Fun Valentine’s Day Date Ideas In Lockdown

The season of true love is nearly upon us, but the memories of last year’s fervent celebrations is a distant shadow in time. Gone are the days where we dine Lady & The Tramp style in restaurants, making conversation with happy couples whose passion is clear for all to see. Goodbye to planning romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas, where social distancing was not yet a thing, swept into a world of unadulterated romance.

Instead, we wear masks and eat meals at home, to save our loved ones and protect those who are vunerable. We follow rules in lockdown and create support bubbles, anguished at not being able to see family, friends and even partners. We feel like part of our heart has gone missing, it hurts. But over and over, we pull through together, in hope of a better future, and a brighter tomorrow. We can do this.

How To Mindfully Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Lockdown 

As we enter our third lockdown we muster up all the courage that is in our mental health toolkit. One day, lockdown will be but a distant blip in time, and the day will come when we will reunite with our loved ones once more. We will nourish our mind in our partner’s warm embrace, dreaming of quirky date ideas that will reignite romance and warmth. And what about those of us who are searching for the one?

Zoom dating will be a thing of the past, face to face dates resuming once more with safety in mind, as we try and find our soulmate, our perfect match. But for now, let us work together, and create a Valentine’s Day where safety is our biggest priority. By staying at home we will protect our Grandparents, parents, vunerable adults and children. By following the rules, we will bring peace and prosperity to future generations.

Now more than ever, we need an emblem of hope, a mantra of positivity, and for couples who are seperated during lockdown, time is frozen. I count down the minutes, hours, days, weeks until I can see my partner again, caught up in a world where time stands still. All is frozen here, I break through the calamity of ice, and keep my head above water, struggling not to drown. But I, like other couples have something to look forward to.

Think Outside The Box With Fun Valentine’s Day Date Ideas 

You see despite COVID-19’s best intentions, the truest, most purest form of love still exists, and lockdown or not, our love remains real. No matter the length of time that we are seperated, our love never wavers. Which is why we choose to look forward with positivity, knowing that despite having to spend Valentine’s Day in Lockdown, our love is what is most important. And that is the most comforting thought of all…

So, whether you are isolating with your partner in lockdown, are long distance, in a new relationship or are happily married, don’t let COVID steal away your romance. Instead think outside of the box and do what is right to keep our world safe. Above all know that this is not a permenant present, but a narrative that is everchanging. Your Prince will come, your loved ones will reunite and finding love will get easier.

Which is where my guide to Fun Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Lockdown comes in handy. From creating a romantic getaway at home to watching a Valentine’s Day movie, right through to a romantic breakfast in bed, here are quirky date ideas for couples to try this Valentine’s Day.

Create A Romantic Getaway At Home

Staycations might be out of the question, but who says you can’t create a romantic getaway in the comfort of your very own home? Nothing says a romantic date night in more than spoiling your partner to their dream ‘holiday’, swept away by the Hollywood romance of it all. Whether you love camping, caravanning, coastal staycations or an active excursion, don’t let being at home stop you from getting creative.

For me and my partner, our last staycation was in Margate, Kent, a surprise Birthday excursion, in between lockdowns. It was the perfect getaway close to home, a coastal weekend away in an idyllic seaside town. Eyes closed, I wandered into the dreamiest rustic log cabin, decorated simply, Scandinavian style. We even had our own fireplace, slinging chopped wood and watching it crackle with heady flames.

Imagine my delight, when I found that we not only had a jet spa bath, pulsating with green and blue lights, but also a hot tub, begging to be explored. Our first night was relaxing, enjoying each other’s company in a new territory, a rare pizza and wine night, as we clinked glasses. The air was bitter cold, but love warmed each other’s hearts, laughing as we dipped our toes into bubbling water, content at last.

The second day was activity based, a foray into Margate Town, my Birthday of all days. I could hardly wait. From giddy antics at the Flamingo Arcades, to supping on Pina Coladas, right through to a five course Indian meal, happiness prevailed. And who could forget the Mexican street food and birthday Champagne in the hot tub? It got me thinking, why couldn’t you create the same experience at home?

