Valentine’s Day Party for Singles in 3 Hours

Valentine’s Day: just the thought of it can drive even the sanest of single gals (and more than a few men) a little bit crazy. While flying solo has its benefits – you don’t have to share precious closet space or host the in-laws at the holidays, for example – it can also be a bit of a downer come February 14th. After all, who wants to sit amidst a restaurant full of canoodling couples or stare at the roses dotting every desk in the office – save one – when there’s no canoodling or roses happening at home?

But being single on or around Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a drag. In fact, it’s a great excuse to throw a mid-winter party and enliven the often dull time between New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day. Here’s our guide to throwing a quick and easy Valentine’s Day party for your awesome single friends in under three hours. 

The Game Plan

• Since you’re probably bucking tradition, think big and bold. Choose a date where you can really party and invite an eclectic group of friends who will embrace the spirit of the night. 
• Stock the bar. No candlelight and slowly-drunk bottles of wine here. Have fun and create sassy cocktails that friends can mix for each other and for you. 
• Turn up the tunes. No dark corners to slink off to or slow music to sway to allowed. It’s time to dance. 

Next, getting ready for the party…

Before the Party

Choose the Date Wisely

This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday. However, in most cases – 5 out of 7; you do the math – it will take place during the week. Forego the formality of celebrating on the actual day and schedule your party for a weekend night. It will bump up your attendance rate and insure your guests arrive ready to party.

Invite the Right People

No Debbie Downer’s here. You want guests who view their singledom as an opportunity – a chance to meet new people and be independent – versus a disease. Invite friends who will make your party feel like a party and not a lonely hearts club. 

7:00 PM: The Party Begins!

Start your party with a bang, what do you need?

A Stocked Bar

There’s nothing fun, single people crave more on Valentine’s Day than cocktails. Cocktails begin the evening on a light note and make guests feel welcome. They also relax guests and create an enjoyable atmosphere wherein no one is thinking about the packed restaurants, overpriced flowers and cheesy greeting cards they’re missing out on.

Tip: Create a signature cocktail that celebrates being single and sassy. Go with something red such as Ingrid Hoffman’s Red Sombrero Cocktail with tequila (which screams “fun party!”) and pomegranate juice (seductive) or the Hanky Panky Cocktail for those who really love being single. And who can blame them?

Next, playing DJ…

8:00 PM: Serve Some Nosh

The tendency for people to over-indulge tonight is high, but it doesn’t have to be. The trick is serving rich (think salty, fatty), bite-sized canapés that absorb all the “Hanky Panky” cocktails. Select snacks that are small enough to satisfy but big enough to provide fuel for mingling.

Start with Jamon Serrano Honey Wraps, which are elegant and easy to prepare. Since it’s winter, consider swapping out pears with dried dates or fresh figs. Or try Bacon Wrapped Fennel with Agave Glaze. This easy appetizer requires just two ingredients, bacon and jarred artichokes, and is perfect for those who love a salty-sweet combination.

And it wouldn’t be a party without a dip. Since people will be getting a little nutty tonight, opt for Blue Cheese Guacamole with almonds. Serve with red beet chips for a festive spin.

9:00 PM: Create a Dance Party

Following cocktails and light snacks, it’s time to dance. Take this opportunity to have fun, get silly with your friends, and enjoy the night. Create a playlist that combines sassy single favorites from the past and modern girl power mixes. Need some inspiration? Here are our top picks: 

1.     Respect, Aretha Franklin

2.     Blurred Lines, Robin Thicke

3.     Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), Beyonce

4.     Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You), Kelly Clarkson

5.     (This Is) A Song For The Lonely, Cher

There’s no end-time to this party. Close up shop at your will, or better yet, move the party to a new bar, restaurant, or club in your neighborhood to continue the celebration of singledom!