How To Have The Perfect Date Night At Home

SHOP THE LOOKS

striped top // similar jeans // colton’s henley // colton’s jeans // colton’s similar sneakers

SHOP THE HOME 

velvet pillows // blue rug // white couch // similar bar cart // green wreath 

We’re less than a week away from Valentine’s Day and if you’re not sure what to do with your loved one, then an at-home date night is a perfect idea!

Valentine’s Day is on a Wednesday and stressing to get reservations, just to go sit in a crowded restaurant and be rushed through your meal does not sound fun.

That’s not ideal for any day of the week.

Actually, I take that back. If Valentine’s Day was on a Friday or Saturday then I’d probably want to go out and get dressed up but it’s on Wednesday, so I love the idea of having a romantic date night at home!

If you’re not loving the idea, I totally get it. Especially if you and your beaux cook &/or stay home often anyways. Trust me, I get it! Colton and I are total hermits and stay at home most nights! But with that being said, there are a few days out of the year (like Valentine’s) where we have a real date night at home and it’s always super romantic. A few simple steps can totally transform your normal Wednesday night to a super romantic Valentine’s with the person you love.

Our usual date-nights at home aren’t anything out of the ordinary. It’s literally dinner and a movie – lol. But it’s the little things we do that make the evening really special.

Here are my tips to have the perfect date night at home.

Put The Phones Away and Turn The TV Off 

No phones or TV – trust me. This one is key, which is why it’s first! Put your phone in the other room and turn the TV off so that you are not distracted and can actually spend one-on-one time with one another. On most days, if we cook, he’s watching the game and I’m usually on my phone. Just totally distracted but it’s crazy how different it is when you turn everything off and actually talk to one another. There is more to this world than showing one another funny videos on Instagram.

Turn Music On

Find a romantic playlist on Spotify and have it playing in the background. This sets the tone for the whole evening, while also eliminating the silence. You put music on for the same reason you would if you had people over. It just sets the whole tone of the evening.

Pop Open A Bottle Of Wine 

You know, set the mood, relax, live a little. These wine glasses are to die for.

Have A Snack To Munch On While Cooking

This is super important for the guys to have. If you’re anything like me in the kitchen, I tend to take over – but by having a little snack like a cheese board near the two of you, not only gives him something to munch on but brings you back over to him. Also, if he hates cooking, he will appreciate having this.

Cook Something You Both Like 

You know, maybe don’t try that new Gluten Free Paleo Recipe tonight…. But if you’re like me and like to eat healthy – then pasta isn’t an option either. So meet in the middle! Do you guys have a favorite chicken or fish dish from a restaurant? Try to recreate that!! Colton and I love the Chicken Brian from Carabas and recreate it on our date nights. It’s definitely a healthier option and he loves it.

Set The Table & Eat Dinner Together

You know, as opposed to eating in front of the TV like you normally would. Put flowers on the table, add a candle and treat it just like you would a restaurant! Talk, drink wine, listen to music and enjoy each other!

Make A Pallet 

This is Colton’s favorite part! After dinner, clean up a little bit (or don’t) then make a pallet in the living room. Move the coffee table, take the cushions off the couch and make a comfy pallet for you guys to lay on while watching a movie.

Watch A Movie and Have Dessert 

This one is totally optional! Sometimes we’re so content that we decide to skip the movie and instead just sit on the pallet, eat our desserts and continue talking before falling asleep. Other times, we’ve already decided on a movie and are pumped for it! Try picking out a movie a day in advance and pick one that you both will like. Then just sit back, turn the movie on and enjoy your dessert! Double points if you do something fun like chocolate fondue! If you need a movie suggestion, we actually just watched Home Again with Reece Witherspoon and loved it. Colton was worried it was going to be a total chick flick, but the truth is, it was just an all-around really cute movie and the storyline revolves around guys more than anything.

Do you guys have traditions or tricks that make your date nights super special? I’d love to hear them!!

Also, be on the lookout on my Instagram tonight! I’ll be giving away a Gift Card to Crave Cupcakes, just in time for Valentine’s Day! I should be posting it around 8:00!

xo,

Lauren