Welcome To Your Romantic Retreat

Which is where my idea of a romantic weekend at home comes into play. Let’s say that you are planning a special surprise for your loved one who you are isolating with. While it’s hard to plan a surprise for someone you live with, it can be done. For example, you might choose to recreate their favourite holiday at home. In this case, the holiday is a log cabin spa experience, where you’ll recreate the magic that they had on their staycation.

No detail is too small; from using candles to replace the ‘intimate feel’ of the fireplace, to creating a ‘spa-style bath’ let your partner’s worries disspitate away in a cloud of perfume, soapy bubbles and calming incense. To begin with, create a relaxing atmosphere at home, by dimming the lights and putting on ‘meditative music’. Help your partner melt into a world where self-care is the order of the day, served up on a soapy platter.

Welcome them into your ‘ Relaxation Retreat’ with a glass of lightly spiced red wine, heady on the tongue. Inside they will find a crackling vintage fireplace (or candles), complete with a tailored ‘spa treatment’ sheet, an itinerary schedule for the romantic getaway and the fluffiest dressing gown that you could have ever dreamed of. You might choose to start day 1 with less of a plan, luxuriating in each other’s company.

If you have a hot tub, set it up with coloured LED lights in the shape of a heart, while creating a trail of rose petals leading up to the hot tub, with a cup of their favourite tea brewing . You can do the same thing with a bath, by creating a ‘jet spa effect’ with bubble bath, bath bombs and bath salts for the ultimate relaxation package. As far as fun Valentine’s day date ideas go, a staycation is definitely up there.

To up the romance, surprise your partner with thoughtful gifts for Valentine’s day, such as memory books, photo canvases, personalized flowers or even a homemade gift. Complete your Valentine’s day romantic getaway package with love notes, cards and souvenirs from dates past. For the activity, why not treat your partner to a three course candlelight dinner, complete with their favourite cocktail?

Create a restaurant style dinner that Dishoom would be proud of, with Samosa Chaat for a starter, Chana Aloo for a main and Kulfi for dessert. Washed down with a Bombay style Pina Colada, that’ll make all your culinary dreams come true. To tie into the romantic evening in, you can create your own entertainment, by acting out scenes from your favourite movies, having a danceathon or gettin’ down ‘n’ dirty.

Romance is key. That’s why your Valentine’s day date ideas should include wax melts from Cozy Aromas, in a rainbow of colours, scents and themes. Made from natural soy, vegan and cruelty free, each wax melt burns for 100 hours, making it a longer lasting alternative to candles that is just as glorious. But what would be the wax melt to tickle your fancy this Valentine’s Day? From Delicate Petals, to Champagne & Roses and ‘Bakewell Tart’ you would be spoiled for choice. Delicate Petals had a delicate floral accord, with lively top notes of lemon and apple.

As for Champagne & Roses, as the name suggests it balanced the best of both worlds. A lightly floral scent on a base of bubbly champagne notes, it took the couple’s breath away. And who could forget the cheeky Bakewell Tart, with an unmistakable scent of creamy almond, cherry and vanilla? With over 96 scents to choose from, the young lovers basked in the scents of their favourite smells with impish glee.

Other Themed Ideas For A Romantic Getaway at Home:

• A Taste of Italy– sit back and unwind, with a three course authentic Italian meal that Mama would be proud of. Complete with Italian film classics such as ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, ‘To Rome with Love’ and ‘Roman Holiday’. Don’t forget your Aperol Spritz!
• Love Themed Spa Day– from love themed treatments such as a ‘lovin’ scrub’, ‘ I only have pies for you’ ( an eye mask) and ‘Bee Mine’ (honey lotion) to foods such as grapes, strawberries and chocolate to raise your heartbeat, love never looked so freaking romantic.
• Trip Around The World– Travel the world without leaving home, by taking a virtual tour of your favourite museums, walks and step into travel in 2021. Learn a new language together, create a themed travel dinner, inspired by memories together or read travel books.

