Undoubtedly, Valentine’s Day is the holiday most associated with love and romance.  Stores roll out their displays of heart-shaped chocolate boxes, restaurants advertise their aphrodisiac prix-fixe menu and some roll out their yearly eye roll, while others enjoy the celebration of Cupid’s arrow.

For single people, the anticipation of this day either causes a strong-willed determination to lock down a date or the convening of other singletons to metaphorically burn down the Valentine’s Day machine.  For couples, it is, at minimum, a day to do something extra special for one another, including popping the question. As a wedding planner, I look forward to learning about the various proposals that take place, as this is the most popular holiday for getting engaged. 

Whatever type of Valentine’s Day you might typically observe, chances are it is looking a little different this year.  But as we’ve been saying with everything related to the pandemic, love isn’t cancelled.  In fact, it’s been stated that while the past year has been an incredibly stressful human experience, many new relationships have blossomed and already existing ones have flourished.  I don’t want to minimize our reality.  These are still very tough times and we have a long way to go before things are better.  But, you should still celebrate the love.  Depending on where you currently live, there might not be many options for places you can go.  Here are some suggestions for an at home date perfect for Valentine’s Day or any other night you want to make extra special.

A SPECIAL MEAL

Yes, I know, having a nice dinner is hardly groundbreaking.  Make the whole experience extra special by doing it together.  Stream an online cooking tutorial for a meal that is suited for both of your tastes.  It doesn’t have to be fancy food.  You can each pick a favorite family recipe and teach the other. Even something like making pizza together can feel very special.  You can try each other’s favorite combinations of toppings.

If cooking and then cleaning up is the last thing either of you want to do on a holiday, then go for something extra with take-out or delivery.  You can order from the restaurant where you had your first date.  You can each pick places and create a smorgasbord of all your neighborhood favorites.  You can simply indulge in something you wouldn’t cook for yourself or that breaks your normal diet.  And just because you haven’t prepared the food, don’t skimp on the setting.  This is the time to set a nice table, dust off the decanter and light the candles.  Or turn your living room into the setting for a picnic.  You won’t have to deal with any bugs!

Whatever culinary journey you’re going on, consider sharing some romantic time together before you eat.  You don’t have to worry about feeling full or sleepy.  In fact, you can really work up your appetite for afterwards.

If it’s common for you to share a bottle of wine over dinner, turn this night into a tasting.  You can each pick a wine for the mix.  Recreate the cocktail from your favorite bar.  Check out some mixology courses online and both of you shake up your drink of choice.

SHARED ACTIVITIES

Besides eating, think about something you can do together to make the night a bit unique.  We’ve all streamed a lot of content with so much time spent at home.  You can revisit a movie you’re very familiar with so you can pay less attention to the plot and more to the cuddling.

Feel like you need a break from looking at screens?  Create an at home game or cards night with those intended for two.  There’s a surprising amount of both options that don’t require a group.  Go ahead and add some of your own rules.  Why not remove an article of clothing each time you lose at a round of slapjack?

If you are dreaming of a world where there are less travel restrictions in place, make that idea a reality.  Determine what your top choice for a vacation spot would be and begin to plan.  You don’t have to assign a date to it yet.  Draw up a list of where you’ll want to stay and what you’d like to see.  That list will be waiting for you whenever the time is right.

If you are missing being pampered, create an at home spa experience.  You can simply put on face masks while you enjoy a rom-com.  Or you can each give each other a massage.  Get the oil or cream of your preference and use this as an opportunity to really learn what kind of touch each person likes.  When you both have finished, rinse off in the shower together.  Or bring the glasses of wine with you and draw a bath for two.  

I hope you make the most of this holiday despite the circumstances.  And however you celebrate it, we want to see.  Be sure to tag @mensvows in your Valentine’s photos.  We can’t wait to share the love!