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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and this is one of those days that people love or hate, probably. Whatever your relationship status may be, many still celebrate this day. See for yourself. Try going to restaurants and malls on the 14th of February and see how jam-packed they are. Of course, the pandemic may restrict some of the movements, thus preventing the formation of crowded areas. However, Valentine’s Day is still worth celebrating, whatever the situation is. Here are some of the reasons that you might find interesting and informative. 

A brief history of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in both Christian and Roman traditions. We heard about St. Valentine’s story of spreading caring and care to others. It was said that Valentine performed forbidden marriages for young couples in Rome. Eventually, he was executed because of his practice.  

It was also believed that Valentine’s Day is the Christian counterpart of the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. This festival is dedicated to the fertility of Roman women and crops, along with a matchmaking event. 

There’s always a reason to celebrate

It’s not always that Valentine’s Day is for romantic couples only. Ask around, and you will learn that there are many instances when people go out with their friends. Dressing up, eating sumptuous meals, drinking delicious wine, and having amusing conversations can always be done with your buddies. 

Staying at home chillin’

It’s not always conclusive that you have to go out and spend lots of money on restaurants, hotels, and others. You can also celebrate Valentine’s Day at home. Order from your favorite restaurant and bring out the wine. Turn on your television for some romantic movie. If your friends can’t make it because of their scheduled dates, then there’s no shame in celebrating Valentine’s Day alone. Indulge yourself in your favorite food and drink, as this may be the only day you can open that bottle of wine.

Treat yourself to something special

Valentine’s Day is a perfect excuse to treat yourself. Whether you are thinking of buying yourself a designer bag or a day in the spa, the day will be the right day to spend a little for yourself. 

A date with your loved one

If you have a great partner, show how you appreciate them. Having fun and a healthy relationship is excellent. Valentine’s Day is the right day to reciprocate them. Treat your partner by buying a gift that you will love. You may also go to your favorite restaurant for dinner. 

Go out and take a break

Ask your partner to spend the day with you for a romantic getaway. If you are single, round up your friends and go for a well-deserved break on the beach or in a hotel. 

You may have read about a charcuterie board or have seen them on menus. Have you tried them? Charcuterie is a fancy word used to refer to cured meat. The word is of French origin and can be traced back to the 15th century. It was during these times that the people consumed every last bit of a meal and left nothing to waste. 

This is served as an appetizer and served on a wooden board or a slab of stone. On the board is a selection of preserved foods, particularly cured meats or pates. The board also includes cheeses, crackers, or bread. 

A brief history in Europe

As mentioned above, charcuterie is cured meat and is derived from two French words: chair, which means flesh, and cuit, cooked and was used during 15th century France. Shop owners who specialize in charcuterie became popular as they have shown the detailed preparation of meats. The arrangement of the boards has made charcuterie boards part of the French culinary culture.

Studies on European history also have revealed that the charcuterie board also has roots in the simple meals that were eaten by the people of the working class around Europe during the medieval times. The board is usually composed of meats, cheeses, bread, local produce, wine, or beer. The meal eventually evolved and found its way to the higher classes of society along with the cheese course meal. These are commonly seen in formal dinners during the 18th and 19th centuries in France, Great Britain, and colonial America. The cheeses were then replaced by desserts in the 19th century. 

The development in the United States

During the 19th and 20th centuries in the United States, hosting informal dinners are greatly increasing. Formal dinners were replaced by cocktail parties and finger foods were served and more preferred over the course meals. During World War II, American soldiers were introduced to various charcuteries and cheeses in France, Italy, Germany, and Greece. This exposure to European dishes was brought home to the U.S. and charcuterie boards became popular in the 90s and have been sold in American grocery stores. The dish also became popular in specialty food stores with diversified contents. 

Charcuterie boards are usually served as appetizers in many restaurants. They still are served in private gatherings and dinner parties since they are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by many. 