Go Camping In Your Backyard 

The stars align in a lover’s sweet embrace, a constellation of memories flashing before our eyes. The two lovers sit on dewy grass, the moon hanging heavy in the sky, in luminous accord. They turn and smile wistfully at each other, caught up in the magical mystery of what’s about to happen next. They stake a campout in their backyard, s’mores on the open fire, flames crackling over kindling, igniting passion.

For the young sweethearts might be in lockdown together, but their love has no limits to its creativity, conjuring fantastical Valentine’s day date ideas that will make all their wildest dreams come true. They would set up a tent together, giggling at A’s clumsiness, not a practical bone in her body, bless her. The minutes would turn into hours, the hours into a campathon, as they whittled away time.

There is nothing more romantic than going camping in your backyard, as you bond with your partner under nature’s gaze, creating your very own fort of love. But how do you go about creating a camping trip at home? For me, I am reminded of my gorgeous stay at Home Farm Glamping, a staycation away from London in Borehamwood, where I had my first glamping experience.

From a delicious meal at sunset, watching the day be swallowed by night, to having our very own yurt, complete with a soft bed, minimal furnishings, and a selection of books, this was no ordinary camping experience. Which got me thinking, how could I emulate ‘luxury camping at home’? I would create activities to titilate us until dawn, a camping care package to make us smile and create our own camping menu.

I would set up our tent, with the help of some secret Elves, decorating the outside with ‘love heart lights’ and place a placard that read ‘to the one that I love’ outside the tent’s door. Soft romantic music would croon in the background, while the path to our love nest lit up with multi-coloured lights that would delight my love. It would be a reminder that COVID does not stop us from treating the ones that we love.

I would greet him, with a bashful smile, holding out a ‘camping activity list’ that would bring glamping to our home. There would be flirty camping themed games for couples, such as a ‘flashlight strip tease’, ‘dancing in the dark’ and a ‘dip in the hot tub’, making the most of the time that we had alone together. From roasting vegan marshmallows on the open fire, to taking camping quizzes, who knew camping was this fun?

The activities had only just begun and it was time to set up a private outdoor movie theatre that would make glamping a magical experience. You would download your favourite Valentine’s day movie beforehand, and use a laptop to project a movie onto a white sheet, hanging from a couple of trees. Popcorn at the ready, you snuggled in your DIY hammock, as you laughed and cried shamelessly together.

From taking a night hike, navigating the wildnerness (aka your local park or forest) in the dark, to getting cozy with romantic fireside chats, there is no shortage of romantic Valentine’s day date ideas for you to try. The activities had wiped you out and you felt a pang of hunger, desperate for a sentimental fireside picnic that would satisfy your cravings. There would be a Vegan Chicken and Chickpea Curry, with a side Bombay Potatoes, washed down with a Kingfisher beer, glug, glug. And what about the snacks, crisps, chocolates and vegan sweets too?

Bellies sated, you felt cozy as a cat in langorous slumber, dozing dreamily in each other’s arms. As morning fell, you both yawned satisfied, you had one more trick up your sleeve. There would be a camping care package that you would present your love with, wrapped up in a shiny bow. There would be the practical such as a flashlight, power bank and bottle opener, while a cozy blanket, bottle of wine and snack box gave comfort.

Other Backyard Camping Ideas

• Fireside Beer & Wine Tasting: Make campfires toasty with a private beer or wine tasting in your backyard, going through ‘new and exciting beer and wine launches’ that you have both been dying to try.
• Have A Themed Camping Cooking Challenge: Challenge your partner to a camp out style culinary challenge, where you both must conjure up a starter, main and dessert. For example a starter could be Chilaquiles, a main could be Vegan Enchiladas and dessert could be Banana Bread Pancakes.
• Campfire Stories:  Create a campfire spinner, that you can use to tell stories together. Whether that is sharing your favourite romantic memories together or telling your deepest and darkest secrets, make camping fun again.
• Campfire Games Night: Create your own fun, with a personalised, made for you games night that’ll have you laughing until the cows come home. You could play Ring of Fire, Truth or Dare, or even retro games like a Scavenger Hunt for nostalgic yet romantic fun.

