Mood Makers

• It takes two to move the heart-shape indicator and reveal the truth of the Ouija board. Adorn a coffee or side table with a Ouija board and witness the power of positive thinking. Look for Ouija boards in toy stores.
• They're sweet and crunchy and a whole lot tastier than e-mail.... We're talking about Conversation Hearts, that Valentine's classic. Scatter small bowls full of these colorful candy hearts adorned with pithy sayings around your room for snacking and sweet-talking. Look for Conversation Hearts in candy stores.
• Dress for affection, in red, from head to toe -- and encourage your guests to do likewise.
• Have each guest bring a child's valentine and a small, stuffed animal and donate the collection to a children's hospital or homeless shelter. Check your local Yellow Pages for hospitals and shelters.

• Everyone deserves chocolates and flowers on Valentine's Day, so treat your friends to a small box of chocolates and a single rose.
• Ask each guest to bring a homemade valentine. Play a game in which you try to match the guest with her valentine.
• Gather up the posse and pose for a group portrait. Send each guest a copy and frame one for yourself. If you make it a holiday tradition, over time, you will have a touching testament to your enduring relationships.