Jes Gordon, the author of Party Like a Rock Star, has put her party-planning skills to work for such clients as Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Nicolas Cage! Now, she is providing inventive yet budget-friendly ideas to make your Valentine's Day stress-free.
Let's face it: Valentine's Day is stressful — for the boyfriend, the girlfriend, the single guy and the single girl. For single ladies, in particular, the day is impossible to avoid. Take a cue from other fabulous solo stars — like Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson — and celebrate in solidarity with an "All the Single Ladies" party!
Pole Party
Kate Hudson — who recently split from Yankees' Alex Rodriguez — is a pole-dancing pro, so why shouldn't you be? Get the girls together and start the night off by channeling your inner Dita Von Teese for a fun, flirty pole-dancing or burlesque class at a local studio. (Many studios now offer special introductory rates for first-time students or discounts to those who read their blog or are on their mailing list.)
Pass on Pri-Fixe
Single and sexy Reese Witherspoon should skip the flashing lights and the jacked up V-Day menu prices at Hollywood's paparazzi-packed restaurants. Plus, no one enjoys the hassle of trying to make a dinner reservation on this night. Instead, stay in and give favorite foods a gourmet upgrade like pre-made pizza dough topped with good quality aged cheese, broccoli rabe or fresh arugula tossed with lemon juice and olive oil. Serve up a cute signature cocktail (or use one of these great Jes Gordon-created recipes!) — way better than any $15 concoction you’ll get at the bar!
Face to Face
Jennifer Aniston would love a private Girls' Night In with BFFs Sheryl Crow and Courteney Cox (assuming the Cougar Town star can tear herself away from David Arquette and Coco) to indulge in luxe facials and beauty treatments. Keep yours budget-friendly by using everyday ingredients found in your kitchen. Work your Google magic to find recipes for hydrating avocado facials, brown sugar scrubs and soothing green tea masks to get your skin red carpet ready.
Singles Sleepover
A flashback to an authentic slumber party would be perfect for Jessica Simpson, who has had her fair share of romance. What’s better than boy talk, chick flicks, makeovers — hair by her bestie, Ken Paves, of course — and snacking on sleepover staples? If you need inspiration, try popcorn (add some spice for a grown-up twist), Rice Krispie treats and ice cream shakes.
Dance Party
Take a cue from Cameron Diaz (flirty boy shorts optional) and have an impromptu dance party! Skip the Barry White — and fight the urge to crank Alanis Morissette or Fiona Apple — and opt for some great pop music. Why not groove to your fellow single ladies, Lady Gaga and Madonna? It's okay to throw in some Beyonce while you're at it.
For more great Valentine's Day tips, Jes will be sharing her trade secrets at her V-Day Twitter Party on Thursday at 8 to 10 p.m. And to snag $1,200 worth of fashion and beauty goodies, enter to win her giveaway!