 

Make A Romantic Breakfast In Bed 

Juicy plump strawberries cradled in cream, tart raspberries begging to be eaten. Blueberries waltzing on heart shaped waffles, lightly dusted with icing sugar. For these young lovers relish the taste of fresh fruits on their tongue, sensuous kisses in morning slumber. Tenderly, they rip apart the waffles, still warm from the waffle press, eyeing up the rainbow sprinkle pancakes that are begging to be eaten.

The chocolate oozes in a mouthwatering tease, drooling over fluffy thick pancakes, topped with vibrant vegan marshmallows. And what about the French Toast with a generous dollop of honey, a sugary confection done right? Bubbling prosecco waits jubilantly in the chiller, poured into fancy flute glasses, they toast each other happily. As far as romantic Valentine’s Day date ideas go, this was heaven on a platter.

There is nothing more dreamy than a romantic breakfast in bed, but how on earth do you conjure up such fantastical scenes at home? To start, presentation is key. Decorate your bedroom with red and pink heart shaped balloons, create a heart made up of rose petals on the bed, and put up a classy banner.

To declare your love you might also like to add gift-wrapped presents on the bed, with love notes expressing what you are most excited for this Valentine’s Day. You can even take inspiration from the elegant Corinthia London hotel, who exudes romance.

Put on romantic R’n’B tunes, and take your partner into the room blindfolded, as they gasp at the beauty that lays before them. You give them a pair of vegan silk pyjamas to slip into and a fluffy robe, while you prepare the greatest Valentine’s day breakfast that they have ever tried. From vegan waffles and pancakes, to avocado toast, bring all their favourite brunch classics together in an explosion of taste.

Invest in a beautiful wooden breakfast tray, and add a selection of sweet and savoury dishes to take their fancy. Line the tray with a gorgeous linen placemat, and garnish plates with herbs, flowers and fruits for an incredible finish. Think about what your partner loves too, as sentimental finishing touches will melt their heart. For example, let’s say their favourite cartoon is Final Space.

Not only can you name each Breakfast item after a famous character or scene from Final Space, while presenting your partner with a personalized menu, but you could also leave little mini cards on the breakfast tray, featuring their favourite quotes from the movie. For example, you could have ‘Mooncake’ spiced cookies, Avocato Toast with Gary Tomatoes and a ‘Chookity Doughnut Shake’ to tie into the Final Space theme.

Running with the Final Space theme, you might like to turn your bedroom into a beautifully serene scene from the series. If it was me, I would love there to be a backdrop from the ‘Avenging Avocato’ episode, because I think that is one of the most epic battle scenes known to human kind. While not necessarily romantic, this is an example of themed Valentine’s day date ideas that will blow your mind.

If you want to create a ‘geeky’ yet romantic version of Final Space, get creative by turning your bathroom into a Final Space fantasy. Use Season 2, Episode 7 (The First Times They Met), where Nightfall runs a similation of the day that she ‘met her Gary’ and they fall instantly in love as inspiration. Put a sign outside the door reading ‘The First Time We Met’, and lead your partner into a world of glory.

Have ‘Quinn-tini’s’ ready for your love to slurp on, while a tray of Gary and Quinn cookies lay begging to be eaten. To take the surprise even further, make the cookies yourself, icing I love you ‘Earth Quinn’ and ‘Earth Gary & Quinn Forever & Ever’ on the moreish treats. If you want to be as extra as me, fill the bath with ‘Final Space’ inspired bath bombs, lotions and potions, using the colours green, red and yellow. After all your romantic breakfast in bed, might end up being a fantastic snackathon in the bath, so why not try something new today?

Other Themed Breakfasts 

• Alfresco Breakfast Picnic: Who says you have to stay in bed to eat? Enjoy a couple-bonding picnic on your terrace, balcony or in your garden, and fall in love all over again.Try vegan snacks such as a Vegan BLT, Vegan Sausage Rolls and Rainbow Picnic Pies, washed down with Rose.
• Doughnut Party: Give the novelty factor a go with a doughnut-themed party that involves you dressing up as doughnuts and having a right laugh. Install a Pinterest worthy ring doughnut backdrop for Instagrammable photos and have savoury and sweet doughnut snacks to hand.
• Tropical Garden Party Brunch: Bring the flavours of the Carribean to your Romantic brunch, with palm trees, pineapples and brightly coloured flowers. Put on some beach inspired music and tuck into Pulled Vegan Pork with BBQ slaw and Jerk Vegan Chicken.

