Now that February is here, it can only mean one thing: the most romantic day of the year will soon be here. But considering parts of the country are still under stay-at-home orders, Valentine’s Day is going to look a little different this year for some couples. Whether you can’t dine out at a restaurant or you prefer a cozy night in, making a romantic dinner at home is the perfect recipe for a successful Valentine’s Day. Make this February 14 stand out from all the rest by showing your better half how much they mean to you with a special Valentine’s Day dinner made from the heart. And besides, doesn’t the saying go, the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach? Read on to learn how to have the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner at home.
See also: The Official WanderEater Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
Set the mood
The key to any romantic evening is the ambiance. That means finding the perfect music. Luckily, Spotify has you covered in the music department as the streaming service has countless public playlists curated with romantic tracks that will surely set the mood.
Mix up a cocktail
You and your partner can channel your inner mixologists by crafting a cocktail together. We recommend trying something new, like a smokey spicy margarita, a refreshing island gin and tonic, or a whiskey-infused cocktail to spice things up. We guarantee one of these drinks will surely impress your loved one and will make you feel like you’re sipping on a cocktail at your favourite bar.
Bond over a bottle of wine
Crack open your favourite bottle of vino — don’t forget to follow the proper wine-pouring etiquette — and get to know each other on a deeper level by asking questions that will bring you closer together.
Craft an unforgettable dinner
You don’t have to have chef-worthy skills to have an incredible Valentine’s Day dinner at home, plus it’ll be a fun way to try something new together. Whip up a meal that neither of you have tried before, like a traditional tagliatelle alla bolognese, because, really, what could be cozier than tucking into a delicious bowl of pasta together?
Order in
Don’t worry if you’re not up for cooking, because this gives you the chance to order in from your favourite restaurant or somewhere you’ve been dying to try. Plus, this is a great way to support local small businesses, because it’s no secret that restaurants have been struggling amid the pandemic.
See also: 11 Toronto Restaurants Serving Up Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home
Indulge on dessert
Nothing is more synonymous with Valentine’s Day than chocolate, and there’s no better way to embrace your inner sweet tooth than by indulging in a chocolate-filled dessert. While a box of chocolates or cake are traditional, we recommend switching things up and enjoying a romantic chocolate fondue. All you need is light and dark chocolate, fresh fruit, and cookies and you’ve got yourself a decadent Valentine’s dessert.
Relax and unwind
After all of that eating and drinking, it’s time to relax, and what better way to do this than with a romantic massage? Grab a bottle of body oil, set the mood with candles, and treat your partner to 30-minutes of bliss. They can thank you by reciprocating the favour.