Valentine's Day holds a lot of pressure for both men and women.
Maybe you just starting seeing someone, or you've been married for 25 years and want to do something special for your partner but are dreading the traditional (and forced) feel of buying store-bought roses or going to an over-priced restaurant.
I've got you covered. Because what Valentine's Day is really all about is connecting, or reconnecting with your partner. Try any of the 10 ideas below and I promise, they'll create a perfectly romantic, special holiday that neither of you will ever forget.
1. Have a picnic in your living room.
Too cold to go outside? Create a picnic in your own home. Make it rustic and romantic by spreading a blanket across the floor surrounded by candles and flowers. Buy a traditional picnic basket and place it in the middle of the blanket to surprise your partner. Musts to pack in your basket -- finger foods like sandwiches, chocolates and wine.
2. Plan a spa day... at home.
Create a spa day for you and your significant other in the luxury of your own home. Key word here is luxury. So clean your house (or order a professional cleaning) and make it special by buying slippers and a luxurious robe. Tell them that tonight is all about them and you'll take care of everything. Start by drawing a hot bath with essential oils, bath salts or rose petals. Get cozy in the bath and have a chilled facemask ready or cucumber slices to put over your eyes. Turn the lights down low, put on some relaxing music and soak for at least 30 minutes. When you're both ready to get out of the bath, have the bedroom ready by lighting it with candles and using massage oil to give each other a long, extravagant full body massage.
3. Recreate your love story.
This is something my own husband did that I absolutely loved. He had flowers sent to me by surprise and attached to them a card with our own unique love story written on it. This is the story of how you two met and what made you fall in love. This will help for your partner to remember what connected you in the first place and how special your own love story is.
4. Pretend you're at a five star hotel.
Go full out Vegas style here. Order take-in, or make an amazing dinner and put it in store bought Chinese take-out containers. Buy fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate and a really good bottle of champagne. Hang out in bathrobes, put on an awesome playlist and keep a champagne bucket nearby with ice. Pretend you're at a luxury hotel and have fun with this!
5. Play truth or dare.
Feel like you know everything about your partner or you never have anything to say to one another anymore? Play a little game of truth or dare with a bottle of wine on hand. Use the questions to get to know one another on a deeper level. You can ask questions like:
- If you could write an instruction manual for yourself in bed, what would you put in it?
- What would you tell your younger self about love?
- What do you think I get wrong about you?
For the dares, use this as an opportunity to be open to trying new things. Let each other know if it's out of your comfort zone, but at least be willing to give it a shot.
6. Create a secret rendezvous.
This is your chance to channel your inner James Bond and his lovely co-stars. Have your man wear their best suit or tux and wear your favorite dress. Something you wouldn't usually wear. Pick one of your favorite bars or restaurants and decide to meet each other there. Bonus points if you arrive 10 minutes early and have their favorite drink ready when your love arrives.
7. Play hooky.
Make whatever arrangements needed to have zero obligations and stay in bed all day long together. You can make your partner breakfast in bed, play board games or watch romantic movies together. Get cozy, stay in pajamas all day and have amazing, connected sex.
8. Have a wine tasting night for two.
Re-create a wine tasting for two in the comfort of your own home. Go to a great wine store and ask for help picking out 3-5 good bottles of wine that would give you some variety for a tasting. Ask what foods pair nicely with the different wines (preferably finger foods like cheese, chocolate or fruit) and show off your knowledge by staging a wine tasting for your lover at home. Set the mood and make it as romantic as possible.
9. Turn your bedroom into a romantic getaway.
Transform your ordinary bedroom into an environment that feels sexy, inviting and relaxing. Your partner will love this! Clean the room from top to bottom, buy new luxury sheets or an entire fresh bedding set, put flowers in a gorgeous vase and stage candles strategically. For bonus points buy a new piece of furniture or paint an accent wall with a color you know your partner would love.
10. Watch the sunset together.
Even if it's cold, go for a romantic walk outside together. Bundle up, have hot chocolate prepared in a travel mug and stroll slowly hand in hand. Make sure to leave your phones at home. Hold each other tight as you watch the sunset over the horizon and enjoy the simplicity of the moment.
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