Buy A Date Night Box For A Romantic Evening 

Valentine’s day date ideas might take creativity, imagination and a willingness to step outside of the box, but date night boxes can help make date planning that much easier. Which is why I highly reccomend Box 42, a date night subscription box, that allows you to have fun at home without fear of missing out. Because we will be spending Valentine’s day at home, let Box 42 take the hard work out of date planning and give you a helping hand.

With themed boxes such as Tuscan Pottery Date Night, Cozy Campfire Date Night, Funfair Champions Date Night and Zen Revival Date Night, no matter what your cup of tea is, Box 42 has a date night to suit you. Me and my partner’s personal favourite is the Funfair Champions Date Night which allows us to release our competitive side, in a fun, yet flirty environment.

With games such as ‘Set the Scene’, Carnival Kissing Booths and The Funfair Games Championship, as well as funfair approved snacks such as vegan candyfloss and popcorn, bring the spirit of the Funfair directly to your home. All boxes come with an optional two course dinner menu and cocktail recipe, as well as a Spotify Playlist, additional online content and post date suggestions for an irresistible date night.

We whittled away the hours, rousing each other into a state of flirty competition, living our very best funfair life, in our own home. With Vegan Hot Dogs, sandwiched between fluffy buns and saucy corn on the cob, the date night menu came in handy, because it allowed us to create a fantastic pre-made date and give it our own original flair. It allowed me to de-stress and spend more time with my partner, without worrying about planning our date. As I am an event planner, I would work out where we would eat, drink at and what activities we would do.

Speaking of de-stressing, if you are after relaxing Valentine’s day date ideas at home, then the Zen Revival Date Night is guaranteed to reinvigorate your mind, body and relationship the healthy way. Not only can you mix your own face masks, but you can also take part in soap carving, massage mystery and a couple’s zen class, for a calmer, more clearer you. You can also detox your body with refreshing snacks and drinks.

If you want a date night box that will draw upon your creativity, then the Tuscan Pottery Date Night is a sure-fire winner. Enjoy an artistic retreat that will make you feel like you are back in Tuscany, the balmy sun enveloping your skin in a loving caress. Take a trip into the Tuscan countryside and get crafty together as you take a partner’s pottery class, try out Italian themed Pictionairy and enjoy an Italian themed menu.

You could even try out a ‘virtual box’ if you and your partner are not isolating together, or are not able to form a support bubble. The revolutionaries have created a ‘Journey to the Moon’, for a space themed date that you can have at home (or over Zoom). With an astronaut themed dinner menu featuring  ‘Vegan Take (it) Off Tacos’ and a Vegan Molten Core Chocolate Pudding. From activities such as Walking on the Moon, to Building your Rocket and having Cabin Conversation, this free virtual date will be ideal for a quirky Valentine’s Day date.

If you are a couple who loves to travel, then you will adore Let’s Date Crate, a brand new themed date night box that is taking the UK by storm. Get whisked away to a sun-drenched paradise, with their ‘Tropical Staycation Crate’, which allows you to travel from home. Immediately you are transported to a luxury resort, where the sun caresses you in its golden slumber, as you drink creamy Pina Coladas that froth in your mouth.

Escape together on a romantic getaway of a lifetime and create memories during lockdown that you’ll cherish forever. Not only does this ‘immersive’ travel themed date night box come with tropical cocktails, but it also comes with treats such as a delectable strawberry champagne ice cream cone, an online hula lesson, a sand castle kit and even an inflatable palm tree to transport you into your wildest dreams. With over 2 hours of island themed activities, each box also comes with a tropical themed playlist for authentic island vibes.

