How to Plan a Valentine’s Day to Remember at Home
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and this year many couples are choosing to celebrate at home. It's fun to plan the perfect evening, staying put with sweet ideas that radiate romance. Besides creating an epic date night, we recommend planning it the same way you'd plan a night out. Start with dinner, indulge in dessert, and experience a fun activity.
The perfect romantic evening.
Set the Mood
Restaurants, especially fine dining establishments, have ambiance—and you can create it at home by clearing clutter, lighting candles, and playing music that you and your partner both enjoy. Once you've set the mood, move on to a beautiful, romantic dinner.
Make a Meal
Valentine's Day may be on a weeknight, but that doesn't mean you can't cook a delicious meal, even if you have just an hour to prepare. A charcuterie board with an assortment of good cheeses, nuts, fruit, cured meats, and even chocolate makes an impressive appetizer or main dish. You can reserve one at your favorite upscale grocery store or deli or arrange one yourself.
Try making this quick-but-fancy flank steak recipe or Caprese pasta recipe from Delish for your main course. Cooking together is perfect for bonding. Try making homemade pizza—prep less by picking up the premade dough, and don't forget the wine, of course! Boston Winery has a selection of wines to be paired with any of your romantic dishes! Stop in or order online; we'd be happy to help pick out something special.
Play some upbeat music while you're cooking and dance in the kitchen between adding that pinch of salt and intermittent tastings.
Sweet and lovely dessert.
Indulge in Dessert
Does anything say Valentine's Day better than chocolate? You can wow your sweetie with this flourless chocolate cake that takes just 40 minutes from start to finish. Try indoor s'mores for a dessert that's big on bringing out the fun and fuzzy feelings. Chocolate fondue is another quintessential love-day dessert. How about an at-home wine and chocolate tasting? Check out our article on pairing the two.
Arrange an Activity
Is 'Netflix and chill' your go-to for a date night in? The good people at Netflix rounded up its top romantic movies. If starry-eyed movies aren't your thing, an article in entertainment magazine Paste recommends these dramas.
If you're looking to connect with your partner on a deeper level, you could ask each other questions that inspire intimacy. According to The New York Times, research shows that these 36 questions "lead to love."
Other romantic activities include learning how to say "I love you" in multiple languages or assembling a keepsake photo album of your best snapshots together. Itching to get away with your love? Planning a future vacation together can be fun. For competitive couples, break out a board game like Scrabble for a bit of competition.
Keep the Love Going!
If you'd prefer to go out for Valentine's Day (and who could blame you?), have a post-Valentine's celebration and reserve a spot at our next Quesadilla and Wine Pairing coming Thursday, February 17, 2022.
