With Valentines just around the corner, it's time to get creative and do something special together at home.
Whatever stage you're at in your relationship, the lockdown will have certainly put some pressure on you both. If you're living together it can be hard to keep the motivation to give each other affection or attention, because you're just trying to deal with yourself. Not having the option of going out to eat, drink or be entertained can also add a layer of monotony to your interactions. Not to mention the pressure of juggling work and childcare. All of these things are understandable and completely normal right now. What's important is that you recognise it, and do something that will reignite the connection between you. If you're living separately, this can be more of a challenge, but thankfully with technology, we're all a little closer than we used to be.
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and we’re all panic-Googling DIY at-home date ideas, so we thought we'd share our (mostly) tried and tested date suggestions with you.
Make the Most of Your Lockdown Valentine’s Day & Beyond
OUTDOOR/INDOOR CINEMA
If you're lucky enough to have outside space, and you love getting cosy outside, then this is perfect for you. If you don't, then inside is good too.
Turning your patio into an outdoor cinema is the perfect way to spend a romantic valentine's at home. If you have a projector, set it up to show your film on a blank wall or on a white sheet hung up, then grab some chairs and blankets and snuggle up! If you haven't got a projector, you can push your TV up against the window or put it outside. But to be honest, invest in a projector. They're cheaper and better than you think, and heaven knows when we'll be able to go to the cinema again, so you'll be so thankful for it. Inside or out. Obviously the weather in February is not great in the UK, so if its raining, move your cinema inside. But don't just treat it like any other night, no phones allowed and make some special snacks!
DIY COCKTAIL CLASS
The only cocktails we've been drinking recently have been made with two sugars and a dash of milk... But once upon a time we all loved a professionally made cocktail at a bar. Well now's the time to recreate those after-work drinks with a cocktail masterclass with your partner.
Mix and Twist have put together a cocktail masterclass in a box, literally everything you need to make lots of delicious drinks at home - plus their group Zoom tutorial will really get you in the mood to party.
IN-HOUSE SPA
Remember Spa's? No, not the corner shop where you get your chocolate fix from. Those places where you used to get facials, manicures, massages - relaxing things! Well they were great, but together you can recreate the joy of the spa with very little expense or effort. For the ladies (and some brave men) maybe start the day with a manicure, pedicure and a relaxing bubble bath. And then order some treatments for you to do together, or simply take turns giving each other a massage. The rest is up to you...!
GAMES NIGHT
Lockdown has made us all future pub quiz champions, thanks to endless Zoom competitions with family and friends... But if you're still in the mood for a bit of friendly rivalry, then break out your favourite board game. Be it snap, chess, scrabble, rummy or Risk, the choice is yours! Or maybe your partner is a video game nut, if so, this is the perfect time to indulge in his/her pastime and join them.
VALENTINES DAY PUB CRAWL, AT HOME
Now hear us out, we haven't gone mad. You did read that right, we are suggesting a tour of your house with a drink in each room, but these are desperate times, and it's better than you think! If you have a few rooms in your home then set a couple up with different themes. For instance, your home office could be your starting point, and you can decorate (or imagine) it's the pub. Play some of your favourite pub songs, exchange some stories and have a drink. Then move onto say, your conservatory for example, dim the lights, put on some jazz music and pretend this is your very local wine bar! Then, if you like being prepared, make dinner early and have it warming in the oven ready for a romantic meal for two at your own private restaurant. Trust us, you'll feel mad for about 5 minutes, and then you'll remember how much fun it is to go out!