Other Great Date Night Boxes

• CupidBox (UK)
• Date Night In Box (UK)
• A Year of Dates (UK
• Crated with Love (US)

Take A Virtual Cocktail Class 

Zingy mojitos layered with lime wedges and crushed ice, battling against creamy Pina Coladas, pineapple sweet on the tip of your tongue. Spiced rum, a Kraken of sorts, idly mixing with pineapple Lilt in a tropical infusion, a taste of memorable summers come back to you with an Aperol Spritz. For drinking cocktails is a pleasurable excursion, whether you drink alcohol or not, transcending into a world of fun.

Which is why creating your very own ‘Cocktail Hour’ will turn your Valentine’s Day into one to be remembered, as you try your hand at being a drinks connoisseur. Whether you are isolating with your partner, or are celebrating Valentine’s Day over Zoom, a virtual cocktail class is the perfect way to bond with your partner over a cocktail or two. And if you don’t drink, make your own mocktails together for a great bartending masterclass. But how do you go about taking a virtual cocktail class I hear you ask? Bring the bar to you with these fantastic cocktail class ideas.

Let’s say that you are isolating seperately from your partner. Design My Night has a great selection of mixology masterclasses, cocktail tastings and virtual experiential events that will let you and your partner bond, even if you are miles apart. If you are after a traditional but romantic virtual cocktail date, then you might like to try the Valentine’s Cocktail Making Class, run by Dre Masso.

The 60 minute masterclass will take you through how to make three irresistible cocktails and all guests will receive a cocktail kit which will include all the ingredients, premium spirits, garnishes, mixers and a measuring jigger. To up the romance factor, six handcrafted chocolate truffles are paired with the cocktails from their expert chocolatier partners to share with your loved one.

If you are looking for a quirky cocktail hour, you might like to try Cocktails, Spies & Murder: Questventure Online Escape Game, with interactive puzzles to solve. Work together or race to finish first, in a 90 minute puzzle extraordinaire, that will see whether you have the chops to become a top agent. From deciphering incriminating evidence, to solving alcohol themed puzzles, slurp on a killer cocktail as a couple’s treat.

If you would rather create your own cocktail adventure, then you might like to choose from a wide selection of cocktail deliveries, that include gift sets, interactive experiences and a whole load of boozy fun. Famously fun Speakeasy bars such as Nightjar, Oriole and Swift are now delivering mouthwatering cocktails directly to your door. From Barrel Aged Zombie, available in a Pouch or Bottle format, to a mystery cocktail box and a light Monchito Colada, you are spoilt for choice and can create your very own speakeasy at home.

For gift sets, why not check out NIO Cocktails, for cocktail boxes that have a luxurious, elegant feel. From a Cocktail Kit Travel Bag, for a cocktail bar on the go, to the NIO Cocktails X GQ  Box celebrating Milan, London, New York and Toyko, you won’t be disappointed. If your favourite cocktail is a Mojito like me, then you will be pleased to know that you can buy The Mojito Mini Cocktail Kit from Borough Box, which will teach you how to make this Cuban classic and its modern variation. The kit will make three full sized drinks.

If you want to create a ‘themed cocktail experience at home’ then why not design a ‘Cuban Night’ featuring a menu, playlist and of course delicious cocktails or mocktails. Your cocktails would include a refreshing Mojito, Cuban Mule, Daiquiri and Crema de Vie, served in an appropriate glass of course. Enjoy delicious Cuban delicacies such as a Vegetarian Cuban Picadillo, Vegetarian Pollo Criollo and Cuban Style Black Beans. Listen to Cuban Musicians such as Celia Cruz, Omara Portuondo, Pitbull (has Cuban roots) and Camilla Cabello to get the party started.

Cocktail Subscription Boxes You Should Try: 

• Muddlebox
• Taste Cocktails
• Microbarbox
• The Cocktail Delivery Company

Create A Personal Chef Experience At Home 

Chef whites splattered with vibrant tomato sauce, humming away vivaciously, as they whip up a 4 course tasting menu that is swimming in passion. Candles lit, flickering gently in the kitchen, the smell of authentic Italian cuisine teasing your taste buds.You salivate at the prospect, buratta swimming in a healthy glug of olive oil, basil to garnish, swilling the Chianti Classico, a tart, spicy curvaceous wine that soothes your mind.

