Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network • Feb. 6, 2021

Strategically placed between Christmas and Easter, I like to think of February as love month with Valentine’s Day right in the middle. It gives us that little bit of hope as we recover from what I call the “holiday slump” until we can make it until spring. It’s a time to show some love to your home, others and yourself.

Love your home

Set a pretty table. Then settle in with a latte and a croissant. Shown: Table cloth is Adelyn Handblock in Rose. Napkins are Hixson Linen in Blush and Kaya II in Berry. All available at Kravet to the trade. www.kravet.com. Photo Kravet.

One of my favorite designers, Tobi Fairley calls them her “non-negotiables.” Those things that are so important to you that there is no excuse for not incorporating them into your home and your life. I love that term because with what we’ve experienced this past year, we haven’t had much control over our lives. But you can control your non-negotiables. What are yours? A few of mine include:

Color.

It makes me happy. I can’t do without it. It doesn’t even have to be paint (although a beautiful color on coffered ceilings is nice) but a carefully curated color palette that works throughout your home can change your day-to-day life. It’s a fact. I can tell you that after years of helping Southwest Florida homeowners create new color choices, it’s also the best place to put your decorating budget.

And if you’re thinking about hearts, Benjamin Moore even has a color named Valentine’s Day along with My Valentine, Kept Love Letters, I Love You Pink, Love Always, Love Story.

Set a pretty table.

You look at your table every day, so why not make it pretty (every day)? Pick the table that you use the most: eat-in kitchen or dining room. Or on a porch or lanai. Pick a table runner or cloth, placemats, napkins, napkin rings, centerpiece, flowers, candles. Whatever makes you happy. What’s making me happy right now: two turquoise vases from West Elm filled with pink Gerber daisies, a vintage box from an antique market filled with glass balls, shells and beads. Candles in Valentine’s Day scents. White dishes, pink heart napkins with “love” napkin rings. Then settle in with a latte and a croissant.

Start at the front door.

A new yard flag. Mine is hearts and no message. Invest in a new welcome matt and wreath. The holidays are over so it’s time to freshen up a bit with a new look. It makes you feel good when you walk through your front door. And speaking of the door, now would be a good time for a fresh coat of paint if it needs one.

A sweet welcome and a heartfelt goodbye, this doormat sends hugs and kisses all year. Available at www.potterybarn.com. Photo Pottery Barn

Share some love

Who doesn’t love a Valentine? This holiday was made for reaching out. Contact a nursing home about delivering Valentines for every resident. You can buy a pack or two from a card store and write sweet messages. It’s also a good time to ask if the nursing home needs personal items for its residents. Call a few friends and take this on as a project. Don’t underestimate the fact that you will make someone’s day. And yours.

Send a Valentine to someone that you may not have been in touch with during this isolated time. Phone calls are great but it’s so nice to receive a handwritten card that someone went to the effort to mail.

Lend a helping hand.

Check in with elderly neighbors who are having a difficult time getting an appointment for a COVID vaccination. Many do not use computers and the frustration can be very stressful for anyone. Imagine what a gift you would be giving to help with an appointment, driving them to the location and being there to provide a little comfort. And when you pick them up, take a little bouquet of flowers. No one likes to get a shot.

Don’t forget the dogs (and cats).

Do a little light decluttering of your linen closet and gather up towels and sheets that you can spare and take them to an animal shelter.

Tricia Boone at Gulf Coast Humane Society says that in addition to these items, they also welcome donations of paper towels, durable toys, cleaning wipes and Dawn dish soap. The shelter also needs canned kitten food (Fancy Feast: chicken and turkey). These sweet critters need our help now. And if time doesn’t permit, you can make a donation at www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org

Love yourself

It’s been a rough year for everyone. Take this holiday to do something that makes you happy. We are so lucky to live in Southwest Florida where there are so many options for getting outdoors. Watch a sunset. Rent kayaks and explore our beautiful waterways. Take a walk on a beach. Go for a bike ride.

Champagne and strawberries also work.

Take a hike. Pick a trail and get outside. One of my favorites: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. Find yours at www.leegov.com/parks/parks

Art. It’s healing and soothing. Best of all, it gives you a mental break and takes you someplace else.

If you love Chihuly as much as I do, Artis-Naples, the Baker Museum, is showing Dreaming Forms: Chihuly Then and Now. It’s on through Feb. 28.

And if you’re up for a road trip, head to St. Pete and immerse yourself in Van Gogh Alive at the Dali Museum through April 11. It’s just what we need now.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. She helps homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and solves decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

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Open your heart on Valentine's Day