Entertaining Expert David Tutera Weighs In on Valentine’s Day Trends and Ways to Plan the Perfect Evening

If a new national survey from Sears of more than 1,000 men and women is any indication, Valentine’s Day 2012 will be a date to remember for many couples. A full 40 percent of the men and women in relationships say they expect or are planning to get engaged on February 14 this year, according to the survey, conducted by Sentient Decision Science for Sears. And for those not yet ready to take the big leap, a choice piece of bling may still be the way to go—nearly one-third of women (29 percent) surveyed would choose jewelry if they could pick only one gift to receive for Valentine’s Day this year.

Sears, a quality jeweler since 1888, expanded its assortment by 60 percent this year to feature a wide selection of watches, pendants, and eng agement rings.

“A special piece of jewelry, especially on Valentine’s Day, is perfect for symbolizing your love in its early stages and reaffirming the feeling long after,” said David Tutera, the party and entertaining guru and TV host who has an aspirational line ofengagement rings and wedding bands at Sears. “Sears has some exquisite designs that are remarkably value-priced.”

Following jewelry, women surveyed said that if they could choose only one gift, they would most want to receive flowers or chocolate (20 percent), perfume (nine percent), the latest technology product (eight percent), lingerie (eight percent), a kitchen or home item (six percent), shoes, handbag or other accessory item (five percent), clothing item (five percent), or a fitness/exercise item (one perce nt).

While it has been said “it’s the thought that counts,” there is a clear disconnect between the sexes when it comes to Valentine’s Day gift giving. The survey revealed that while 61 percent of men admit they have given a Valentine’s Day gift that had no thought behind it, nearly eight in 10 women have received a gift that appeared to have no thought behind it.

“Valentine’s Day is about expressing your feelings to those who mean the most to you,” said Tutera. “Walk through a Sears store with your significant other in mind and you will quickly find many gift options that may hold special meaning for you as a couple, whether something traditional like jewelry or intimate apparel, or something unexpected like the newest high-tech gadget.”

Sears offers the largest assortment of top brands including exclusive apparel and intimate brands like Kardashian Kollection and UK Style and proprietary brands like Kenmore, Craftsman a nd NordicTrack. To browse all the hottest Valentine’s Day gifts at affordable prices, visit Sears.com/gifts.

For stumped men still searching for help, Tutera offers his expert take on Valentine’s Day and the survey results:

• “Turn ordinary into romantically extraordinary—it’s easier than you think.” Nearly one-third of survey respondents (27 percent) plan to have a low-key evening at home. Turn the night into a walk down romantic memory lane: Prepare a meal of menu items you shared on your first date, your wedding day or any special occasion.
• “The calendar is just a piece of paper.” When Valentine’s Day falls on a busy weeknight, as it does this year (Tuesday), move your celebration to a more convenient weekend night so neither you nor your sweetheart will feel rushed or stressed.
• “Be a gifting maverick… it’s fine by her.” Instead of the expected flowers or chocolates, go for something out of the ordinary. Case in point: More than three quarters (80 percent) of women surveyed said they would be excited to receive the latest technology product this Valentine’s Day.

For those planning to pop the question and looking for that special ring, Tutera sees a trend toward timeless design.

“Antique and vintage styles are popping up everywhere from restaurants to music to jewelry,” Tutera said.  ”A classically inspired ring is the perfect way to show your valentine that your love will stand the test of time.”

Tutera also offers the following tips for creating a memorable proposal:

• Consider creative packaging options to wow your bride-to-be, like an antique jewelry box, special book with the ring marking a particular page or between the petals of her fav orite flower.
• Look for special diamond cuts and shapes as well as intricate and dazzling band styles—too often, couples focus on the size of “the rock” versus the quality and design of the ring.
• Struggling for a conc ept? Re-create the fairy-tale story of your relationship or consider popping the question during a favorite shared activity

For additional Valentine’s Day gift ideas, visit Sears.com/gifts. To learn more about David Tutera‘s aspirational line of engagement rings and wedding bands or view the collection, visit Sears stores nationwide or Sears.com/DavidTuteraJewelry.