This post has been updated and was originally published on February 9th, 2017.
Valentine’s Day
You either love it, or hate it. Some women wait for this day all year to get a little extra spoiled by their significant other. For others it may be another reminder that another year passed and you’re #stillsingle. The wait at restaurants gets longer, everything turns bright pink and red, and the chocolate aisle at Target gets larger. But why do we wait till this one day a year to scream “I love you!” when we could say it every day of the year?
Spoiler alert: Valentine’s Day is on a Thursday this year. (In case you didn’t know, it’s right around the corner!) That means that the restaurants will be packed, the pressure on men will sky rocket, and on the Friday after the candy will all go on sale. (Every pregnant woman’s dream!)
This time last year I went to brunch with two sweet friends. (Because brunch is always a great idea!) Our stomachs were full of beyond-delicious crepes and expensive coffee. Conversation slowed from the inevitable food coma that was approaching. “Are y’all doing anything special for your hubs for Valentine’s Day?”, I asked.
Valentine’s Day at Home?
I couldn’t help but laugh when one of my friends said that she couldn’t stand going out to eat for Valentine’s Day because, since all the restaurants have a ‘special’, she often can’t order what she normally does. They both wanted to just skip the fuss, save the money they’d drop on an expensive dinner, and have just a quiet, romantic night at home.
It got me thinking. When you love your significant other well every day of the year rather than screaming it all on one day, Valentine’s Day becomes just another day. Another day to set the fire alarm off in your home, another day to surprise your person with something small they love, and another day to be a little extra sweet and show you care.
5 Easy Ways You Can Host The Perfect Valentine’s Day at Home
1. Order Take-Out
When Rob and I were still in college, and my favorite sushi / Chinese restaurant was right down the road from my apartment. (Best part? They delivered!) I’m not going to lie. Some of my favorite nights with him were spent eating Chinese take-out on my couch in my pajamas with wine and a movie marathon on Netflix. I know I’m not the only one who has favorite nights like those either. Order your love’s favorite take-out and have it waiting for them when they get home. Not only does it take the stress off of making dinner. But it also allows you to focus on spending quality time together after a long day at work.
2. Channel Your Inner Martha Stewart
If you’re a better chef than most and the lyric “burnt suppers the whole first year” doesn’t apply to you, channel your inner Martha to make your loved one’s favorite meal and dessert. One year for Valentine’s Day I woke up super early and surprised Rob by making him strawberry and sprinkle pancakes with heart shaped bacon (I made it in the oven!) for breakfast. He LOVED it! He honestly still talks about that heart shaped bacon to this day. It was such a small and super easy thing, but it was a winner for sure.
Better yet, make them a meal that has significance to you both. For example, I like to sometimes make a variation of chicken and green beans for Rob on special occasions. It doesn’t sound special, but it was the first meal I ever made for him when we met in college! (Started from the bottom, now we’re here. Am I right?) Bonus points: Make it a surprise by running to the grocery store the day before on your way home from work!
3. Create a Romantic Setting
Whether you’re creating a romantic setting on your couch with Chinese take-out or your dining room table with your inner Martha, pair it with their favorite wine and some candles. Candles are the easiest way to instantly make a space more intimate and romantic. Complete your table with a small centerpiece by picking up some flowers on your way out of the grocery store. Bonus points: Get the fireplace going, bring out the pillows and blankets, and have their favorite movie ready to press play! It’s sure to set the mood as soon as they walk through the door.
4. Turn Off the Phones
In a society where we feel like we have to be constantly connected, it sometimes can kill us to be away from our phones. Spoiler alert: It won’t actually kill you! Grab one of those Chick-fil-A buckets if you have to and hide the phones. Take this distraction- free opportunity to engage in deeper conversation that can sometimes be lost in busy schedules.
5. Be Thoughtful and Creative.
Hosting the perfect Valentine’s Day at home doesn’t have to be like that scene in Sweet Home Alabama when she walks into an apartment full of roses “for every moment he thought about her” the night before. It also doesn’t have to be an expensive ordeal. Like I’ve mentioned before, I’m a sucker for the details that really speak from the heart. This year, be thoughtful and show your significant other that you remember those little things they love so much.
What do you have planned for Valentine’s Day this year? Tell me your plans in a comment below!
JEnn says
February 6, 2018 at 2:26 pmI love this! We’re celebrating at home this year so thank you for sharing!!
Cathy says
February 8, 2018 at 2:03 amYou’re so welcome, jenn! I’m a firm believer that Celebrating at home can be just as special. 🙂
Marta Rivera says
February 6, 2018 at 3:40 pmMy husband told me (five minutes ago) that he’s taking me to dinner tonight because he’s having surgery tomorrow and will be in recovery on Valentine’s. How sweet is that?
We’re normally not fans of Valentine’s because OF all the hype.
Cathy says
February 8, 2018 at 2:06 amMarta, that is so sweet!! I totally know what you mean by not being normal fans of the holiday. But it’s those sweet moments like a surprise dinner on every other day that make my world!
Leigh Suznovich says
February 6, 2018 at 11:44 pmMy husband and I celebrate at home every year and I love it. These are great tips to make the night even more special! Especially the phones off for no distractions and just being present with each other.
