Alternative Ideas for Valentine's Day at Home
The designated day of the year for love is almost upon us, but things will likely look a little different for Valentine's Day 2021. Rather than flocking to restaurants for dinner, mini-golf for romantic competition, or cinemas to watch the latest rom-com, people will likely just be at home.
But it doesn't have to be 'just' being at home! There are plenty of cute and intimate ways to spend Valentine's Day together that'll bring you closer together and show how much you care for each other. Here are just a few ideas to get your imagination fired up, but with a little prep and planning you can make your wildest Valentine's Day dreams come true.
Go on a cooking adventure together
Why not give your cooperative skills a go by trying your hands at a rustling up a new recipe - something that's a little luxurious and fit for your Valentine's meal. You don't need to take it too seriously and the journey can be just as fun as the destination.
Something like making pizza or baking cookies is all about getting your hands a little messy, channeling a more playful energy for your Valentine's plans. You can pick up the ingredients to make your perfect pizza or ideal cookie flavour, resulting in tasty treats which are tailormade for you and your partner. While everything is in the oven, you can take 10 minutes to quickly get dressed up to the nines to devour your meal in style too.
Taking part in a lighthearted activity with a partner is very much in the spirit of Valentine's Day, and by making that activity cooking you'll get something delicious out of it at the end - they do say food you've made yourself always tastes better. Plus, if it all goes a bit pear-shaped then you can have takeaway as a fallback!
Pack up a pretty picnic
If you're lucky enough to have a private outdoor space, why not pick up some tasty finger foods, make some premium triangle sandwiches, and have a cute picnic as a couple. Even though it might be a little chilly out in mid-Feb, you can layer up and grab some blankets to create a warmer atmosphere. If you're lucky enough to have a summerhouse or snug then this is a great excuse to make use of it!
Having a Valentine's picnic is a great excuse to splash out and grab all your favourite bits and pieces - sausage rolls, snazzy crisps, mini cakes and more. This is an opportunity to pick up your partner's guilty pleasure foods and spend a little more than you might normally since you're not paying restaurant prices.
But there's also the option to still grab restaurant takeaways, as many venues are offering Valentine's meal kits which would be perfect for dining al fresco. If the weather takes a turn then why not pop a blanket down in the living room for a similar vibe?
A little tipple tasting
For a more merry evening in together, there are plenty of wine tasting kits and beer cases which can bring the experience of a brewery or vineyard tour into your own living room. While going abroad is currently off the cards, this is one of the ways you can bring an element of an overseas Valentine's holidays directly into your living room.
There are plenty of online wine tasting options available as business has transitioned to offer an entirely remote experience you can enjoy from the comfort of your own sofa. Many will send along detailed tasting notes via special cards or a video from a wine expert who'll explain the nuances of each individual wine.
The same goes for beer sampling crates, with options to select beers from all over the world and have them delivered directly to your doorstep. From classic Belgian beers and fruity New Zealand pale ales, to sweet Sauvignon Blanc's and rich Spanish Shiraz, you can find the tipples that suit your tastes and take your tastebuds on a trip around the world.
Painting by numbers
Valentine's can be a great chance to let your creativity shine in order to wow and impress your partner with some out-of-the-box Valentine's plans. But why stop there? Why not let your inner artists flow by picking up some paints and suitable canvases to express yourselves with.
You can go a little freeform with it and paint whatever takes your fancy, or you could follow an instructional video like the ones by the iconic Bob Ross to try your hand at a gorgeous landscape piece. Anything goes with this and it could be a great one to pair with the wine or beer tasting if you fancy getting a little creative after a drink or two.
Sharing your art with someone else can involve allowing yourself to be vulnerable with someone else, but painting with each other can give you a chance to be a little silly and playful. It's doubtful that anyone would expect a Picasso-level piece from this process, but it can give you something tangible as a memory of your lockdown Valentine's day.
The ultimate at-home spa experience
Valentine's doesn't always have to be about doing something that requires energy and effort. We spend enough of our time being busy and keeping up with the thing's life throws our way, so you can always take this opportunity of Valentine's day at home to relax and unwind instead.
Turn the lights down low, maybe light some candles and find something easy to pop on the television in the background. From there, you can embark on an evening of self-care - face masks, hand massages, a bath complete with bath bombs.
Make your home spa treatments really address the things you and your partner need. This is a great opportunity to help each other remove the stress that comes with everyday life and tackle it together. Giving each other the gift of stress relief can go a long way and will hopefully see you both have the most restful sleep you've had in a long while.
Sometimes Valentine's Day also leads to conversations about the future and what it might hold for the two of you. Maybe buying your first home is on the cards in your not-to-distant future? If so, then Berkeley Group can provide you with some fantastic first homes in London or the surrounding areas. You can find all our available properties here or the upcoming property developments due to release in late 2021 and onwards here.