For this is no average cooking session; your partner has surprised you with a ‘lockdown edition’ of a ‘personal chef experience at home’, where he, your forever love took it upon himself to treat you like the Princess that you are. You sit back, and bask in the comforting aromas, an Italian special with all your favourite dishes. It reminds you of when you were in Tuscany, back in 2018. Those were the days.

Normally I would suggest hiring your very own personal chef experience at home, but due to lockdown restrictions, imagine your partner’s sheer delight when you tell them that for one night only, you will bring the taste of the good life to them. Whether you create a theme based on your memories shared together, pick their favourite cuisine or turn the dinner date into a experiential dining bonanza, you can feel blessed knowing that you’ve created unique Valentine’s Day date ideas that your partner can’t resist. After all, the way to our heart is through our stomach.

Let’s say that your theme is Tuscany, inspired by a holiday together that you took when you were in the early stages of dating. Recapture that romance with a thoughtful 4 course tasting menu, inspired by your travels. To start with, give the kitchen a (temporary) Tuscan makeover, with a colourful herb basket, filled with rosemary, sage, basil and thyme, to make it feel like you are in Tuscany.

Pop a bottle of red on the table, have a Tuscan snack plate waiting, and put some Italian music on from the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti or mix it up with modern day icons such as Benny Benassi and Fred de Palma. Try snack classics such as Fettunta (local bread drizzled in olive oil and sometimes rubbed in garlic), Salviata ( an oven baked omlette with sage leaves and grated Parmiggiano cheese) and Crostini di cavolo nero ( rustic bread with dark green kale, olive oil and garlic. Want something different? Create colourful burger bites that are bursting with flavour.

You can also have mini nibbles such as juicy plump olives, vegetarian pate crostini’s and arancini’s to sate your appetite, while you are waiting for your 4 course tasting menu to envelop you in unadulterated warmth. For a starter, you might like two small plates: Pappa Al Pomodoro (thick Tuscan bread soup with fresh tomatoes, bread and olive oil) and Buratta with fresh tomatoes, garlic and olive oil.

For the first plate, why not try Potato Gnochhi with Pesto Genovese, Italian dough dumplings mixed with a wickedly rich and fragrant basil pesto, with grated parmesan to finish? Or if you want a simpler Tuscan dish, try the wonderfully comforting Ribolitta. a simple bread soup with antioxidant rich vegetables such as kale, cabbage, carrots, beans and potatoes. And what about the third course I hear you ask, tantalized at the prospect?

For the last savoury dish you have the choice of two options: Polpettone ( a meat loaf, which I’ve veganised here) and Pici all’ Aglione ( a typical folk pasta dish in Tuscany, with tomato, garlic and parsley). For the Polpettone, use vegan ‘pork’ and ‘beef substitutes such as The Unbelievable Alt Beefless Strips and seitan to replace the pork. You can bake or smoke the ‘vegan meatloaf’ to your satisfaction.

For the Pici All’ Aglione, the dish is simple but delicious, which you can pair with Italian grated cheese if you desire. Last but not least, your personal chef will give you the most gorgeous dessert that you could have ever dreamed of, with modifications for your allergies. Tiramisu is of course an Italian dessert classic, usually paired with coffee, marscapone, and sometimes rum or marsala for a velvety finish.

Make a caffeine free alternative, using decaf coffee to replicate the flavour of a traditional Tiramisu. Use the marsala wine to add some boozy flair, or use a non-alcohol alternative if you prefer. If you want something a little lighter, then a selection of gelatos and ice creams should do the trick!To finish, allow your personal chef, aka your partner to feed scoops of dessert into your mouth, to really nail the romantic flair. After dessert you might like the Italian dessert wine ‘Moscato d’Asti, a lightly sweet tipple that’ll honey your dreams.