What’s on the board

The boards used are usually made of wood or stone to keep the food cool. Diners will also see other equipment such as cheese knives, spoons, and ramekins. 

In addition to meats, cheeses, and bread, the board also includes flavors and textures that would complement the main components. Examples are fruits, olives, olive oil, nuts, vinegar, pickled or fresh vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, mustards, and honey. In many instances, charcuterie boards are served with wines of any variety. 

Pizza, Pasta, Tiramisu. These are just some of the Italian food that many of us love. If you are looking for an authentic Italian restaurant, then move around the Metro and you will surely find one that you will love. It is easy to spot one. In addition to the name of the restaurant and the menu they serve, it is also common to see checkered table cloth, grapevine images, and statues. If you are planning to start an Italian restaurant business, then decorating it would help boost your business. Here are some ideas that may help you.

Furniture pieces that will add style

Though there are different types of Italian restaurants, they have many similarities when it comes to their design. In most Italian restaurants, you will see button-tufted restaurant booths, restaurant wood chairs, and wooden tables that are adorned in white linen cloths with fancy china and glassware. Fine-dining Italian restaurants have cushion upholstered lounge chairs and sofas for a more comfortable dining experience. 

Wall art and other decorations

Designing an Italian restaurant can be challenging yet fun. Soon as you have accomplished the task, you will immediately be transported to Italy with the aroma of fresh herbs and spices. The wall can be transformed with the display of framed restaurant menu, or you may opt to display a poster advertising Italian food and drink, such as wine, bread, and olive oil. 

You can likewise add framed photos of famous Italian personalities and handwritten words like “dining” and “ristorante”. This can be done with the use of stencils or by projecting the word on the wall using a projector and tracing it with a brush and paint. 

Other items that can be displayed are Italian kitchen tools on the wall like paddles, cutting boards, and dough rollers. Before displaying these items, you can paint the walls with the colors yellow and orange.

Lighting the restaurant

Lighting is another crucial part of decorating an Italian restaurant. The use of ceiling lights is common along with captivating pendant lighting hanging over the tables. These types of lights add a statement and visual interest to the overall ambiance of the interior. 

Tables and seating arrangements

Plank wood tables are common in Italian restaurants. Upholstered vintage-styled chairs and cushioned playing-back restaurant booths are used to give the restaurant interior an artistic look with a touch of elegance and luxurious appeal. 

Food and service to complete the Italian dining experience

Make sure that the kitchen staff is well-trained in preparing Italian cuisine with efficiency and confidence. Good customer service is always expected from all the staff members. When it comes to food preparations, you may try using organic and locally sourced ingredients with vegan options for vegetarians. Never hesitate to use high-quality ingredients that adhere to tradition so that your customers will have loyalty to your brand. 

Final thoughts

Restaurants become great with the details that you add. The ambiance is as important as the food that you prepare and serve. As such, not only that the customers will enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, but they will likewise indulge themselves in the Italian ambiance that many people have adored over the years. May the restaurant interior be traditional or contemporary Italian, the most important thing is that the customers keep coming back to enjoy the dining experience.

Mother’s Day is a holiday that honors motherhood and is observed around the globe in different ways. In the United States, the embodiment of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became a national holiday of the country in 1914. Eventually, the holiday became commercialized, and later on, denounced by Jarvis. 

History of Mother’s Day

Surprisingly, celebrations of Mother’s Day can be traced back to the ancient Romans and Greeks. Both held festivals in honor of the goddesses Rhea and Cybele. Christians also had their own celebration called, “Mothering Sunday”. 

Mothering Sunday was once a major tradition in many parts of Europe and the United Kingdom. It is usually celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent and was seen as a period when the faithful would go back to their “mother church” for special service. 

As years pass by, the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted to become more secular rather than religious. Children give their mothers flowers and other gifts. However, this practice slowly faded, especially when it merged with American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s. 

