Our series “Celebration Inspiration” is all about bringing you top-notch advice and creative ideas to make the most of life’s special moments. These at-home date ideas come from Sierra Castellano, senior director of merchandising, wine and gourmet food at Harry & David. With a few key tips and some advance planning, you can celebrate Valentine’s Day all weekend long!
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to involve a restaurant dining experience (seriously, who wants to deal with overpriced prix fixe menus?) or an exotic getaway (but we won’t complain if it does). The most important part of the holiday is spending time with the one you love, and that can happen right in your home.
The most important thing you can do to create a memorable weekend filled with spoiling your special someone is thinking ahead. Sierra Castellano, senior director of merchandising, wine and gourmet food at Harry & David, gave us her take on how sweethearts can celebrate all weekend long. Borrowing from her own plans, she told us, “The real key is to plan ahead. Think about the little moments that would surprise and delight your significant other. Focus on things you can do together.”
Here are Castellano’s top tips for planning a meaningful Valentine’s weekend at home.
Friday
Set the mood with dreamy décor
Create a romantic ambiance with items that double as decoration and gifts. A fresh bouquet of roses or your sweetheart’s favorite flowers is not only a thoughtful surprise but can double as a stunning centerpiece.
Create a dessert board for snacking on
Gather your partner’s favorite treats and arrange a dessert board for your first evening in. Grab the chocolate or their favorite candy, or bake their favorite kind of cookies. If they’re more of a savory person, you can also build a charcuterie board with a variety of meats and cheeses.
Watch a rom-com and chill
There’s nothing more relaxing than an evening of cuddling on the couch and watching your favorite romantic flick. Bring the dessert board along, or keep the snack board theme going with a movie night popcorn board.
Saturday
Put away the tech
Rather than getting caught up in social media or catching up on work emails, spend some time going through old family photographs, a wedding album, or photos from your first couple of dates. You can also plan an old-fashioned game night with a deck of cards or your favorite board games.
Arrange a dinner date in
A romantic dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Planning and preparing a simple meal together allows you to spend more time with each other and less time cooking . One dish that requires minimal effort are these slow cooker enchiladas. Or, order a fully prepared gourmet meal and skip the time in the kitchen entirely. Pair the meal with a delicious cocktail or wine, and remember to end dinner on a sweet note with a dessert, such as chocolate lava cake.
“The options for creating an unforgettable romantic Valentine’s Day weekend in the comfort of home are as endless as your imagination,”
Sierra Castellano, senior director of merchandising, wine and gourmet food
Harry & David
Sunday
Cozy up with breakfast in bed
If things went as planned, you’ll be sleeping in. Once you awaken from your slumber, organize a cozy breakfast in bed. Pull together all your favorites into a decadent breakfast board. Or, serve something simple but delicious, such as a French toast bake. You can prepare it the night before and then simply pop it in the oven in the morning.
“The options for creating an unforgettable romantic Valentine’s Day weekend in the comfort of home are as endless as your imagination,” Castellano says.
With a little extra planning, these at-home date ideas can create a cozy and romantic getaway without leaving the house.
