1970s Retro Valentine's Day Party

I've often heard my siblings reminisce about the year my mother threw a magical Valentine's Day party. She surprised them as they got off the school bus that afternoon in the 70s (long before I arrived on the scene). They had no clue at all of what she had been secretly planning in the days before. She sure had the gift for weaving childhood magic out of the simplest of things.

Back when there was no Pinterest or Googling, she created her own dream parties for the little hearts that meant the most to her. To this day all eight of my siblings remember with great fondness and wonder her after school parties. I have my own wonderful memories with her, but not quite the same as theirs, since there is 12 years difference between myself and the sibling right before me. I kind of grew up an only child, with the benefit of much older siblings - really two different generations.

A Retro Valentine's Day Party

Getting back to them, her and the parties... With eight of them, they were their own bus stop. Ha! They'd all pile into the house, naturally looking for her and calling out her name. Often she was in the laundry room folding that last load of the day of the never ending laundry that comes with a big family, in the kitchen starting supper or in the bedroom dolling up a bit, knowing Dad was on his way home soon. The day of the surprise Valentine's party she called to them from the kitchen, and they all came running.

There she stood in Valentine's colors and touches of lace, a big smile and her arms out to gather them all up at once in an embrace. Streamers and Valentine's hung from the chandelier. The table and hutch were completely decorated with Valentine's sweetness and each child a special spot at the table with a handmade Valentine from her. Plus heart-shaped cookies she'd baked and decorated that day and other treats. Her glass big punch bowl in the middle of the table with a ladle ready to dip out the pink frothy sherbet punch that she adored.

Can you close your eyes and see her? I can, and I wasn't even there.

It was such a hit that she surprised them all again a few weeks later in the same fashion with a St. Patrick's Day party. Totally unexpected once again and just as memorable.

They are all in their 50s and 60s now and those parties still stick with them. A precious simple gift she gave them of her love and undivided attention. Simple mama magic that stays with children long into adulthood. A few even do their own spin on her Valentine's magic with their children.

Most people put away the abundance of Christmas decor in January and bask in a minimalist approach through the winter months. Most of my siblings, as well as myself, adore simple home touches for every holiday, especially Valentine's Day. For us, her essence, her memory, her great love can be found in simple things like that.

So this year on Valentine's Day, why not join me in making those moments just beyond the bus stop magical. Channel yourself a bit of my mama and have a simply Gloria afternoon with a retro Valentine's Day party. Here's five simple affordable tips to weave some mama magic on the 14th. Spreading love shouldn't cost a bundle or stress you out. Keep it simple and full of love.

Simple Valentine's Party Tips:

1. Pink, red and white streamers and MORE streamers. Maybe some balloons. Hello Dollar Tree!
2. Be festive. Wear Valentine's colors. I bet you can find a light up necklace at Dollar Tree too.
3. A DIY Valentine card from you. Go all out, mama - add the paper lace doilies and sparkles.
4. Do a Valentine's craft together. Michael's craft stores have easy kits. You could even make the dreaded slime together, and bring the retro into the now a bit.
5. Have a very special snack ready, sweet or healthy. Think apples with dyed pink cream cheese and sprinkles. Or the very affordable Pillsbury Valentine's Funfetti Cake or Cupcakes. Or Pillsbury Ready to Bake Heart Cookies. The less stress, the better. 

Remember to stash away all the decorations and swag, so next year you're ready to go and don't need to buy much.

In searching for some photos of my mom and her children's parties (which we found none - must have been too busy being in the moment to capture for prosperity), my sister came across this... A D. Morgan card. My mom adored artist D. Morgan. This one is from a signing she went to where the artist personalized by adding her name. Yes, Gloria, thank you for being someone special!

- Jen

Photo Note: The top photo is of my sweet nieces. My oldest sister is the champion of channeling the traditions of my mother and making every holiday special with the simplest touches. #simplyGloria