Treat your lady this Valentine's Day with gorgeous flowers, chocolates, or something a little bit different..
Love it or hate it, if you are coupled up, you can’t ignore it. The same bunch of flowers or box of chocolates might bring a smile, but why not be a little more generous this year? Hetty Chidwick helps you sift through the minefield of cheesy presents, with her edit of some little treats for your loved one, just in time for February 14.
Restaurants can be cheesy, and overpriced “Valentine’s Menus’ are inevitably a let down. Instead, why not invite the apple of your eye over and cook for them? Make something simple like steak or fish, so you spend most of your time together (rather than slaving in the kitchen), and for pudding, simply pull out one of these beautiful Valentine’s desserts from Maison Blanc.
The patisserie has invented a whole range of Valentine’s treats, but for after supper we would recommend their magical rose elcairs (below) – so pretty – or their sensational chocolate cheescake. Or if she’s not mad about chocolate or pastry, she won’t be able to resist the raspberry pavlova, which is just as it should be, light and crumbly on the outside, and wickedly gooey in the middle.
Before presents or wining and dining, why not take the apple of your eye on a helicopter tour of London? She can see the capital like she’s never seen it before, as you swoop dramatically from Tower Bridge to Chelsea along the river. 
Different packages are available from The London Helicopter; you can have the whole chopper to yourself if you’re looking for some privacy.
Daylesford’s luxury chocolate selection box comes at a steep £100, but they are handmade in London and it features unique art work by Hugo Guinness, and over 80 chocolates, plenty to share with you 0800 083 1233 www.daylesford.com
For the romantic Valentine, opt for Rococo who have gorgeous heart shaped boxes with chocolates which will definitely melt hers this year, they are top quality and delicious.
Heart box, £18.95 for 9 chocolates 020—8761 8456; www.rococochocolates.com
Flowers are the fail-safe option, but supermarket stems wont cut it. Try Paul Thomas Flowers for some super luxury options from £70, 020–7300 2243 www.paulthomasflowers.co.uk
For classic English bunches which come in gorgeous hatboxes The Real Flower Co has a lovely selection of bouquets. From around £85 http://www.realflowers.co.uk
Flowers and chocolates are all well and good but you may be searching for something with a little more longevity.
Jane Carr have some stunning scarves, this silk Pallenberg Square is lovely and pretty for Valentine’s, £285 www.jane-carr.com
Smythson always make some pretty pieces,which won’t break the bank: a little gesture is a lovely thing, after all. Bee notelets, £26 for box of 10 Panama heart keyring, £55 www.smythson.com
If she’s the type who needs something really spoiling, Mulberry will win over any heart. I speak from experience. This Lily bag is £850, but she will treasure it forever www.mulberry.com.
If you’d like to go down the jewellery route, a single solitaire diamond necklace is a great idea – Heming do classics.
They can also help you with some matching earrings…oh and an engagement ring if you’re feeling really loved up, but that’s another article… www.hemingjewels.com
