Photo: http://www.uniquebridalsupplies.com.au/Table%20Scatters.htm
-Morgan Boyle
Every year around February 14 (especially the day of), greeting card stores are swamped by people searching for the perfect card for that perfect someone. For many younger and newer relationships, that special someone receives a card, some candy, a bouquet of flowers and dinner.
Valentine’s Day traces back to the Christian martyr, Valentine, but the traditional concept of romantic love originated from the Middle Ages when courtly love was prevalent.
Some people woo their significant others with rose petals, some candles and a glass of wine with Barry White playing in the background. However, the most cherished ideas come from the heart. For instance, a girl who loves the outdoors will appreciate a picnic in the park (when snow isn’t coating the ground, that is). However, if pressed for time or creativity isn’t a strong attribute, dinner and a movie will suffice.
A variety of Long Island restaurants have Valentine’s Day specials. Gurney’s Inn in Montauk is holding its 11th Annual Valentine’s Day Renew Your Vows Event, featuring wedding cake and champagne as well as a chance to win a weekend for two at Gurney’s. For non-married significant others, there are restaurants like Bob’s Place Restaurant in Floral Park which offers its Valentine’s Day Romantic Dinner with Valentine’s Cocktails and a free gift for all female customers.
Watching a movie after dinner is simple and romantic, because it brings two people together in an intimate setting. The advent of romantic comedies seemed to replace the genuine romantic dramas that characterize this holiday. Movies with Clark Gable, like “Gone with the Wind” (1939), emphasize the ardent feelings that exemplify what this holiday is. Nevertheless, many movies set the stage for amore, such as:
“Gone with the Wind” (1939) – starring Clark Gable and Viven Leigh
“Casablanca” (1942) – starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman
“Roman Holiday” (1953) – starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn
“Romeo and Juliet” (1968) – starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey
“Love Story” (1970) – starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal
“Say Anything…” (1989) – starring John Cusack and Ione Skye
“City of Angels” (1998) – starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan
“Notting Hill” (1999) – starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts
“A Walk to Remember” (2002) – starring Shane West and Mandy Moore
“Pride and Prejudice” (2005) – starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen
“Atonement” (2007) – starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy
