Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home

I enjoy dressing up for an elegant Valentine’s dinner out just as much as the next girl, but there’s something special about celebrating the holiday at home. Oftentimes, restaurants are bursting at the seams with customers on holidays, and it’s nice to experience a more intimate setting at home. Not to mention you can actually hear and have a meaningful conversation with your loved one!

You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a special atmosphere and delicious dinner at home. Find a dish that isn’t a part of your regular meal rotation; dress the table and use candles and instrumental music to set the mood. Even go as far as to dress up like you’re going out if you like! Here are a few menu, table setting, and housekeeping ideas to create a meaningful evening with your loved one.

1 – Determine childcare.

I kind of like the idea of hosting a special dinner for the entire family to celebrate love, but if you’re overdue for some one-on-one time with your spouse, find a sitter. As a youth leader, I know there are a number of young people out there with flexible schedules who are looking to make a few extra bucks!

2 – Dress the table.

Clear off the dining room table or find a forgotten area in the house and dress it up for dinner. For instance, my husband and I have a small, two-person patio set we rarely use, so from time to time we like to set it up on our enclosed porch to enjoy a meal. It provides a more intimate setting than our large dining room table . . . but find what works for you! Below is some table decor inspiration:

3 – Set the mood.

Think about what makes a fancy restaurant fancy: there’s music, low lighting, and, often, candles burning on the table. Try to incorporate a handful of these factors into your dinner. Set the evening apart from a normal Tuesday night dinner!

4 – Determine the menu.

Find dinner and dessert recipes that you don’t eat on a regular basis but that are also obtainable. If you’ve never made crème brulee before, this might not be the best time to try it out! You don’t want to end up frustrated or upset if something doesn’t turn out like it should. You could even carry out a handful of items, like steak cooked just the way your spouse likes it or cheesecake from your favorite restaurant. Be careful not to take on too much; find a balance if you’re pressed for time. Valentine’s Day is on a Thursday evening after all! Here are a few recipes you might consider for your menu:

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Do you and your loved one have a special tradition you do year after year? Do you incorporate the whole family, or do you keep it low-key and simply enjoy takeout on the couch together? Let us know in the comments below!