, too. Turn off the rest of the lights.

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Aphrodisiacs, baby -- what else are you going to serve at a Valentine's Day bash? Avoid anything with lots of garlic and onions and stick to more breath-friendly tidbits. Suggestions include warm artichoke dip served with French bread; grapefruit and cherry salad; grilled marinated steak cubes and grape tomatoes on toothpicks; broiled figs with parmesan; huge bowls of red grapes. Or, forget this sensual, sexy food and go for an all-chocolate buffet, guaranteed to bring out the sensualist in every one of your guests. Make a big batch of Kahlúa-spiked chocolate fondue and set it in the middle of a selection of dippers: strawberries, cherries, hunks of angel food cake, bananas, peppermint candies, marshmallows…the possibilities are endless. Add purchased or homemade chocolate truffles, rich, fudgey brownies, and double chocolate cookies, and you'll have your friends licking their fingers and begging for mercy. Whatever you choose, make sure you have to eat it with your hands, lick your fingers when you're done, and want to feed it to a friend.

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