Valentine's Day at Home

by Katie Lucas

Are you ready for Valentine's Day, yet? With everything going on in the world, some of you may be feeling a little overwhelmed trying to plan a romantic night in and may want to throw in the towel. Don't worry, I've got you covered with some simple ideas to help you and your partner enjoy the holiday, stress-free.

Set the Mood

Pull out your favorite candles, grab some flowers (or have them delivered), turn on some soft music, and dim the lights. Maybe pick-up a spectacular meal from the Capital Grille to make the night extra special. Recreating your date-nights out is all about ambiance, and there's nothing more romantic than enjoying each other's company by candlelight! In fact, science backs this up, as the lack of light causes your pupils to dilate, just like they do when you gaze into the eyes of your loved one, and sends all those lovey-dovey signals to your brain, instantly starting your date off on the right foot!

Have Some Fun(due)

One easy and fun activity to do on your date-night is to host your own fondue-party! Melt up some cheese or chocolate (or a pot of each), chop up your favorite dippers such( as bread, cooked meats, fruits, or baked goods) and grab a bottle of your favorite wine to capture the essence of one of the most popular Valentine's Day restaurants. Don't have a fondue pot? Don't worry! Amazon has tons available with two-day shipping for Prime members! These pots are pretty portable, too, so you can enjoy your night in the crisp, outside air, if you'd like (but just remember there are no open flames permitted on patios/balconies)!

Plan an Activity

Whether it's snuggling up with a classic romance movie or trying out a new hobby, be sure you have some sort of activity planned to fill the evening with some love and fun. One silly thing my husband and I like to do are MadLibs, It's endlessly entertaining and inexpensive (you can even find free MadLibs forms online!). Another great option is to play a two player- board game. There are plenty of great options depending on how competitive or cooperative you like to get! For those who like to bask in the love and appreciation of the evening, consider making lists of the things about your partner you are grateful for. A great "next step" would be to box those lists up, without looking at each other's, with a bottle of your favorite wine and read them to one another next Valentine's Day!