Valentine’s Day Ideas for You and Your Loved Ones

Looking for a bit of inspiration for what to do this Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered! While going out on a fancy dinner or a romantic getaway can be a fun way to spend the day, not everyone enjoys it. However, staying in can be just as special. In fact, there are many ways to make a cosy night at home with your loved one just as memorable as a night out. Here are some fun Valentine’s Day date ideas:

Candlelit Dinner

Who says a candlelit dinner is only for restaurants? Cooking a romantic meal at home can be just as fun, if not more fun, because it’ll just be the two of you! You can plan the menu, set the mood, and choose the music, with no added hustle and bustle of a busy eatery.

Plan a lovely meal ahead of time, or even re-create a meal from one of your favourite dates. Go the extra mile and create a beautiful tablescape by adding a centrepiece with real flowers and greenery or even artificial ones, if plants aren’t really your thing, and some stunning tableware. Set the ambient lighting with plenty of candles around the table, and be sure to turn off any overhead lighting. Pop on a romantic playlist of all your favourite love songs to complete the night.

Throw a Dinner Party

Maybe the idea of a romantic, one-on-one, candlelit dinner doesn’t sound like something you’d enjoy. Instead of putting the emphasis on romance, try making the evening about friendship and the relationships you have with those closest to you. To do that, why not throw a dinner party for the evening?

Plan a meal and put together with a playlist filled with songs you all love. You could even decorate the room with a theme! Hang up some twinkling lights, pop bowls of Valentine’s themed sweets on tables, and lay out some fun party games to top off the evening. Enjoying a night with your closest friends is a great, exciting way to spend the day. Need to spruce up the living room before your friends come over? Check out our homewares and furniture range, for a few last-minute essentials.

Have a Bake-Off

Whether you decide to do this with your significant other or you’d rather have a group of your favourite people come over, a bake-off is a fun Valentine’s Day idea that is sure to leave you with lovely memories, and tasty treats! One of our favourite ideas? Try having a bake-off to see who can make the best heart-shaped dessert. If you’re missing some baking equipment, we have you covered. Now let’s get baking!

Have a Movie Marathon

Nothing sounds cosier than curling up on the sofa with your significant other and having a movie marathon. Snuggle up on the sofa with plenty of cushions and throws, drinks, a big tub of popcorn and a selection of movies you love (rom-coms optional!). This is also a great way to spend the day with other people you love, like friends and family. 

Have a Cocktail Night

If the idea of baking or cooking doesn’t sound enticing, then why not put your mixology skills to the test? Prep for a cocktail night by looking up some new recipes for Valentine’s themed drinks. You could choose simple ones that match the colours associated with the day, like Strawberry Daiquiris, Cosmopolitans, or Red Wine Sangria. Or they could even be some of your old favourites but renamed to fit the theme of the day. Think “Flirty Martini,” “Mai Tai-ype on Paper,” “I Love You the Mimosta,” “Let Me Woo (Woo) You,” “Passion-filled Martini” or “I Love You Lagoon.” Serve them in pretty cocktail glasses with some chocolates and you're all set! You could also pair this quirky Valentine’s Day idea with another one like a movie marathon, throwing a party, or hosting a game night.

Host a Game Night

Skip the fancy dinners and chocolates this year and get your game on! Host an exciting game night with your significant other and some close friends with a range of fun games to play throughout the night. You’ll have a great time while bonding over snacks, drinks and loads of games. You could mix it up by picking a theme like nostalgia, or keep it classic with board games and cards, or even set up a video game tournament! Don't forget to set the mood with dim lighting, candles and some tunes. 

Camp in Your Own Back Garden

If you’ve been working to bring your outdoor space to life, then why not use it? Plan a special night outside and at home by setting up a small campsite in your back garden. Get your fire pit ready and spend a romantic night under the stars. In fact, you can even throw out a blanket and do a bit of stargazing together. This unique Valentine’s Day idea is sure to be a hit with your significant other if the two of you love spending time outdoors.  

Plan Your Garden for the Upcoming Spring

By mid-February, we’re starting to get the itch for spring and everything that comes with it. Whether it’s spring cleaning or spring gardening, it’s a great time to start looking ahead to those warmer months. If you and your significant other love to spend time in the garden, planting fruit and vegetables or flowering bulbs, this is the perfect day to start planning what you want for your garden this year and get some vision boards ready!

This Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a repeat of last year’s (or even the year before). Instead, create a unique and memorable day with help from our list above.

Please Note: Alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation, please drink responsibly. Visit Drink Aware for more information.