By Brenda Hyde

-Glue a doily onto a red construction paper heart-fold in half, and create a simple handmade Valentine's Card, invitation or leave unfolded for a decoration.

-Throw a mini tea party for the kids and put one doily on a small plate with a cookie, a chocolate heart and a few whimsical conversation hearts. Serve with regular tea that has an abundance of milk or cream and sugar. Read Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown or Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and have a wonderful time!

-Write a note to each of your family on red or pink paper telling them what you love most about them. Roll it up gently and secure with a tiny piece of tape. OVER this, roll one doily around the note then tie with a thin red ribbon. Present these to your family at dinner on Valentine's Day or at your tea party.

-Roll doilies in cone shapes and secure with glue or tape. Gently stuff a cotton ball into the bottom of the cone to block the end. You can also color the doily beforehand or place a decorative sticker on the edge that you've glued or taped. Place a tiny handful of the small conversation hearts in the cone as a classroom or party favor.

You can adapt these suggestions for wedding showers, birthdays or any holiday by substituting different colors and decorations.

About the author

Brenda Hyde is editor and owner of OldFashionedLiving.com. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, Chuck, and three young children.