Every week, I’m going to try to share a story of hospitality, a fun party that I’ve hosted or attended, or just wisdom from other folks about what it means to provide a warm welcome.
This year we’d tried to have a fun winter bonfire out on our farm back in late December, (I was hoping for an Appalachian “Breakin’ up of Christmas” theme, but the weather DID. NOT. COOPERATE.
I mean, who wants to have a bonfire, eat red beans and rice, and make s’mores in rainy 80 degree weather? Not me or anyone I know. But we’d already made all the red beans and rice, and they freeze pretty well, so we just rescheduled for a later date. We chose Valentine’s day since Sundays are GREAT farm party days, and since our place is named Redstone Farm after the Choctaw word for the creek that runs down the middle, we went with a RED theme on Valentine’s Day.
I know… everyone has mixed feelings (or super negative or CRAZY positive feelings) about this greeting card holiday, but who has mixed feelings about hot cocoa, friendship, and the great outdoors? Better not say that you’re that person… fun sponge. 
I know it’s a little out of season, BUT I wanted to share these photos that my wonderful and super talented friends from Studio 5Fifty and Scruggs Photography in Laurel took for me and tell you a little bit about the party. Read on for a menu, some decorating ideas, and a list of things to do, so next winter or valentine’s day, you can be ready for your own easy, fun, bonfire party! Also,I guess if it’s still chilly where you are this would totally work as an early spring-time fete, too. …