Cathy says
February 8, 2018 at 2:10 amLeigh, I am so excited to see that so many other couples celebrate Valentine’s Day at home! I definitely think it helps my husband and i be more intentional with our quality time. 🙂
kate says
February 7, 2018 at 2:46 amI love this! We have two young kids so going out on valentines day isn’t easy, and honestly, we love just opening a bottle of wine and getting some chinese food! Turning off the phone is a must though. Great tips!
Cathy says
February 8, 2018 at 2:14 amKate, that sounds like our valentine’s Day dates – wine and chinese food! it’s the best! 🙂
Jersey Girl Cooks says
February 7, 2018 at 1:20 pmGreat advice! We have not gone out on Valentines Day in about 18 years except for a few times because we were away for presidents day weekend. I’d much rather go out another night. We do all the things you said above!
Cathy says
February 8, 2018 at 2:16 amLove it!! I agree, the craziness at the restaurants alone makes me want to stay home! 😛
Erika says
February 8, 2018 at 5:03 amYou just reminded me of the early engaged days when my husband and i couldn’t afford anything and eating take out on the couch with netflix was literally all we could do for each other. those are still memories i cherish.
Cathy says
March 23, 2018 at 4:23 pmI think they are some that I cherish the most, Erika! I almost prefer those quaint date nights at home over the fuss of going out on the town. (We also live in a small town though, so driving to the city for a fancy dinner is just not always ideal!)
Justine @ Little Dove says
February 8, 2018 at 5:12 amEver since we had our first child my husband and I have had take out for VAlentine’s Day every year! We love spending special TIME together and avoiding the crowds, plus trying to find a BABYSITTER can be tricky on VAlentine’s Day!
Cathy says
March 23, 2018 at 4:25 pmI love that, Justine! Date night after children is still so so important. I totally agree with you – It’s not about all the fuss, it’s about the time spent with one another. 🙂
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific says
February 8, 2018 at 6:50 pmBEing a homebody I love the idea of spending Valentine’s Day in. We have to try it some time.
Cathy says
March 23, 2018 at 4:25 pmYes! I promise that you won’t want to look back after you do. 🙂
Holly says
February 8, 2018 at 9:40 pmGReat suggestions!! Your pictures are lovely also.
Cathy says
March 23, 2018 at 4:25 pmThank you, Holly! I am so glad you loved the post!
Rachel Catherine says
February 9, 2018 at 5:26 amI love the idea of all of this. We always do Valentine’s Day at home, especially when it falls in the middle of the week.
Cathy says
March 23, 2018 at 4:26 pmNot only is it so much easier, but it really does allow you to focus on being intentional with that quality time together. 🙂
Brittney says
February 9, 2018 at 3:17 pmI Love this! we do valentine’s day at home almost every year (oh life with three kids). I agree with phones off and being thoughtful for sure- those are the two big ones for me!
Cathy says
March 23, 2018 at 4:27 pmWith three little ones, it can be super hard to find time for date night. I LOVE that you and your other half still find time to celebrate every year. 🙂
Jenni says
February 9, 2018 at 5:12 pmTurning off the phones is such a helpful tip!
Cathy says
March 23, 2018 at 4:28 pmYes! Especially today with the endless scrolling on social media. They are such a distraction!
Courtney says
February 9, 2018 at 9:36 pmThis post is so cute and exactly what we are planning on doing this year! happy valentine’s day.
Cathy says
March 23, 2018 at 4:28 pmHappy Valentine’s Day, Courtney! 🙂
Julie I Aloha Lovely says
February 11, 2018 at 12:30 amGreat tips, I love keeping it simple. We’ll be on a family vacation during valentines this year, will have to think of a way to incorporate it somehow.
Cathy says
March 23, 2018 at 4:29 pmI think you can still figure out how to celebrate even with the kids in tow on vacation. You can do a dinner with the kids, put them to bed, and have dessert and quiet time after. 🙂
adriana says
February 12, 2018 at 3:17 amGetting creative for a fun day like Valentine’s Day is always the best! Great tips!
Cathy says
March 23, 2018 at 4:29 pmThank you, Adriana! I am so glad that you found it helpful. 🙂
SARAH BELANGER | SINCERELY ANCHORED says
February 12, 2018 at 4:16 pmMY FAVORITE PART IS NO PHONES!!! I’M SO GUILTY OF USING TECHNOLOGY DURING TIMES WHEN MY HUSBAND WANTS TO BE WITH ME. IM LEARNING AT LEAST.
Cathy says
March 23, 2018 at 4:30 pmAmen, Sarah!! I think we can safely say that we all struggle with this. I am so guilty too (especially since my job is so much online!) I’m also definitely trying to be better about it.
Nellwyn says
February 12, 2018 at 4:33 pmI love spending Valentine’s at home since i can’t stand paying the markup restaurant prices and i don’t like crowds. these are all great ideas!
Cathy says
March 23, 2018 at 4:31 pmI feel the same way, Nellwyn! 🙂
Deborah Hunter Kells says
February 12, 2018 at 4:38 pmYes lovely idea – the at home gets it – oh and the reminder to turn off the phones (guilty!) 🙂
Cathy says
March 23, 2018 at 4:31 pmYou’re not the only one, Deborah! 🙂 They can be such a distraction!
Aditi says
February 12, 2018 at 9:56 pmHow wonderful it is to celebrate an occasion with thoughtfulness and loved ones. THese are great tips. hope everyone here has a wonderful time.
Lee says
February 13, 2018 at 2:45 pmThese are all great ideas! I love celebrating Valentine’s Day at home!