Anna Reeves Jarvis and Julia Ward Howe

In the United States, the celebration of Mother’s Day can be traced back to the 19th century. Before the Civil War, Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia was a key personality in initiating the Mother’s Day Work Clubs. The goal was to teach local women how to take care of their kids. 

The clubs, later on, became a unifying force in a region of the country that is still divided by the Civil War. In 1868, Ann Jarvis started the “Mothers’ Friendship Day”. They gathered mothers from the former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation. 

Julia Ward Howe was another key personality in initiating Mother’s Day. In 1870 she wrote the Mother’s Day Proclamation, which was a call for mothers to unite and promote world peace. In 1873, Howe campaigned that the “Mother’s Peace Day” be celebrated every 2nd of June. 

Mother’s Day these days

A modern Mother’s Day celebration includes flowers, chocolates, treating her to a nice dinner, or a bottle of her favorite wine. In addition to these, Mother’s Day card is popular and one of the hottest items. It was also observed that the British send more cards per person than any other country.  

People also love giving and sending flowers to their mothers. Statistics have shown that two bouquets will be delivered every second across the United Kingdom. Pink flowers are the favorite, but vibrant colors are becoming more popular. Among the favorite flowers are carnations, roses, sunflowers, gerberas, and tulips. 

Valentine’s Day is one of the most awaited days by almost all individuals. This is celebrated in the name of Saint Valentine, the mysterious saint who is known to have defied the Roman emperor in service of the people. Saint Valentine performed secret marriages for young lovers. It was the belief of emperor Claudius II that single men made better soldiers than those who are already married. As such, Saint Valentine performed the sacrament of matrimony for young soldiers. Over the years, with his story and along with other tales, couples across the world started celebrating Valentine’s Day as the day of love. Read on to know more about how different countries celebrate the special day.

A week-long celebration in Argentina

Valentine’s Day in the country is not celebrated in February but in July. They call it, “the week of sweetness”. This is the time when lovers exchange kisses and receive sweet treats. It used to be a commercial activity, but later on, became a tradition. 

Romantic getaway in France

Did you know that the first-ever Valentine’s Day card originated in France? This was when Charles, the Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife from the prison in 1415. There is also a French village called, Valentine, which is known to be the center of romance on the 12th and 14th of February. Homes are decorated with love cards, roses, and proposals for marriage flakes. 

A gala event in the Philippines

Valentine’s Day in the Philippines is a perfect day for young couples to get married in a mass wedding ceremony that is sponsored by the government. This is done as a form of public service. The day is considered to be special by many young couples. 

National chocolate day in Ghana

February 14 in Ghana is known as the “National Chocolate Day”. Ghana is known to be one of the largest cocoa-producing countries in the world. This is celebrated to increase tourism in the country. As such, couples or even those without dates on the said day can attend various events like performances, music events, and restaurants. 

The day of winemakers in Bulgaria

On February 14, the country celebrates the San Trifon Zartan or the “day of winemakers”. Couples celebrate their love with a glass of local wine. 

Wales – the day of the San Dwynwen

In Wales, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on January 25. This is called the “day of the San Dwynwen”. Lovers exchange gifts in the form of handcrafted wooden spoons. Interestingly, this has been the practice since the 16th century.

Feast of Saint Dionysius in Spain

In Valencia, Spain, the day of love is celebrated on October 9. This is known as the feast of Saint Dionysius. Macadora or marzipan figurines are made by men as a gift to their female partners. Parades are also done as part of the celebration. 

A celebration of love in Denmark

In Denmark, the 14th of February is celebrated by giving chocolates and roses. In addition to these, they also give handmade cards with pressed white flowers, called snowdrops. 

Exchange of unusual gifts in Japan

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 and women buy gifts for their male partners. Men can’t return gifts until the 14th of March and this is called the “white day”.

Lovers Day in Brazil

Lovers day or Dia dos Namorados in Brazil is celebrated by exchanging chocolates, cards, and by watching music festivals, and dance performances. Family dinners are also common on that day.