How do you feel about getting (or giving) those fancy, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates for Valentine’s Day? You know, the ones decorated with lots of ribbon and fabric rose “eye-candy” that sort of overshadows the actual candy. I have to admit I’m ambivalent.
On the one hand, I’m well aware that the manufacturers of some mass-market brands probably pay more attention to their packaging and containers than to creating fine quality chocolates to put inside. Plus, I’m always watching my diet, and a tempting box of chocolates would certainly challenge, maybe even sabotage, my resolve. And finally, the sweetie pie in my life, my hubby, knows very well that I can turn out my own confections that would taste better than most store bought (such as a fine chocolate rocky road fudge) so he wisely opts for beautiful flowers, instead, ( I often make a sweet treat for him, such as brownies, or hot fudge sauce to drizzle over ice cream or chocolate pots de creme .)
We weren’t serious (or at least I didn’t think so!), so I was bowled over when he showed up with a gigantic lace-trimmed, red fabric box like the vintage one at left.
Besides feeling unexpectedly pampered and flattered, I clearly remember how impressed my girlfriends were with the gesture. In my circle, receiving such a present clearly elevated one’s status, so I made a great show of sharing the bonbons with my dorm mates.
Interestingly, I have no recollection of whether the chocolates were tasty, but I kept the empty box for a number of years. And just as the Whitman’s tagline , “A woman never forgets the man who remembers,” says (see the bottom of the old ad below), I recall that boyfriend’s name to this day.
So, how about you? Is it about the gesture or the actual confections? Do you vividly remember giving or receiving a traditional heart-shaped box of candy? Are you yearning for such a gift this year? Do you consider this sort of token appealing, or silly, or out of date, or some of all of these? I’d really like to know.
If this has put you in a Valentine’s mood, you may want to check out the cute Valentine’s Day gingerbread house my granddaughter decorated last year. And check back soon, because I’m going to post some eye-catching Valentine’s Day cookie decorating ideas for you.
As soon as I saw the photo, in this post, of the pink, lacy, vintage candy box I immediately flashed back to my childhood. My dad used to give my mom a huge heart-shaped candy box every Valentine's day, without fail. I don't know who got more excited by the gift–my mom or my siblings and I. I know she loved those gifts because she always saved the prettiest boxes, and though she's been gone now for four years, at least one of them is still tucked away in the closet at her house. I hope my dad never tosses it out! And, as for me, I'd LOVE to receive such a gift, whether it contained premium candy or waxy junk! It's the box and the thought that counts.
🙂 Jane
Don't think I ever knew about the Bun Candy Bars, but loved Rubber Soul. Thanks for sharing!
My two favorite Valentine's memories: high school boyfriend gave me five Bun Candy Bars (anyone remember them?) and the Beatles Rubber Soul album. The best was the funny, romantic song my husband wrote and performed for me, country and western-style. Here's a bit of the lyrics: "You said you'd love me to the end; said you'd always be my closest friend. But a bucket and mop seems to be all that you got, tell my please, that you love me, say it once again…."
I would want it if a really fine chocolatier did the candy. You are so right, classic is another word for old-fashioned & I don't mind either one!
I WANT IT ALL! The box AND good chocolate. It doesn't have to be the best chocolate in the world, but it should be tasty. Yes, the gesture is old-fashioned, but isn't old-fashioned just another term for "classic"?
Happy almost Valentine's Day! I'm already decorating…..