Come sit with me for awhile . . .
and see what I’m bringing to the table ®

Whoa .   .   . people have I got a news flash for you! Valentine’s Day is soooo different in other parts of the world. Patience people, I’m getting there. We, here in the United States really get into Valentine’s Day. It all begins in pre-school with little handmade “I love you” cards to be exchanged with playmates, and parents. From that very first card exchange, we are destined to evolve into the seasoned Valentine’s Day participant. Be it over the top floral arrangements, amazing and outrageously pricey boxes of chocolates, heart shaped cakes, and cupcakes. Or, the tons of lingerie that miraculously floods the market place, baring hearts, and various sayings placed in strategic places .   .   . hmm .   .    . um .   .   . enough said! And yes, even fancy schmancy concoctions of red, pink, and purple colored cocktails! And let’s not forget the long stem roses handed out to all the sweethearts in the various restaurants offering ‘special’ Valentine’s Day menus. Crazy, I know, I know .   .   . shhh .   .   . oh please .   .   . hello .   .   .  don’t shoot the messenger!

Now that I have encapsulated some of our Valentine’s Day traditions celebrated here in the U S, it’s time to share some interesting Valentine’s Day traditions practiced in other parts of the world. In 1936 a Japanese confectioner company named Morozoff Ltd. began a tradition that considered February 14th sweetheart’s day strictly for pampering men .   .   . ah ha .   .   . I kid you not .   .   . !!!  So as the story goes, this confectionery company created this ‘special’ holiday, stating the proper gift of course, was and still is delicious candy. The various types of candy presented depends on the  relationship, including to a male boss. Ladies, ladies, ladies .   .   . do you really think I would belly up to the information bar without good news!!! LOL .   .   . On the other hand, that would be the hand that receives .   .   . yes? Fret no more .   .   . mm hm, I am smiling because, March 14th, is “Answer Love White Day” .   .   . Ah ha!!! That my dearest females is ‘pay back day’ (my choice of words) .   .   . ! This is women’s dividend day in Japan .   .   . yes indeedy .   .   . because, whatever was given to the man on February 14th must be reciprocated with .   .   . steady yourselves, because this is good stuff .   .   . between 2-3 times the value of what was received by the man!!!!! Now I say that’s a wahoo! See all good things do come to she who waits! Do I deliver or what???

South Korea celebrates as Japan does, with one interesting exception .   .   . oh please, I can’t do boring! So here goes .   .   . the single South Koreans who didn’t get any ”I love you” on February 14th or March 14th have a tradition of singles meeting at a restaurant on April 14th for what is known as “White Noodle Day”. I love ingenuity and resilience, don’t all of you? Well anyway, back to noodle day .   .   . it consists of black bean sauce and noodles. Now some South Koreans say it’s consolation day .   .   . but I say it’s a day of endless opportunities!

Before you all get too excited, I wish to clarify my position .   .   . thank you. I am very much in favor of whatever goodies, and or festivities that will make you happy .   .   . really, honest!  My personal Valentine’s Day preference is, and has been home based. Partly because I love to design, and create events that are one-of-a-kind, regardless of size, and the other reason is .   .    . my fireplace, my choice of music, my menu, and as much time between courses as desired !!!

Valentine’s tablescapes are on the menu for next week .   .   . Stay tuned.

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the popular Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and…

© 2014 Sharon Insul / Tableofferings. All rights reserved (Text and Photography)

I WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS and QUESTIONS  .   .   . sharons3@me.com

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