Skip going out this year! Here are 6 Simple Steps to the Perfect Valentine's Day at Home.
Hello! Hello!
I asked you guys on Instagram last week what your honest opinion of Valentine's day was and it seemed like a lot of you didn't go all out for the big day. It can be expensive, crowded and overwhelming. Honestly, those are the same reasons the Hubs and I have never gone out for Valentine's Day. I think a couple of years in a row we got burritos for take out because he knows that's my all-time favorite food. Yes... for real!! True love at it's finest. haha! Regardless of what you eat, Valentine's Day at home is the way to go.
While I don't like to make a big fuss about Valentine's day, I still love a good cheesy holiday. I feel like there are some really easy ways to make the day feel a bit special without even leaving your house. And honestly, you don't have to spend much money to make that happen. The biggest thing is to really spend time together doing what you love!
With that in mind, I thought I'd help you out with some great ideas for a simple, yet memorable Valentine's Day at Home.
7 Steps to a Perfect Valentine's Day at Home
1. Don't Skip Flowers
Getting flowers on Valentine's Day doesn't have to be a big deal. Since the prices can be marked up, go to your favorite grocery store earlier in the week and pick up a bouquet. It's possible to find options for $20 or less.
No need to spend a bunch of cash on a big arrangement right now when the prices surge. Arrange them yourself in one of thousands of vases you already own. In my opinion fresh flowers are kind of a requirement for Valentine's Day. They set the mood and make the day feel romantic.
If you are single, buy your own flowers. Trust me, it's worth it.
2. Open the bubbly
A nice bottle of champagne, sparkling wine or prosecco (<---Italian bubbly that is often cheaper and just as good!) can go a long way to make your Valentine's Day at home a little more dreamy!
This is another small gesture that makes the day seem special, without that much effort or cost!
3. Cook a new recipe
Eating out on Valentine's Day can be expensive and crowded. I'm all for eating in on Valentine's Day. To make your Valentine's Day at home special, find a new recipe or two that you can cook with your sweetie.
Try this for a pescatarian menu--->
Kale, Strawberry & Goat Cheese Salad
Salmon with Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce
6 Ingredient Healthier Twice Baked Potato
Roasted Lemon Parmesan Broccoli
Try this for a vegetarian/vegan menu--->
Crispy Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Vegetables
Dessert--->
Healthy Valentine's Day Truffles
4 Ingredient Raspberry Greek Yogurt Bites
4. Make DIY Chocolate Covered Strawberries
For dessert, make chocolate covered strawberries!
Ohhhh my goooodddness guys. I just figured out how easy it is to make chocolate covered strawberries at home. These literally took me 10 minutes to make.
The first step is washing and drying your berries. Second, you get a couple of handfuls of good dark chocolate chips and put them in a microwave-safe glass bowl with a flat bottom. Next, you microwave the chocolate in 20-second increments until it's melted... checking and stirring it after each interval. While you are melting the chocolate, lay out a piece of wax paper on your counter.
Once the chocolate is liquid, you grab it by the green stem and twirl it in the chocolate until it's covered. Place it on the wax paper to get hard again!
That's it!!! So simple and a great DIY hack. Is there anything more sweet and romantic as a plate of these?
5. Light Candles
Candles are so romantic! Gather up the candles in your house and start lighting. Some mood lighting can transform your everyday scene into something special.
6. Create a Home Spa
Turn your own bathroom into an at-home spa with more candles, roses and bath salts! What happens next is up to you ;-).
7. Watch a Romantic Movie
After all your Valentine's Day at home fun, sit down and enjoy a romantic movie at home. Going out to the movies is great, but it is much more intimate to actually spend time at home. Just plan ahead and agree on a movie ahead of time so you don't play the "I don't know what do you want to watch?" game. Find something new or maybe even rewatch a movie you saw early on in your relationship. Whatever you pick just make sure to skip your normal Netflix routine and pick out something special. Also, keep the candles lit and enjoy some truly relaxing time together.
However you spend Valentine's Day, I hope yours is amazing!
Your turn!
What are you doing for Valentine's Day?
kimmythevegan says
These are great tips!! I grew up in a family where my dad made a HUGE deal of Valentine's Day, so I'm still trying to adjust to the rest of the world not really getting into it 😉
My hubby did get me a beautiful bouquet though (a few days before, which I totally didn't mind - no use spending extra money for the exact same thing!). And I did try a new recipe... it totally didn't turn out. A bit of a kitchen fail that I was pretty upset about at first, but by the time dessert rolled around (which turned out incredible), I managed to laugh it off 😉
I hope you had a wonderful day with your hubby =)
JulieWunder says
Glad you day was nice. Kitchen fails are the worst... but glad dessert redeemed it!
Miz Helen says
This is a perfect post for Valentine Day! Happy Valentine Day and thanks so much for sharing your awesome talent with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
JulieWunder says
Thanks for stopping by!
RFC says
90 days apart?!?! My husband and I are big babies if we even spend 2 days apart, I can't even imagine!!! We'll probably spend our valentines day on the trail. I told him to spend the flower money on tailwind, haha!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
Thank you for the wonderful ideas! I love the DIY chocolate covered strawberries. I'm looking forward to spending Valentine's Day at home with my husband and 3 1/2 year old daughter. It's going to be the perfect night.
JulieWunder says
Sounds lovely!!! Hope you have a blast!
Kerri Olkjer says
That salad looks amazing, and those strawberries... drool. We don't have a sitter, so definitely staying in this year, lol.
JulieWunder says
Awww! I totally understand!
Melanie Burbage says
I've never done much for Vday except doing things for my kids. I get them stuff and make a special dinner but have never gone out or been treated to vday. ha! These are wonderful ideas!
JulieWunder says
How much fun! Such lovely memories for them!
jill conyers says
Valentine's Day is a total surprise planned by my husband. Surely chocolate will be involved. And a run date. I think.
JulieWunder says
How much fun! I'd love a run date!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Perfect timing! My husband and I always spend Valentines at home to relax, unwind and unplug. I love these suggestions, especially the chocolate covered strawberries. Yummy. A bottle of champagne, a cheese platter, and a movie marathon is perfect for us.
JulieWunder says
Now that's a good night!
Michelle @ Fruition Fitness says
Sounds perfect! Chocolate covered strawberries for sure 🙂
JulieWunder says
Aren't they the best!
Mikki says
Love the home spa idea!! Something both can enjoy!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Mikki! so true!
Edye says
That show looks really great! I totally agree on the whole "not skipping flowers" thing. I'm a huge flower girl and that is a quick way to me heart 🙂
JulieWunder says
Me toooo!!! I'm a sucker for flowers.
Cassandra says
We aren't that big on celebrating Valentine's Day - just exchange cards. But, I do like to cook a nice dinner if it falls on a down day. Weekdays are hard because work + sports = no sit down dinner. I will be making that Farro Acorn Squash recipe sometime soon though!
JulieWunder says
Cards can be so romantic though!! I hope you enjoy the squash!
Jamie@TheMomGene says
You and I are thinking along the EXACT same lines! I've got an article coming out tomorrow in Her View From Home that gives suggestions on "how to date your spouse without leaving the house". We want romance but we've got to be practical too. It's not always easy to jet out the door when you have kids!
JulieWunder says
So lovely!!! I'm sure your version is fab too!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
This sounds like a fun Valentine's Day! I just made chocolate covered strawberries for the first time over the weekend. So good!
JulieWunder says
So simple and good!
amanda -runtothefinish says
It bothers me that roses are so much more expensive at Valentine's, yet I secretly love it every time they show up 🙂 I love staying at home and just really connecting, especially now that we have a fireplace to get cozy!
JulieWunder says
Oh I KNOWWW!!! Lol!! 🙂 The Hubs just showed up with a big bunch of super tall sunflowers-- my fav!
Laura says
Great tips! I would rather stay in than go out any day {introvert all the way}!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
Love Erin! I have one of her workout programs.
VD just happens to be my birthday. For years & years we didn't go out because "it's a hassle". My rule is I don't cook on my birthday. I spend a LOT of time cooking in general -- more than a lot of people, since I don't work. So we have ordered in, occasionally my husband has cooked . . .
But one day I said you know what? Why do OTHER people get to go out on MY birthday? And so now we go out. I know of waffled this year, but now we have reservations at a restaurant close by. Sometimes we just get sushi (my fav). It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive -- although burritos wouldn't do it for me -- just as long as someone else cooks & cleans & serves.
This year it's a bit more than we'd normally spend on dinner out, but I'm worth it. 🙂
As you can see, I kind of feel strongly about that!
Oh yeah, and chocolate covered strawberries -- I do them all the time. So easy. So good!
JulieWunder says
I totally agree!!! You deserve to get what you want on your Birthday AND since it's a double with Valentine's Day... you get double dinner! I wouldn't cook on my Birthday either!
Chrissy says
I'm not big on Valentine's Day and would much rather have the quality time and thoughtful gesture. You've provided some great ideas and tips on how to make the day special right at home.
JulieWunder says
I agree! Thanks so much Chrissy!
abbey sharp says
Spending valentines day in the comfort of your own home with recipes like this sounds perfect to me!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Abbey!
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
im the same way, not a huge fan of going out or anything. i dont know what im doing but i hope flowers and chocolate are involved.
JulieWunder says
It's the simple things!!
Taylor Kiser says
This sounds like a perfect Valentine's Day at home! I'd be totally happy doing this!
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Taylor!
Lindsay Cotter says
Love all of these ideas for Valentine's Day at home! I would much rather do this than deal with all the crowds going out that night.
JulieWunder says
Me too! I dislike a crowd!
Blane Sherer says
Nice ideas.
Hope you enjoy your Valentine's Day.
JulieWunder says
Thanks! You too!
Kalee says
We started doing Valentines' Day at home about 4 years ago, and I absolutely love it! I love being able to be in comfortable clothes, have something yummy in the oven and pop some bubbly or wine like you mentioned!!
JulieWunder says
Yay for cozy clothes!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
These are all such great ideas! We don't really celebrate Valentine's Day, however, we always use it as an excuse to make something a little bit fancy for dinner whilst also enjoying a chocolatey delicious dessert!
JulieWunder says
So true!!! Any excuse for chocolate on a Tuesday is good with me!
Carmy says
DIY strawberries are my favourite because WHY ARE THEY SO EXPENSIVE IN STORE?!
JulieWunder says
I know!!!!!
Jessica @Nutritioulicious says
These are such great ideas Julie! It's these kind of touches that make celebrations special.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jessica!
Jodi @ Create Kids Club says
I think those chocolate covered strawberries will be in my home soon 🙂
JulieWunder says
I hope so too!
Nellwyn says
This is a great list of ideas for a perfect date night at home! I love having champagne at home because it saves money compared to ordering it at a restaurant and makes a seemingly ordinary night a home extra special
JulieWunder says
Totally! So expensive out!
Neely Moldovan says
At home Valentines are the best! Who wants to deal with heels and stuffy restaurant? No thanks!
JulieWunder says
Not meee!
Liz Mays says
I do want to put some extra effort into making our Valentine's Day a lot of fun. This is great advice! I'm liking the concept of Altar’d. It sounds like something we'd watch!
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks so much Liz!
Annmarie says
I'll probably be celebrating at home this year, although I don't usually do too much. Might just have to make those strawberries though 😛
JulieWunder says
You should!!! So good!
Kimberly G says
All great tips! I think there is way too much emphasis on going out on Valentines Day. I find that meals at home are way more personal, and romantic
JulieWunder says
SO true! Much more romantic!
Catherine Sargent says
This looks like it would make for a wonderful evening. We are going to stay home this year and make dinner and watch a movie.
JulieWunder says
Sounds lovely!
Audrey says
What a great idea!! I know with 5 kids it can be hard for us to get out so date nights at home are important to have.
JulieWunder says
I can only imagine!
Sarah says
Such great tips! I can't remember the last time we went out on Valentine's Day.
JulieWunder says
So much easier to stay in!
Emily | EmPowered Nutrition says
I love at home Valentine's Day dates. Less pressure & more relaxing! All these foods look so amazing!!
JulieWunder says
I totally agree! Less pressure too!
Emily says
We usually do something at home for my mom and dad; chocolate dipped strawberries and a fun menu! It sounds like you have the same ideas as we do!
JulieWunder says
Great minds think alike!
Jaime says
I'm planning to stay home with the family on Valentine's Day (my husband and I are going out this weekend.) And I definitely will be buying flowers. 🙂 I really want to see Altar'd - I just checked and I can stream it, which is helpful!!
JulieWunder says
Totally! Hope you have a great day!
Susan Mary Malone says
All of this looks lovely, but you really got me at the chocolate-covered strawberries. Yum!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Susan! They are my fav too!
Patricia @Sweet and Strong says
We love creating a night in for Valentines Day. We usually try to cook something fancier than normal and then enjoy a movie or TV shows together. I agree going out is always a little crazy and I hate how some restaurants only do a pre-fixed menu. And oh that show sounds so cute, I hadn't heard of it. The message behind is so powerful, you truly must love yourself first before you can love anyone else!
JulieWunder says
Oh I know... I'm always like... can I get the REGULAR menu???
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
That looks like the perfect night in! Now to get the hubs on board
JulieWunder says
Good luck!!!
Dan Steadman says
Wife has to work and well things ain't so rosy right now, even though on the 14th will be the 19th anniversary of our first date...we don't have cable so we won't be watching. It'll be me and the boys chilling next Tuesday
JulieWunder says
Sorry to hear that! I hope it gets better.
Paula says
We will probably stay in also! Thats the preference around here! I will however be trying the homemade chocolate covered strawberries ?! Flowers & Bubbly always & it will be our favorite meal.. (not sure of the one yet)! Happy Valentines day to you, the Hubs & the Furry Kids too!
JulieWunder says
Hope you enjoy them and Valentine's Day!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
My friend and I were just talking about if we were going out. And she said that if she went out with her boyfriend it would not be exactly on that day, because one year she went out and they were there for three hours waiting on their food because it was so crazy! She said she'd rather just stay home. And after hearing that and reading your post, sounds like staying in is the ticket. I was wondering when the show came on, I remembered seeing commercials for that. I may have to watch that. Love the concept!
JulieWunder says
Yes! I totally agree. We went out last Friday and I want nothing to do with going out tomorrow!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
We rarely go out--for us, Valentine's day is about enjoying each other's company (and getting a little personal time in!)
JulieWunder says
Exactly! lol!
Mary Beth Jackson says
Great ideas! We always try a new restaurant this year and the reservation this year is Sunday night. We always do a little something special at home- I may have to try these chocolate covered strawberries- they look yummy and something fun to do!
JulieWunder says
I hope you enjoyed the dinner!
Heather @lunging through life says
What a fun idea!aaron and I were just talking about what were gonna do!
JulieWunder says
I hope you guys do something fun!