If you’re going to create just one holiday candy board this year make it Valentine’s Day. With so many delectable and pretty options  — a candy board filled with powdery pinks and ruby reds is certain to add lots of sweet romance to any home. Here are my three golden rules for creating a visually captivating and irresistibly scrumptious Valentine’s Day candy board:

#1 Make it Monochrome

A Valentine’s Day candy board looks best when ninety percent of the board is filled with crimson, cherry, rose, strawberry, fuchsia, and hot pink shades. These tones are so cheerful and mouthwatering that they are strong enough to stand alone. Adding just a sprinkle or scoop of white and/or chocolate serves as a great subtle contrast.

#2 Combine Traditional and Unexpected

A Valentine’s Day candy board must pay homage to time-honored sweets like conversation hearts, pink and red M&M’s, and heart-shaped foil wrapped chocolate. Traditional treats bring nostalgia. For a modern twist, combine well-known shapes, flavors, and textures with more whimsical and unexpected additions like gummy candy, vanilla wafers, strawberry twists, watermelon sour belts, and peppermint malt balls.

#3 Place a Grand Heart

A Valentine’s Day candy board is not complete without a grand heart. Whether you use candy to shape it yourself or place a heart-shaped dish for built-in structure, adding a heart carve out brings a reverent and beloved touch to this romantic creation.