A Very Special Blue Valentine with Tineke Triggs
Author:Lindsey ShookA “Blue Valentine “ doesn’t have to be synonymous with “lonely.” I grew up in a Dutch family where Valentine’s Day was a time to honor friendship and companionship more than anything else. The color blue symbolizes loyalty and trust, and a Blue Valentine-themed gathering is a great excuse to spend quality time with loved ones and celebrate your closest relationships – be it friends, family or significant others, let your love shine through this Valentines Day.
Vintage Aston Martin
I can’t think of a better way to kick off a Blue Valentine’s Day than taking a loved one for a spin in this gorgeous blue Aston Martin. Destination unknown – it’s definitely all about the journey here!
Archery Tacks
These archery tacks are cast representations of arrow tails with a modern twist. Out of the ordinary and adorable. Pin these to any of those Valentines notes worth saving.
Hermes Tableware, Bleu d’Ailleurs
After touring around in the vintage beauty, head home for a special meal and pull out all the stops with this gorgeous Hermes tableware. Its bold colors and exotic patterns are influenced by both European and Asian travels – a subtle way to bring different cultures together through beautiful design.
Ballar Tea Glasses
No need to buy jewlery this Valentine’s when you have these Moroccan tea glasses that are like jewels themselves. Their gold etched details and dazzling colored glass make a beautiful statement for everything from cocktails to candleholders – even a traditional Moroccan mint tea.
Gold Flatware
Good design doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This gold flatware from West Elm is elegant and festive and set a beautiful table.
Custom Tablecloth, Fabric by Guildery
I love this Loom pattern from Guildrey and had it made into a gorgeous tablecloth – perfect for a Blue Valentine’s celebration!
Tom Dixon “Steampunk”Candlestick Holders These brass candlesticks make great conversation pieces with an industrial vibe that still manages to feel delicate. The unusual design and solid material give these “sticks” major staying power.
Cards Against Humanity
Good food, great friends, and a little too much wine…the perfect setting for an after dinner game of Cards Against Humanity. Edgy, outlandish and occasionally absurd – be prepared to laugh!
Blue Graphic Desert Plates, Collector’s Edition These adorable dessert plates are perfect for after dinner treats, and are a welcome reminder of how sweet life is…
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Blueberries
A decadent Valentines treat that’s meant to be shared! Fluffy red velvet topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and just enough blueberries to count as a fruit…right?
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Blueberries
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 1½ cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1(1-oz.) bottle red liquid food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy; Gradually add sugar, beating well; Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended
- Stir in food coloring and vanilla until blended
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa, and salt In a 4-cup bowl, stir together buttermilk, vinegar, and baking soda liquid (mixture will bubble.)
- Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling three-fourths full.
- Bake at 350° for 18 to 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in centers comes out clean. Remove cupcakes from pans to wire racks, and let cool completely (about 45 minutes). Then add the icing.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 pound cream cheese, softened
- 2 sticks butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
- fresh blueberries, for garnish
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. On low speed, add sugar until blended. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.
- Garnish with fresh blueberries
For more ideas from Tineke Triggs, check out these links:
