entertaining in the kitchen – Page 2 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

2019 Home Design Trends We Love For Spring

The spring of 2019 has officially sprung, and most homeowners are going over their home renovation checklist in anticipation of sunnier days ahead. Whether you’re considering a big remodel or just a little sprucing, here are the design trends we love for this splendid season.

Tile Backsplash Accent Walls
While shiplap was all the rage last spring, this year, tile accent walls are popping up in fashion-forward homes. From stunning patterns like floor to ceiling herringbone marble, to quirky and colorful glass subway tile, backsplash tile is an affordable and eye-catching way to bring big style to an otherwise bland wall.

Wood-Look Flooring

Harwood floors are a staple of modern kitchen design. While aesthetically charming and a classic choice, wood flooring is susceptible to dents, scratches, and water damage. Wood-look tile flooring, on the other hand, offers the warmth and beauty of hardwood without the hassle. Durable and impervious to water, it’s the smart and trendy choice for contemporary kitchens and bathrooms this year.

Gray and Cream Cabinets
According to the Houzz Kitchen Report, white is still the top choice for all wood cabinetry. With that said, there are many different shades of white, and this spring, homeowners are opting for softer, creamier hues and gray tones along with bright white in the kitchen. Gray and cream-colored cabinets look lovely when paired with warm wood cabinetry on a kitchen island and natural stone countertops.

Quartzite Countertops
Speaking of natural stone countertops, Quartzite is a unique alternative to ever-popular granite countertops. Featuring a natural variation in color and pattern, this highly durable, natural stone looks like marble but won’t etch like marble. It’s also scratch, heat and stain resistant.

Custom Drawer Inserts

Modern kitchen design is all about form and function. Inside cabinet accessories can help you create a more organized kitchen this spring. This includes a variety of custom drawer inserts, from wood spice trays and trimmable knife blocks, to a wood drawer peg system for instant storage.

All Wood Bath Cabinetry
When in comes to bath vanities, all wood cabinetry is the ultimate choice this spring. From solid maple to birch, warm wood finishes set the tone for an inviting guest bathroom or soothing master bath. Add oil rubbed bronze, shiny chrome, or satin nickel bath hardware to complete the contemporary look.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, TV room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer all wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring is the time for blooming flowers and fresh green grass — but it’s also the season for cleaning. While spring cleaning is a great way to refresh your home after a long winter, planning for a deep clean can be overwhelming. With so much to do, it’s easy to forget exactly what you want to accomplish once you get started. Having a thorough outline of tasks helps to keep you organized and motivated to get the job done.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are often forgotten when performing our everyday tidying up routines. After all, they can be difficult to get to, especially if you have high ceilings. But when we turn on our fans hoping for a refreshing breeze, we are actually exposing ourselves to mini dust particles that can cause allergies and irritation.

Behind Large Appliances

You might wipe down your solid wood cabinetry, countertops, and appliance surfaces daily, but when was the last time you cleaned behind your kitchen oven? Spring cleaning is a great time to move large appliances like your oven and refrigerator. While you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find, there’s a good chance crumbs and other debris have made their way under and behind your large kitchen appliances.

Carpets

Most of us vacuum our carpets on a regular basis, especially if you have dogs and children that like to play outside. But when was the last time you moved your couches and coffee tables while vacuuming? While you’re at it, use the brush attachment to remove dust from blinds and baseboards. You may not notice how dingy these home features become until you see them fresh and clean.

Flooring

Once your carpets and floors are thoroughly vacuumed, it’s time to mop your flooring. Make sure to get in all the corners and crevices. Stray crumbs and dirt piles that may have avoided the broom like to hide in the small spaces of your floors and under solid wood cabinetry.

Windows

Washing windows can become an extremely tedious task, especially if you have high ceilings or an open concept kitchen with lots of large windows. But over time, they become cloudy and streaked. There’s nothing like looking out a pristine, clear window at the outdoors during springtime.

Curtains

Many of us never think too much about washing our curtains, but they get dusty and stuffy like every other fabric in your home. If the care label says it’s okay, throw them in the wash and add some laundry scent booster —when you hang them back up your whole will be filled with the fragrance of sweet lavender fields.

Cabinets

The kitchen can be a hectic place. One minute you’re simmering some broccoli and the next your pasta sauce is bubbling to the floor. it’s easy for food to splash up or get smudged on surfaces while you’re frantically trying to control your cooking. Make sure to give your solid wood cabinetry some TLC and a good wipe down to get rid of any leftover food.

Fridge and Freezer

Is your open concept kitchen scrubbed and wiped from top to bottom but something still feels unfinished? Organizing your refrigerator and freezer is essential to feeling tidy. You’d be surprised how many expired condiments and freezer burned vegetables are hiding in the back. While you’re at it, try to create designated shelves for different food groups, and wipe any spills or crumbs that have accumulated.

Forgotten Areas

Some of the dirtiest spots in your home are actually light switches, doorknobs and remote controls. These things are constantly being touched by everybody and are often overlooked when cleaning. Even if they don’t seem dirty, make sure to disinfect anything that gets touched on a regular basis to avoid spreading any germs.

Bathtub and Shower

Scrubbing the shower and tub is vital to sustaining a tidy and fresh bathroom, but we usually opt for a light wipe down. To get rid of stubborn grime, spray or apply a cleanser that is safe for bathroom surfaces on the bathtub and shower at the beginning of your spring cleaning session. Letting the product soak in while you’re cleaning the rest of your home is a great way to help grime disintegrate and wipe off easier when it’s time to check the bathroom off of your list.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, TV room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer solid wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

How To Transition Your Home From Winter To Spring

Spring is right around the corner, which means the crisp air; blooming flowers, and warm sunshine that we all missed in the winter months are heading our way. Cold weather is perfect for snuggling up by a warm fire under a chunky blanket, but spring means the world is blossoming into a season of colorful renewal. It’s time to replace the cozy, winter decor with vibrant, fresh pieces perfect for the springtime. Here are some tips to help you transition your home from winter to spring.

Incorporate beautiful and bright spring colors.

Winter is great for shades of deep maroon and rich navy, but spring is the time to break out the light, bright hues and bring life back into your home! Playful pastels such as sunny yellow, robin’s egg blue, and crisp white will eliminate some heaviness and create a cheerful, breezy atmosphere. Changing out kitchen towels, dining room table linens, bedroom sheets, and throw pillows every few months is an easy way to incorporate more seasonally appropriate colors into your home.

Say goodbye to clutter.

Nothing is more refreshing than a tidy home. Try packing up the cinnamon scented candles and wool throws left over from winter to make room for some clean, open space. Too many things can be overwhelming and cramp your home, leaving you feeling trapped. An open concept kitchen is a great way to hold onto spring all year long, because this design provides a fresh, uncluttered environment through any season. But if your home is a bit more closed off, simply cutting down on clutter can help to open up your space.

Bring the outdoors in with fresh flowers.

Many people associate sweet-smelling flowers with the first day spring. Flowers are refreshing to the senses and add an essence of delicacy to your home. Flowers are the perfect detail to add a pop of color and liven up any room for spring. It’s as easy as arranging a few freshly cut spring blooms in a glass vase or placing a potted flowering plant by a sunny window.

Refresh your space.

If you’re renovating your home or just looking to spruce up a bit this season, solid wood cabinetry is a great place to start. Your cabinets are one of the first things people notice about your home, therefore, they are one of the most aesthetically important elements. A rustic design including monochromatic solid wood cabinetry is modern, clean, and perfect for springtime. Neutral, consistent colors create a simple yet classic look and flow that is great this time of year—and every season that follows.

Let the sunshine in.

Spring means the days are getting longer and the sun is shining brighter. Welcome that warmth inside by replacing heavy, dark drapery with sheer, airy curtains. This quick swap will illuminate and energize your home instantly, and allows you to enjoy the long, sunny days of spring, even indoors.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, TV room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer solid wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

How Cook Up A Simple St. Patrick’s Day Feast In Your Own Kitchen

You don’t have to have the luck of the Irish or dine at a crowded pub to enjoy a traditional St. Patrick’s Day feast. Corned beef and cabbage is a popular holiday dish to cook and enjoy at home, because it’s simple to make and simply delicious! Here, we’ll teach you the tricks of making a St. Patrick’s Day feast in your very own kitchen. So stock the mini refrigerator in your bar cabinets with cold beer, pull out your slow cooker, and let’s get started!

Brisket and a Pot of Gold

Most local grocery stores sell corned beef brisket ready to prepare, with a seasoning packet that usually contains black peppercorns, salt, cinnamon, whole cloves, allspice berries, nutmeg, ginger, coriander, crushed bay leaves, fennel seeds, dill seeds, and/or yellow mustard seeds. Look for a nice sized cut of meat that weighs between three to four pounds. This will feed a family of six — or four, with leftovers!

You can make your corned beef brisket on the stovetop, but we recommend a six or eight-quart crockpot or slow cooker for easy preparation. Lightly spray your slow cooker with vegetable oil. Add one onion cut into wedges and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Lay your brisket on top of the onions. Sprinkle the contents of the seasoning packet on top of the meat. Cover with water (and an optional beer from the aforementioned bar cabinets) and add the lid to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours.

Halfway through the cooking, add a small bag of baby carrots, 2 stalks of celery cut into thirds, and a pound of baby red or small Yukon Gold potatoes, halved. The last hour or two of cooking, add a large head of green cabbage, quartered. When done, you can shred your brisket in large chunks, or carefully remove and slice to enjoy alongside the veggies!

Irish Soda Bread on the Side

If you’re wondering what to serve with this one-pot meal, the answer to this riddle is simple — Irish Soda Bread. Irish Soda Bread has the dense, cake-y consistency of a large scone cut into a lucky four-leaf clover. We like this version from Simply Recipes because it’s quick and easy to make, and contains basic ingredients already found in your solid wood cabinetry and refrigerator, like flour, baking soda, sugar, raisins (or caraway seeds), eggs, and buttermilk. Click here for the recipe, and have a happy (and delicious) St. Patrick’s Day in the comfort of your own home!

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, TV room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer solid wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

Chic Details For A Contemporary Coastal Interior

Coastal living is all about sun, sand, salt water, and those cool ocean breezes. So why are so many beach houses oh so dated and dreary? Forget that kitschy nautical décor, cliché Navy blue paint, and ominously dark wood paneling, and take a decorating tip from modern Mother Nature. Here, we’ll offer up some inspiration for designing a contemporary coastal interior that’s serene and simply beautiful — just like the sea.

If your home by the ocean isn’t quite in ship shape, now is the time for a stylish update. Get a jump on the summer season with solid wood cabinetry and chic coastal details. If you aren’t sure how to navigate a home remodeling project, contact Willow Lane Cabinetry and take advantage of our free room design service. The rest is smooth sailing!

Here are some charming details to consider for your coastal interior.

Wood-Look Tile

When living by the ocean, you are sure to track saltwater and sandy footprints indoors. That is why it’s wise to stick with water-resistant, easy to clean tile flooring. While hardwood floors are the epitome of coastal chic, they require a lot of care and maintenance. Get the look without the headache by installing wood-look tile in your open concept kitchen and throughout the home. Click here to browse our beautiful selection of wood-look tile and other flooring options from Willow Lane Cabinetry.

White Kitchen Cabinets

When designing the quintessential contemporary beach house interior, white kitchen cabinets are a must. The clean and simple lines of Shaker cabinet doors look stunning in a crisp white finish, with charming touches like glass front doors, a built-in wine rack, and traditional cup pulls. Pair white kitchen cabinets with a kitchen island in a gray or dark finish for added contrast and a trendy two-tone look.

Natural Stone

A contemporary coastal kitchen brings natural elements from the outdoors in. There is no better way to do this than by installing a natural stone backsplash or countertops in your bath or open concept kitchen. Natural materials for countertops include Quartz, Quartzite and Granite. Featuring unique colors and patterns, natural stone is durable, low-maintenance, and uniquely beautiful. Click here to learn more and to compare our countertop materials.

Coastal-Inspired Colors

Contemporary coastal interiors have a light and airy vibe, with serene and vibrant colors taken straight from the sea. Living Coral, Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year, is fresh and lively, and evokes the unique beauty of the ocean. It pairs nicely with other coastal-inspired hues like Sea Glass by Benjamin Moore, Interesting Aqua by Sherwin Williams, Sand Pearl by Behr, Seashell Gray by Valspar, and other beachy shades.

Pair painted walls with a well-placed accent wall made from natural stone tile or wood. Charming coastal options include shiplap, board and batten wainscoting, and bead board. Add the finishing touches with sea grass baskets, natural fiber linens and area rugs, canvas or linen widow treatments, plantation shutters, and tasteful beach house décor.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, TV room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer solid wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

A Brief History Of Subway Tile

You may have noticed that subway tile is becoming more and more prominent these days. From kitchen backsplashes to bathroom floors, this 3-inch by 6-inch rectangle has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Originating in the early 1900s, subway tile was first seen in New York City’s subways. Can you believe it? Subway tile quite literally means subway tile. More than 100 years later and it’s now a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms all over. But where did subway tile come from and how is it used today? Keep reading to learn a little more of the history of subway tile and why it has remained such a force in home design.

Classic Design

When George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge first designed subway tile, we doubt they imagined the longevity of their creation. But because of its rectangular shape, white glossy finish and thin grout lines, subway tile has become a classic choice in the 20th century. Some might even dare to call it America’s favorite tile. Either way, it has certainly become a mainstay and a go-to tile choice in both kitchens and bathrooms alike. And its popularity is still on the rise.

Goes Great With All Types of Cabinets

Subway tile is certainly versatile. Its classic style allows it to gel well with all types of cabinets from traditional to more modern. Subway tile has even evolved to include different colors and materials giving it even more range.

While you’ll still see subway tile in its original form, it’s now also available in a variety of colors, materials and finishes. With all of the options to choose from, homeowners can now have the best of both worlds. Are you dreaming of both a subway tile and natural stone backsplash? No need to pick one. You can now have the classic charm of subway tile and the old school beauty of natural stone in the same backsplash.

Easy To Clean

Because of its sleek surface, subway tile has a reputation for being low maintenance. It’s relatively easy to clean, which is definitely another reason for its popularity in kitchens and bathrooms. Whether used as flooring, countertops, walls or backsplashes, subway tile provides an easy surface to maintain. It was first tested in the New York subways after all. At that time, it was chosen because it was hygienic, stain resistant, and offered a bright white reflection that lightened up the underground station. Although subway tile is often found in many different forms today, the original version still holds true to many of these benefits. White subway tile is also used in small spaces to make them feel larger and more open.

Now that you know a little more about subway tile, are you ready to bring this piece of history into your home? Whether for a shower wall in the master bath or a natural stone backsplash in your kitchen, there are so many ways to incorporate this classic favorite into your room design.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, TV room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer solid wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

5 Reasons Why We Love Gray Kitchen Cabinets

If you have been following design trends, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with the rising popularity of gray kitchen cabinets. You also may be wondering why this cabinet finish has become a favorite of designers and homeowners alike and if you should incorporate this new fashion into your home. The short answer is, yes! Stunning, versatile, and modern — gray kitchen cabinets are here to stay. We’d love to share all of the reasons why we love them, but for now we’ll start with just five.

Gray is the new neutral.

For some time, our idea of a neutral cabinet finish was pretty limited to some variation of white or beige. With the emergence of this new finish also comes a new neutral. Gray provides an interesting alternative to our classic cabinet options. By being both understated and dynamic, we love its neutrality and ability to be bold.

Gray is versatile, complementing a variety of kitchen themes.

You wouldn’t put slick, black cabinets in a traditional kitchen. Many finishes are very specific and usually work well with only certain styles. Gray is one of the exceptions. Whether you have a contemporary or transitional open concept kitchen, or an ultra quaint country theme, gray can gel itself with your unique style and kitchen design.

Take a look at Willow Lane Cabinetry’s Midtown Light Gray Shaker cabinets to see this modern finish shaking up a classic style perfectly.

Gray is great for mixing and matching cabinets.

One trend we love is mixing and matching cabinets. This design works especially well in an open concept kitchen, where you can do your wall cabinets one color and your island another. You can also do one wall of cabinets in a different finish and create an accent wall. Gray allows you to dive into this trend by mixing well with many other finishes.

See how we unexpectedly mixed and matched the Midtown Painted Grey Shaker here.

Gray kitchen cabinets bring out the beauty of stone.

If you love stone countertops like we do, then you will love how gray cabinets provide the perfect complement to their unique beauty. From natural granite to engineered quartz, the splendid shades of gray found in stone countertops is really brought to life beside cabinets with a gray finish.

Find inspiration for your kitchen design with these examples of our Union Gray cabinets with stone countertops.

Gray and stainless steel are the perfect pair.

Whether you dream of a modern design or a kitchen with an industrial feel, stainless steel appliances deliver that sleek look. The shimmer and shine of stainless steel is made only more appealing next to gray cabinets. From lighter shades to deep dark finishes, there are so many possibilities when pairing gray cabinets and stainless steel.

Browse the brilliance of this perfect pair with our Roosevelt Dove Gray cabinets or the Providence Slate Gray cabinets.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, TV room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer solid wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

How To Host A Fabulous Oscars Party At Home

It’s Hollywood’s biggest night — The Academy Awards. And while you may not be able to walk the red carpet in a designer gown or tux and million-dollar bling, you can host a fabulous Oscars Party at home. From adding a little glitz to your TV room, to creating a sensational spread in your open concept kitchen, we’ll show you how!

The Votes Are In

The first step in planning an Oscars party is creating the guest list. Don’t be afraid to invite family and friends from different social groups, be it neighbors, co-workers, or your closest crew. The Oscars is the perfect time to mix and mingle. Once the votes are in, create an Oscars-worthy invitation, either in print or online.

Comedy or Drama

Be sure to specify the attire for your party. While there is nothing wrong with coming as you are, an Oscars party is the perfect excuse to get all gussied up and add a little drama. Or for a bit of humor, ask your guests to dress as their favorite movie character instead.

Best Supporting Bites

The menu for your Oscars party should fit your theme. If your party is casual, include concession stand items like soft pretzels, hot dogs, and nachos. If your party is fancy, opt for fancy finger foods like Slow-Cooker Party Meatballs and Garlicky Shrimp Cocktail (click here for these and 22 more Oscar party recipes). Also include lots of popcorn for guests, and be sure to stock your bar cabinets with champagne and everything you need to make star-studded cocktails.

Make a Grand Entrance

A fabulous Oscars party isn’t complete without rolling out the red carpet. Adding a red carpet to your entryway is a simple yet spectacular way to get the party started, whether you purchase a $10 runner at your local party store, or an authentic red carpet for around $100. For an extra Hollywood touch, ask your guests for their autograph as they arrive.

Nominees For Best Picture

Set up a photo booth in your open concept kitchen for guests to strike a pose. In the living room, have plenty of comfortable seating around the television for optimal viewing. Add some glitz and glamour to your TV room cabinetry with gold streamers, and red, black and gold balloons.

Hooray For Hollywood

Don’t forget the Oscars is an awards show. At the halfway mark, hand out “Best-Dressed” awards, and set up some Hollywood-themed games to keep things fun through all those long and tearful acceptance speeches. Click here for ideas from HGTV, including Oscar Party Bingo and Academy Awards Scorecards.

And the award for “Best Host” goes to…. You!

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, TV room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer solid wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

5 Ways To Turn Your House Into A Home

Whether a house was purchased resale or as new construction, all homeowners have a desire to personalize their living space. You don’t need to be an interior decorator to create comfortable rooms that also showcase your unique style. After all, where you reside is a reflection of you! From custom touches and thoughtful details and décor, we’ll show you how to turn your house into a home.

First Impressions

The exterior of your house doesn’t have to be basic and bland. Put your best foot forward and pump up your curb appeal by adding personalization. Start by painting your front door in a favorite color that compliments your brick or siding. To give a warm welcome, add visual interest with a bench or chair, potted plants and a pretty wreath. If your landscaping is overgrown or underdone, add that to your spring to-do list. Research which trees and shrubs grow well in your zone and select varieties that suit your style. Also, take into consideration the amount of sunlight your yard receives when purchasing plants. If you have a green thumb, liven things up with seasonal flowers for a pop color. Add the finishing touches with mulch or stone, and edging. When in doubt, consult a landscape designer or visit your local nursery for advice.

It’s What’s On the Inside That Counts

If the interior of your new home has great bones but lacks warmth and character, it’s time for a makeover. Start by making a list of the features that made you fall in love with your house, and also the elements that spark more disgust than joy. Do you adore the layout of your open concept kitchen but not the dated cabinets? Browse the inventory at Willow Lane Cabinetry and take advantage of our free room design service, complete with a 3-D rendering that works within your unique budget. Custom details like glass front doors and a built-in wine rack will surely add to the aesthetic of your open concept kitchen. If you happen to love your solid wood cabinetry, add natural stone countertops and a beautiful backsplash from Willow Lane Cabinetry to complete the look.

3 More Ways To Turn Your House Into A Home

In the living room, add warmth with throw pillows, blankets, window treatments, and area rugs. Make it an inviting space to gather by installing TV room cabinetry. Add comfortable furniture that cohesively fits your design style. Avoid matching sets and suites. After all, your home isn’t a furniture showroom. Take time to choose thoughtful pieces that reflect your style and have meaning to you.

Make the kitchen the heart of your home by including plenty of seating around the kitchen table and island, and warm touches like a table runner, fresh flowers, and pottery canisters. Add inside cabinet accessories for organization and to cut down on countertop clutter. Upgrade light fixtures to illuminate your space while adding a decorative touch.

Create a welcoming entryway with a doormat, baskets, and a hall table or bench. In the Bathroom and laundry room, add solid wood cabinetry for warmth and added storage space. Last but not least, craft comfortable bedrooms with cozy bedding, and décor that reflects the personal style of the unique family member each room belongs to.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, TV room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer solid wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

How To Impress Your Sweetheart With A Home Cooked Meal On Valentine’s Day

While eating dinner at a fancy restaurant is nice, anybody can make a reservation. If you truly want to impress your sweetheart, why not make a home cooked meal? Whether you have a small galley or large open concept kitchen, you can show how much you care with a romantic evening at home. Here are a few tips for planning and preparing the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner — made with love.

Tip 1: Search Your Heart

You know your Valentine better than anyone. Before you begin, search your heart to determine what he or she would love. What are her favorite foods? Even if it’s something as simple as burgers, incorporate that into the menu — with a gourmet twist. Does he love spending quality time with you? If so, plan a meal you can cook together. Does she love surprises? Have a romantic dinner for two waiting when she gets home from work.

Tip 2: Set The Mood

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion; so bring a bit of romantic ambiance to your dining room or open concept kitchen. Now is the perfect time to pull out the good China dishes and crystal wine glasses you received as a wedding gift. Show you care by setting the table properly, complete with cloth napkins, tapered candles, and a vase of fresh flowers. For a detailed guide on table setting etiquette from Emily Post, click here.

Tip 3: Plan The Menu

If you cook dinner on a nightly basis, steer clear of the meals in your regular rotation, and whip up something new and exciting for Valentine’s Day. Start with your significant other’s favorite meal, and make it fancy. For example, simple spaghetti and meatballs can become spicy Pappardelle with Bolognese Sauce, while steak can become surf and turf, with filet mignon and broiled lobster tails. Even a traditional cheeseburger can be made special with unique toppings. Swap raw white onions for pickled red onions, iceberg lettuce for arugula, and American cheese for Gouda or Gorgonzola.

Tip 4: Don’t Forget Dessert

A Valentine’s Day dinner isn’t complete without a decadent dessert for two. Don’t cheat by buying a store-bought confection. Baking a homemade sweet for your sweetheart is the icing on the cake — the perfect happy ending to the lovey meal you have prepared. If you’re not a natural baker, keep things simple. Search online for easy and traditional Valentine’s Day dessert recipes, such as Chocolate Mousse or heart shaped Strawberry Shortcake. You may also want to consider stocking your bar cabinets for a special nightcap cocktail.

Planning and preparing a Valentine’s Day dinner is a thoughtful gesture that takes time and effort. When you follow these helpful tips, your Valentine will surely be impressed — and feel loved.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, TV room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer solid wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!