1. Decorate
Set the table in advance and use all your nice dishes. Craft or find a romantic centerpiece, even if it's as simple as candles on flipped wine glasses and a couple carnations. Make a string of hearts as a garland across the mantle. Dim the lights and ignite every candle you have handy. Make an extra soft and fluffy pillow fort to watch your movie or set up a spa for trading massages.
I started to use all the things I had to set the table and had two different ideas.
So, that's what happened...
(How romantic are those 1970s era chairs, eh?
A new dining room table is definitely on my wishlist.)
2. Make a Playlist
Again, try to find some music that is out of the ordinary for you. It's alright to be a little cheesy with your playlist...it's Valentine's Day! Check out Spotify for some suggested playlists of love or a waste a little workday on Friday, February 12 to search around and download some sweet songs. Here are some of my favorite love songs you should give a listen:
(DISCLOSURE: I kind of like sad songs.)
We Loved, Juliet Piper
Everywhere, Fleetwood Mac
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You), James Taylor
Higher Love, James Vincent McMorrow
Dancing Shoes, Green River Ordinance
Thirteen, Ben Kweller
3. Plan a Fancy Dinner
When choosing your recipe, be careful not to pick something that is too difficult. Read through the directions and make sure you have all the kitchen utensils and cooking equipment before you get your hopes up. In searching for our Valentine's date dinner, I've assembled a list of some great ideas for you too try!
4. Get Dressed Up
I know you're just at home, and I know it will probably take some convincing, but nothing will make your evening in feel more magical than if you both look and feel sexy.
5. Cook Together
Now, a fancy dinner can be so fun to make together, but be careful. Sometimes the pressure of a new recipe or the frustration of mistaken measurements may result in stress and tension that could likely lead to a couple's kitchen conflict. It's definitely a bummer if the meal doesn't turn out like you had hoped, but don't let it ruin your evening: order take out, put it out on your nice table setting and laugh about it. Don't get too hung up on getting to the actual meal, instead focus on the process of cooking together as you go.
6. Sit Down and Enjoy
Once the meal is made, sit down at your well-made table and enjoy it. Most nights, Aaron and I eat dinner at the coffee table in front of the TV...but for Valentine's Day, we might make more of an effort to sit down and enjoy each other's company.
7. Have Some Champagne
Celebrate with a little bubbly! If you really wanna be cheeseball, make a toast :)
8. Don't Forget Dessert
I usually can't manage to eat dessert after a big dinner, but we'll probably have something sweet for after our post-dinner event. Here's a little Valentine's dessert hack: strawberries dipped in Nutella tastes almost exactly like chocolate-covered strawberries...except it's way more simple and cheap.
9. Choose a Post-Dinner Activity
We would probably just cuddle up and watch a movie by candlelight. But there's plenty of nice, couply things you could do to make the night magical...
- Watch a Movie with a Drinking Game
- Wine/Beer Tasting
- Play a Board/Card Game
- Roast Marshmallows Fireside
- Give Massages and Foot Rubs
- Make Fondue Chocolate
- Take a Bubble Bath
- Read a Book Aloud
- Do Couples Yoga
- Look Through Old Pictures
- Watch Your Wedding Video
- Set Up a Scavenger Hunt
- Go Through Some Conversation Cards
- Play the Not-So-Newlywed Game
10. Kiss
Of course kissing is probably a pretty standard part of a any ol' day, but for Valentine's Day...maybe just make it a little more special. Kiss more frequently than normal, and have a little make-out sesh during your movie. Don't forget how romantic kissing is, and unlike a restaurant or public place, you can kiss alllllll you want at home. So take advantage of it!
Happy Valentine's Day!
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