Celebrate Love with the Perfect Valentine’s Day at Home

Love doesn’t make the world go ’round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

Franklin P. Jones, American Journalist

Sunday, February 14th is right around the corner and Cupid’s already sharpening his arrow!

Coming off a busy weekend of Super Bowl festivities, Valentine’s weekend offers the perfect opportunity to chill out and heat up the love you feel for your significant other, the people closest to you, and to even show yourself some love.

Last Valentine’s Day, we could have never imagined the world we live in today. While we’re continually navigating changing times and looking for ways to celebrate as close to normal as possible, safety is always the top priority. 

To spark your imagination (and light your fire), here are some fun and romantic ways to enjoy the day of love, right in the safety and comfort of your own home!

While You Were Sleeping

Start Valentine’s Day off right by waking your loved ones up to a surprise. Plan a hearty breakfast-in-bed, decorate the house with Valentine’s decor, and/or leave them a sneaky love note next to their pillow.

If you want to get even more creative, you could plan a morning scavenger hunt. Leave small clues with a trail to their exciting Valentine’s Day gift, a vase of roses, or the perfect brunch set for two. 

You’ve Got Mail

What’s more romantic than a love letter? A love BOX. This activity is perfect for crafty couples or families looking for some whimsical activities to enjoy together.

Try a Valentine’s Day mailbox craft kit or make your own with old Kleenex boxes or shoeboxes. Have fun coming up with treasures to hide inside, like IOU coupons (perhaps a foot massage or a pledge to do the dishes for a week?). Most importantly, write a letter of appreciation for each member of the family. Then, tuck in some fresh baked heart-shaped cookies, decadent vegan chocolate truffles, or a homemade candy bag that screams, “I Dig You.” 

Waiting to Exhale

Single this Valentine’s Day? Good riddance! Self-love is the best love there is, so let’s toast to your own company with a self-care line-up that will leave your coupled friends jealous.

Start the day with a stop at your favorite coffee shop and a brisk walk in a fun part of town. Pop into the market to grab a fresh eucalyptus branch and the ingredients to make a mouth-watering steak dinner for one.

When you get home, tie the eucalyptus branch around your shower head and take an extra-long shower or bath — candlelit if you like! Listen to something soothing or laugh out loud with an episode of “Why Won’t You Date Me?” Lather on the body butter and get all dressed up . .  . in your favorite pajamas. Listen to more dating humor as you cook your delicious dinner and sip a glass of wine. Finish the night off with a self-love meditation and pat yourself on the back for never, ever settling for less than you deserve!

La La Land

Music is the language of love. If you and your partner used to love going to concerts together pre-Covid, why not bring the show to your living room?

SongKick allows you to experience a virtual concert and rock out with your favorite singer or band. Make a whole night out of it. Move the furniture to make room for a dance floor, get all dressed up, and dance the night away. Don’t forget to keep the fridge stocked with themed cocktails based on your concert of choice. In a Hip-Hop mood? Then you’ll want a Gin and Juice. Or if you’re going for a mellow mood, sip on some red, red wine (like Stolpman Love You Bunches Sangiovese).

Gone With The Wind

Couples and families who are active together stay together. This Valentine’s Day, get “gone with the wind” with an invigorating day of play in the great outdoors!

Get up early, make a healthy breakfast, have a stretch, then head out into nature. Use the AllTrails app to plan a one-hour hike and enjoy the fresh air. Afterward, hit your favorite coffee shop or order to-go, then find a quiet place outside to enjoy your lattes and toast to love!

Want an even more rejuvenating experience? Make the day a tech-free challenge. Turn off your phones all day and spend some quality technology-free time together.  

Midnight in Paris

What is it about the City of Lights that is just so irresistibly romantic? Whether it’s the magic of the flowing Seine or the flowing wine, there’s just something about a moonlit date in Paris.

Well, we may not be able to plan a Parisian getaway to celebrate our love, but we can make our homes feel just as romantic. 

Start by setting the scene. Decorate with roses and candles but keep it simple and chic. Buy a few croissants from your favorite local bakery for breakfast, then dive into a decadent cheese board and French wine for lunch. For the evening, adopt a relaxed Parisian attitude and take it easy. Order takeaway and watch classic French films (or go modern with Amelie or Midnight in Paris) to transport you right to the City of Love. C’est bon!

One Fine Day

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be limited to your close personal relationships; it can also be about spreading the love to your neighborhood and the local community. And since we’ve truly learned how important community is over the past year, let’s use this loving weekend to pay it forward and help make our communities stronger. 

Consider spending the afternoon tidying up a neighbor’s yard, picking up litter in your neighborhood, or volunteering at an organization you support. If volunteer opportunities are limited in your area, gather the family around the computer and pick a virtual volunteer opportunity. You’ll enjoy a day well spent and brighten someone else’s too!

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Love Will Keep Us Together

Oh, the things we do for love! From turning the living room into a concert hall to bringing a Paris café right to your doorstep, there’s no limit to how creative you can be while celebrating Valentine’s Day at home. 

No matter how you choose to spend Valentine’s Day this season, remember this: love is one thing that multiplies when you give it away. Be generous with your love on Valentine’s Day and every day. Tell the people you how you feel about them. Take opportunities to do random acts of kindness whenever possible. Say thank you and show appreciation for the love you receive in kind.

Have a happy, love-filled Valentine’s Day!