Cover A romantic Valentine's dinner at home (Photo: GettyImages/Lyubov Smirnova)
A romantic Valentine's dinner at home (Photo: GettyImages/Lyubov Smirnova)
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Here’s your guide for making date night at home extra special this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day doesn’t always mean a night out at an expensive restaurant. Staying at home allows for a more intimate experience that could be much more special—provided the proper planning and execution. If you’re looking to get away from the busy crowds and heavy traffic, your at-home Valentine’s plan has to be memorable. From setting the mood and table to cosy activities that bring you closer and beyond, Tatler walks you through how to make the perfect evening at home.
More from Tatler: Valentine’s Day Guide: 9 video games to play for a cosy date night
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Dinner on Valentine’s Day is a must and if you’re not planning on going out, preparing a romantic setting at home is the next best thing. Ambience is king here, so start by decorating the table with flowers, candles, and other ornaments that invoke romance. While you’ll be staying at home, dressing up as if you have reservations can make for a much more immersive experience. Add the finishing touch with some music and dim lighting to set the mood of the evening.
From here, it’s time to set up dinner. The grandest gesture one could do is to cook for their partner but if you’re not too confident about your skills, there’s no shame in ordering in. You could also test each other’s skills and make cooking a collaborative effort—allowing for more quality time.
If you’re feeling creative, you can theme your decorations and menu around a destination you’d like to visit in the future.
See also: Ally Lim-Gonzales of Noodle Lab shares four pasta recipes
Above Two people playing video games on a PS4 (Photo: Unsplash.com/JESHOOTS.COM)
Two people playing video games on a PS4 (Photo: Unsplash.com/JESHOOTS.COM)
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After eating, the two of you can unwind with either movies, a TV series binge, or co-op video games in bed or on the couch. From classic romcoms to cosy games and fierce, competitive ones, the right film or game can keep you entertained for the rest of the night.
Above Painting at home (Photo: Unsplash.com/Rifqi Ali Ridho)
Painting at home (Photo: Unsplash.com/Rifqi Ali Ridho)
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If you’re looking to have some more quality time bringing out a canvas and painting gives you a fun activity and a special keepsake. You can either paint each other, something your partner loves, or even swap boards every minute for a unique piece.
Since you’re already dressed up, having an at-home photo booth complete with props and ample lighting gives you one more way to remember the night.
Above A romantic setting for Valentine's Day (Photo: Unsplash.com/Vitor Monthay)
A romantic setting for Valentine's Day (Photo: Unsplash.com/Vitor Monthay)
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Every date night at home is best ended with a meaningful heart-to-heart about yourselves and the future. Over wine and cheese or ice cream and cake, what matters most is the two of you made Valentine’s Day one to remember.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
