Valentine’s Day and I have never really gotten along. But last year, against my better judgment, I agreed to go on my very first Valentine’s date. In fact, it was the first date I’d ever been on with this guy, which made me even more hesitant. But once we agreed upon the classic dinner-and-a-movie combination, I figured the evening would be hard to mess up. Wrong. The restaurant he chose was lovely, but because of the holiday crowd our reservation was delayed and we realized we would probably miss the movie. He got really hung up on getting his money back for the prepaid movie tickets, so he decided to leave me at the restaurant and drive to the theater for a refund. So I ate alone. For 47 minutes. So he could recoup $25. While I sat there, I daydreamed about how much better a night in with some girlfriends would have been. Had I followed my instincts and done that instead, here’s the sweetly cynical party I would have planned: Champagne cocktails. Because they’re the best way to start a party. This recipe from MidCity Cuisine in Atlanta is a perfectly pink blend of rosé and vodka with a perfect tongue-in-cheek name: Lush. The drink might look sweet, but the added half-shot of Grand Marnier packs a punch. Mini cheesecakes. There are two great things about these treats made from fromage blanc and raspberry jam: they’re handheld, which will free you from a sink full of dirty dishes, and the black chocolate-cookie crust will match the mood of any guests who are currently on Cupid’s bad side. DIY rose facials. Your friends will be delighted when you present them each with one fresh-cut rose. But they’ll be downright ecstatic when they learn they get to pluck off the petals and crush them into a bowl for this skin treatment with yogurt and honey. The facial is great for combating oil and dryness, so it should work for everyone’s skin type. “Tainted Love” manicures. Hearts in a black-and-yellow color scheme are subtly celebratory, though you could easily up the festiveness by recreating the design with red and pink polishes. (Not great at doing your own nails? Share these Oprah-approved manicure tips with your guests.) A book of love notes. Once your nails dry, flip through Other People’s Love Letters, and read aloud from a sometimes humorous, sometimes heart-breaking collection of 150 real-life correspondences that deal with everything from first loves to failed marriages. Party favors. Send your guests home with a personalized token of friendship. These adorable monogram mugs from Anthropologie will ensure your pals think of you every time they drink coffee, or water their Ryan Gosling chia pet.