Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and this year, why not enjoy a romantic date night at home? There are a number of fun, entertaining, and romantic date nights you can create in the comfort of your own space. A date night at home means your comforts are at your fingertips, and it’s a great way to connect intimately with your spouse in multiple ways.
Want some ideas for creating an unforgettable “date night in” this Valentine’s Day? Read on.
1. Share a Candlelit Dinner
Everyone loves a nice meal, and you can create one in your own kitchen. Set the atmosphere with candlelight, a nice tablecloth, and your special-occasion dishes. If you have wedding china and want to use it, this is a great time for that.
It doesn’t matter where your meal comes from, so long as you enjoy it. You and your spouse might opt to cook together, or you might order takeout from your favorite restaurant. It doesn’t have to be expensive or even fancy. In fact, if you want to cook frozen pizzas, you should absolutely go for it. It’s all about creating an experience you can both enjoy and remember.
Set your expectations and preferences for your date night dinner before you make the first move. Choose your food, drinks, and decor together. Dress up together if you’d like, or keep it casual. The main point is enjoying the meal and one another’s company.
2. Play Together
You don’t have to leave home to play and have fun. There are many ways you can play together on your date night in. Pick a few activities you enjoy and take the time to experience them together.
Are there board or card games you like to play? Video games you haven’t enjoyed in a while? Outdoor sports or activities you can play (that is, if it’s warm enough where you live)? Intimacy can also be a form of play and a source of fun.
Here are a few other ideas you can consider:
- Go outside and shoot basketball
- Play frisbee
- Toss a baseball
- Play foosball, air hockey, or pool
- Make a blanket fort
- Have a pillow fight
Take time to get reacquainted with one another if you haven’t spent time at play in a while. Having fun together is one of the greatest ways to bond and reconnect in the midst of everyday stress. However you decide to enjoy your Valentine’s date night together, do so with an open heart and a desire to let go together.
3. Enjoy Your Favorite Entertainment
What are your favorite forms of entertainment? Some couples prefer to see movies; others go dancing, read together, or listen to music. What do you and your spouse enjoy doing?
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Play your favorite records and listen together
- Dress up and have a dance in your living room, complete with your favorite songs
- Pop some popcorn, turn down the lights, and have a movie night
- Put a record on the turntable and have a listening party for two
For a little extra oomph, revisit your favorite entertainment from your dating days. Are there romantic memories you’d like to relive? The first movie you saw or the first record you listened to together? Recreate those as best as you can in your home, and have fun reminiscing.
Create More Happiness Together
Valentine’s Day is one of many opportunities to create happiness in your marriage. Want more tips and ideas? Check out our book, Making Happy, which explores the art, science, and practice of creating lasting happiness in your marriage. Grab your copy here.
What are your plans this Valentine’s Day? Date night in or out? Let us know in the comments.
