Staying at home on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a disappointment! Take a look at our hot ideas to help you celebrate a cuddly, romantic Valentine’s Day for two without going out…
Cook a sumptuous meal
Stick to food that is easy to prepare and romantic to eat. You don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Food that you can share is fun, so think of things like fondues and puddings with two spoons. Steer clear of the garlic for tonight! If you feel like splashing out, you could always employ the services of a caterer who will also take care of washing up and clearing away! Get more inspirational ideas on creating the perfect meal.
Create an intimate dining area
If you have a large dining table, don’t sit at opposite ends! Sit together at one end of the table and cover the rest of the table with petals and candles. Alternatively, you could opt for a carpet picnic… canapés and strawberries with plenty of champagne.
Rent a romantic movie
It’s the best excuse to snuggle up on the couch. There are so many films to choose from: Sleepless in Seattle, Love Actually, Breakfast at Tiffanys, Brief Encounter, Sliding Doors, Romeo and Juliet, When Harry Met Sally, Four Weddings and a Funeral…
Have a cocktail party for two
Cocktail parties don’t just have to be for big groups! Grab a cocktail shaker, a couple of martini glasses and brush up on your mixology for a rocking night indoors.
Set the mood
Create the right atmosphere in your love pad. Petals, feathers, balloons, candles, chocolate nibbles… mix and match your props to create the desired effect.
More indoor romantic ideas
• Grab a blanket and step outside for a spot of star gazing.
• Melt some chocolate in a pan, grab some marshmallows and have a fondue.
• Read your favourite poems or novel to one another.
• Share a bath together.
Keep it simple
Stick to food that is easy to prepare and romantic to eat. You don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Food that you can share is fun so think of things like fondues, and puddings with two spoons. Steer clear of the garlic for tonight! If you feel like splashing out, you could always employ the services of a caterer to come and cook in your home.
Don’t forget the decorations
For a romantic table, candles should feature in abundance. Vary the height to make your table more interesting, with tall candelabras and simple tea-lights. If you have flowers (ideally red roses!) on the table, keep candle scents to a minimum; you don’t want the perfume to be overpowering. And… if you do light candles all over the room, don’t leave them unattended.
Choose white linen and china but add a little interest with colourful, romantic decorations. Sprinkle rose petal confetti or feathers over the table linen, and tie ribbon around napkins, finishing with a lavish bow.
Gifts
Prepare presents for each other to open between courses. These could be small gift boxes filled with chocolate (or jewellery!) or romantic love notes. If you can’t think of the words yourself, seek some inspiration from a book of love poetry.
Music maestro
Delight all the senses. Your culinary skills and table decorations will take care of most of these but don’t forget to turn off mobile phones and set the scene with romantic music.
Dress
Why not make it a formal occasion? Send an invitation to your partner with details of what time dinner will be served, and set the dress code as ‘black tie’.
You’ll find more fun and romance in our Valentine’s Day section!
