“Roses are red, Violets are blue…If you live in London, you have noticed it too…”

Yes, it is that time of the year, where everybody is experiencing the sweeter side of the city! I don’t think I have ever seen so many hearts, red/pink coloured sweets, cards, flowers and gift ideas gathered in one place! The pressure is on! Girls are getting more and more excited – and guys probably just wish they could go for a beer instead (well at least the guys I know!)

Heart-shaped macarons from LaDurée , Burlington Arcade

Choose a box of your own choice …

Frenchie found this for me in Wholefoods! Made me happy for a few pounds!

Being Danish I am not that used to Valentine’s Day. In my country most people think that Valentine’s Day is a commercial trick to sell more flowers and we don’t understand why affection has to be shown for one special day only (where the prices are sky high)! I do see the point! But being a romantic I don’t see the harm of making one day extra special either! Living in a busy world, we tend to forget to “give a little love, have a little hope and make the world a little better“… So why not do it on Valentine’s Day?

 

Panama Heart Keyring from Smythson. (Tip: You can get this beauty personalised! My mother actually gave me one, when I moved to London. I really love it and think about her every time I use my keys! Talk about a key to your heart!)

For those who don’t know it, Valentine’s Day gets its name from a famous saint, but there are several stories of who he was. The popular belief about St Valentine is that he was a priest from Rome in the third century. Emperor Claudius II had banned marriage because he thought married men were bad soldiers. Valentine felt this was unfair, so he broke the rules and arranged marriages in secret.

When Claudius found out, Valentine was thrown in jail and sentenced to death.
There, he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and when he was taken to be killed on 14 February he sent her a love letter signed “from your Valentine”. Gradually, St Valentine’s name started to be used by people to express their feelings to those they loved.

At Fortnum & Mason they’ve got you covered! This is the ultimate store for bying Valentine’s gifts.

Why not buy a lovers diary, where you can write each other sweet messages? (Kind words only! May not be used, when you are upset about dirty dishes! Christian Lacroix, Fortnum & Mason)

If you’re spending Valentine’s Day in London, there are so many things to do! From special events and gift ideas to the most romantic restaurants, you’ll find plenty of things to do for couples. Personally, I don’t think Valentine’s Day has to be all about spending a lot of money! The idea of this post is to inspire you to do that little extra for someone special.

Chocolate truffels in heart-shaped boxes from Fortnum and Mason

Im a huge fan of tea! Say it with a cup of love! 

The perfect mug for the dog-lover! 

… or the cat lover! 

David let me try these yummy chocolate covered strawberries! They were amazing!

Alternatively buy some strawberries and Valhorna chocolate – and make your own chocolate fondu at home! 

The extravaganza idea: A champagne box with chocolates included!

Everything you could possibly ask for in one box or basket – for him and her!

Alternatively: Buy small treats from different stores and make your own basket!

In Fortnum & Mason’s mens department there are plenty of smaller classy gifts to choose from

I particularly fell in love with this wine-lover’s beauty

For evenings at home with candles and a bit of l’amour

OK, so I know I went at bit crazy in Fortnum & Mason, but this really is a perfect place to buy Valentine’s Day gifts!

Another of my favourite stores are to be found in Southbank. 

At The Southbank Centre Shop you can find the coolest gifts ever! 

Frenchie really loved this book about the best pubs in London!

So of course we had to bring it home! (Tip: give it as a present and choose the pubs you want to visit together in 2017!)

This is a pretty cool gift idea for the geek chic! 

Alternative Valentine’s Day card! 

I was completely in love with the Skyline Chess game! It was however a little expensive, but one fine day I will buy it! ( a great idea for spending quality time together – and it looks quite decorative as well!) 

As you might remember, I wrote a post about the Danish restaurant Snaps & Rye the other day. Besides being the perfect place to take your Valentine, they also sell the most amazing things, if you prefer making a cosy dinner at home with candles (and perhaps a few bubbles!)

I am the proud owner of this little “bible” Its only costs 10 pounds and it will guide you all the way, if you want to learn more about the very hyped Danish phenomenon “hygge”

I love my home – and I love making it “hygge-ligt” in my home. It is nice to go out, but sometimes a nice evening at home with candles, romantic music, good conversation and maybe inviting a single friend beats it all!

Wine and cheese  (and inviting a single friend, who hates Valentine’s Day!) That’s the loving spirit!

The coffee table books on my bar-trolley are from Taschen! There are many to choose from – and they only cost around 10 pounds each

Going out? I suggest you go all in on red! Red is the colour of love (and girls always wear black, so why not try something else) Givenchy from Harvey Nichols. The price is a blow-out, but one can always dream… or find an alternative!

Another dreamy dress from Harvey Nichols. This is Alaïa!

I love the shoes from Charlotte Olympia! They are both sexy and cute at the same time! (again Harvey Nichols)

Purrrrfection!

More shoes… I just can’t get enough! 

To die for Classic Monogram Saint Laurent Tassel Satchel in lipstick red leather

The chosen items are obviously a bit pricey, but again – this is just a style-guide! (And there is nothing wrong with being inspired, is there?) There is still a sale going on and if you are lucky, you might just get a good deal! (Psst…I found some beautiful DVF dresses 60% off at Matchesfashion.com)

Amazing products from Kevin Aucoin! 

Another tip: If you want to feel like the Queen of the night, there is one guy, who knows the trick. Go to Space NK at Knightsbridge and ask for Geraldo. He knows exactly, what you need (and what you DON’T need) I was placed in a chair and he refused to let me go until he had given me the total makeover! (This was my first time there, so I don’t know him in person!) Don’t feel under pressure to buy anything! This is just a friendly service they provide!

So that’s it for me this time! I hope I have inspired you guys to get your groove on for Valentine’s Day! Again… it doesn’t have to be a big deal! I think Frenchie and I will go out, have a nice dinner and enjoy each others company in a quiet little place.

My favourite romantic restaurants:

Romantic afternoon Tea with a view: Ting at the Shard! Read about it here

Romantic fancy dinner: Bob Bob Richard! Read about it here

Romantic cosy dinner: Opera Tavern! Read about it here

Romantic dinner (and spotting celebrities): The Ivy! Read about it here

Romantic decorative dinner: Dalloway Terrace! Read about it here

Romantic dinner and a movie: Electric Cinema! Read about it here

Happy Valentine’s Day!

X Louise