Personal Chef Experiences At Home In The UK

• Take a Chef
• DineInDuldge
• Y/Hangry

Watch a Valentine’s Day Movie

The two lovers huddle under plush blankets, giggling in their sentimental world, munching on gourmet popcorn that tantalize their senses gloriously. Enraptured, they melt into a universe where romance is a wonderland, exploratory kisses, bursting with anticipation. They turn and smile, almost bashfully, lost in each other’s gaze, as they settle in for a marathon of Valentine’s Day movies.

There would be tears wept during ‘To All the Boys I Loved Before’ and comfort when they watched Love Actually, the epitome of a classic rom-com that could be enjoyed all year round. And who could forget the classic musings of ‘When Harry Met Sally’, a feel good movie that gave the couple shivers in the right places. From modern to new they looked into their crystal ball, choosing 5 movies that would make them smile.

It might sound simple, or perhaps cliche but what could be more blissful than snuggling up on the sofa, binge watching Valentine’s day movie classics? A simple, cost-effective date idea at home that needs very little preparation, this is the perfect way to enjoy celebrating Valentine’s day at home. You could be as extravagant or as simple as you like, creating a ‘lovers snacking’ bag to munch through during the movies.

This can include popcorn, chocolate, sweets and cakes if you are after a ‘classic movie bundle snack bag’, or a healthier alternative can be little mini vegan appetizers, featuring veggies and a dip such as guacamole and salsa, fruit slices and yoghurt, unsalted nuts and homemade popcorn. If you want a themed V Day snack bundle, then choose treats that are red and pink for an authentic date at home.

Drinks can range from soft drinks, to alcoholic, depending on what mood you are in. Retro fanatics might like making their own frozen slushies, a fizzy drink such as tango or a more refreshing beverage like apple juice. For healthier movie drinks, make your own smoothies, juices and cocktails. Cocktails like Mojitos, Sex on the Beach or a G&T also make great movie companions.

You can even go all out and turn your home into a home cinema, by buying a projector which you can watch the movies on and decorating your home with fun Valentine’s day decorations, such as balloons, confetti, streamers and flowers to surprise your loved ones with. But what about the movies? Here are 5 movies that’ll make your date night at home the most romantic, thought-provoking experience.

Love Actually 

A romantic comedy film featuring Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson and Thomas Brodie-Sangster. This heartwarming rom-com follows eight London couples who try to deal with their relationships in different ways. Their tryst with love makes them realize just how complicated relationships can be. Although the film is set at Christmas, Love Actually is a great watch on Valentine’s day too!

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before 

A cult Netflix favourite, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is an American romantic comedy film that will 100% pull at your heartstrings. The film follows the loveable Lara Jean, who writes letters to all her past loves. Until one day, all her love letters are mailed out without her knowing, and she’s confronted by all her crushes head on. Expect twists, turns and all the feels with your boo, as you watch.

When Harry Met Sally 

As far as classic Valentine’s day movies go, When Harry Met Sally is a surefire tearjerker. A chance encounter between two graduates culminates in a short-term friendship. But when fate brings them back together five years later, they are forced to deal with how they feel about each other. Starring Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby, this is a timeless romantic movie to watch.

Crazy, Stupid, Love 

One of my personal favourites, Crazy, Stupid, Love is surprisingly engaging and astute about humans and relationships. Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Julianne Moore and Marissa Tomei, it follows the antics of Cal, a middle aged man whose wife is seeking a divorce. He’s heartbroken but to get over his loss he starts picking up women, following the advice of his new friend Jacob.

10 Things I Hate About You 

A 1999 romantic comedy film, 10 Things I Hate About You is directed by Gil Junger. Starring Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Larissa Oleynik, this teen comedy is a modern retelling of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’. A high-school boy, Cameron, cannot date Bianca until her anti-social older sister, Kat, has a boyfriend. So, Cameron pays a mysterious boy, Patrick, to charm Kat.

What Fun Valentine’s Day Date Ideas Have You Got Planned?

*Disclaimer

Please note I was gifted items for this Valentine’s day date ideas post, and all gifted items are marked with an asterisk. All opinions are my own and are not affected by gifted collaborations.  What quirky Valentine’s day date ideas are you trying out?