Cue the cupids, harpists and florists — Valentine’s Day is approaching! February 14th is a day to show your loved ones how much you appreciated them all year round. Flowers for your parents, cards for your siblings and a romantic surprise for your sweetheart. Sounds easy enough, right? The best way to prepare for Valentine’s Day is to start early, practice creativity and be thoughtful. However, if you aren’t William Shakespeare with words or Vincent van Gogh with expressions of love, remember these four adjectives: beautiful, rich, dulcet and Paperless.

Valentine's Day Cards with Paperless Post

Beautiful
Valentine’s Day and roses go hand in hand. With over 100 million roses sold around Valentine’s Day each year, the rose has been well established as the day’s chosen flower. Nevertheless, there’s no harm in picking an exciting flower that represents your budding relationship. Purple lilacs are a wonderful rose-alternative flower, symbolizing the first radiance of love. Orchids, another good pick, represent the continuance of a long-standing, established romance. If you are in a long distance relationship or won’t see your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day, try sending a bouquet of forget-me-nots. If you’re feeling creative, give your valentine a potted plant that will grow year-round as a symbol of your love. Of course, the best flowers to give this Valentine’s Day are your sweetheart’s personal favorites.

Rich
Read closely because this next component is a Valentine’s Day deal breaker — and the richer the better. I’m talking about delicious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate! There are several chocolate-routes you can take, including chocolate cakes or pastries, chocolate covered fruits, chocolate fondue or a simple block of chocolate goodness. If you and your sweetheart are strawberry or cherry fans, homemade chocolate covered fruit is an easy and inexpensive option. For a romantic activity, position a platter of  snack foods (i.e. pretzels, marshmallows, fruits, etc.) next to a bowl of warm chocolate for a delicious fondue. Whichever chocolate variation you choose, I encourage you to explore a different chocolate brand, flavor or presentation!

Dulcet
Valentine’s Day and wine are a match made in lover’s land. What type of wine will you pick for Valentine’s Day: red, white or GREEN! Explore local, organically grown wines this Valentine’s Day. Choosing the right wine is a delicate process, but a local vineyard is sure to offer a wine with an interesting story. Check out your local winery and ask the staff for a recommendation or for a sample of a featured wine. Expand your palette and try a new wine that will pair perfectly with the evening’s entree. If wine shops are intimidating or unavailable, Trader Joe’s and other organic grocery stores have wonderful and inexpensive wine selections for you and your valentine.

Send hugs and kisses with this "xoxo" card

Paperless
The cherry on top of a wonderful Valentine’s Day is receiving a romantic card from your sweetheart. Send a Paperless Post card in the morning or afternoon, telling your valentine how much you love and appreciate them. If the Valentine’s Day activities are a surprise, use Paperless Post to send hints about the romance to come. Actually, why limit it to one Paperless Post card? Send one for each of the reasons you adore them! This small act can make a world of difference to that special someone.

Love is perennial: always blooming, always fresh. If you don’t have a valentine this year, send Paperless Post cards to your friends and family! This holiday is about love of all kinds so be generous and tell everyone how special they are. Whether it be beautiful flowers, rich chocolate, dulcet wine or Paperless cards, spend Valentine’s Day showing your loved ones how much they mean to you all year round.

Stay simple, green and Paperless.