Valentine's Day by Taylor Living

This year’s Valentine’s Day will be one we remember for what might be, the rest of our lives. In place of the crazy traffic rush and the race towards booking that elusive “date spot” restaurant, the current pandemic leaves us at home, stumped, and absolutely love sick. With the present travel and leisure restrictions, we make a conscious decision everyday to stay indoors and minimize exposure to stop the spread of COVID-19. Yet, where does it leave us on the day of love? Does celebrating your relationship with that special someone come to a halt, shelved, and saved for another day? We think not! Instead, let’s reinvent what we know about Valentine’s Day and make it our own by bringing the romance to your home. With an atmosphere of your own creation, winning over the heart of your significant other won’t take long. Here, we present a few date ideas you can recreate in the safety of your own space!

WINE AND DINE

You can’t beat the classics! If you find yourself at a loss in the romance department, the simplest idea is to prepare a good wine and dine. Create the perfect setting by selecting a spot in your home that is both intimate and comfortable. Whether this be in your garden, your terrace, or your dining room, the choice must reflect your personality! For some plus points, wow your date by whipping up something in the kitchen instead of ordering take-out. After all, there is no better way to prove your sincerity than by putting in a little extra work. Who knows? You might unlock your hidden passion for cooking! 

HOME THEATRE 

We miss walking into a dark cinema, the smell of popcorn wafting between the rows of seats, and the hushed whispers amongst movie goers. While that may be a dream meant for the near future, it’s still a date night staple. Recreating a movie house might be simpler than you think if you get creative. Pull out a nice white bed sheet from your linen closet, borrow a friends projector, and make your own at home cinema! Cuddle up with your date on a plush sofa, turn on those mood lights, and binge the night away with some sappy romantic comedies. 

GAME NIGHT 

For those who enjoy dates with a little more playful banter, a game night might be what you’re looking for. Enjoy conversation over a bottle of wine and some Scrabble. Set this up in your living room, where there’s ample space for deep belly laughs and competitive musings. For an added touch, show off your recently learned charcuterie skills learned over the quarantine with an added cheese spread. Playing some trivia games with your partner might just bring back the spark, or ignite what wasn’t there before. 

TWO TO TANGO 

This is for those who prefer a little more of an active date. Put your dancing shoes on, dim the lights, and switch on the music. Forget the sleepy city, because tonight, you’ve set the mood for Argentina. Elevate your date night by recreating the tone of somewhere far away. Add some excitement by learning a bit of mixology and serving your date with a cocktail from the heart, and dance the night away. 

Written by: Ina Cruz