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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner & I’ve been thinking a lot about this particular holiday lately. I’m not exactly sure why – maybe it’s because I already have little gifts for the kids? Maybe it’s because it’s just something to look forward to during these long, cold, dark winter days?
Regardless, I’ve been thinking about Valentine’s Day this year. Under “normal” circumstances, Derrick & I try to get out for a dinner date (usually not on Valentine’s Day, but a few days prior) & then we have a special dinner at home with our kiddos on February 14. Sometimes we exchange little gifts & sometimes we don’t – it all kind of depends on the year.
But this year? We’ll likely skip that dinner date out at a restaurant & just cook something special here at home. And with that in mind, I’ve been brainstorming ways to make the day a little extra special. I wanted to share what I’ve come up with!
Create the Right Atmosphere
Valentine’s Day is synonymous with candles & roses, right? Anytime I set the dinner table with candles – the kids know it’s a special occasion. And so, why not go all out? I plan on setting out every candle in my china closet for Valentine’s dinner! Make it super glowy & special! And, if Derrick decides to bring me home some roses as a centerpiece, I wouldn’t be opposed (although, I truly am not a huge “flower person”).
Set out special plates & silverware, pretty glasses, dim the lights to eat by the glow of the candles, and don’t forget the music!
There are tons of “romantic” playlists on Spotify – whether it’s soft jazz, instrumental covers of your favorite love songs, love ballads from the 80’s – you name it & there is a Spotify playlist for it! What speaks to you? Do you want soft & sultry or happy & bouncy?
Can’t find a playlist you absolutely love? One of my favorite things about Spotify is how easy it is to create a list of music curated & personalized by you!
And just in case you need a place to start: here is a peek into my Valentine playlist (which, fun fact: is my oldest Spotify playlist! I added some of these songs back in 2011! In other words: no judgement.)
To Gift or Not To Gift
Valentine’s Day does not have to be about gifts. Especially if you are celebrating at home (and on a budget), simply setting aside some dedicated time to reconnect & be together can be the best gift you give!
Don’t feel like it’s Valentine’s Day without a gift? One of the simplest things you can do is write your loved one a love letter. Whether you buy a special card or simply scratch out a few thoughts on a piece of notebook paper – be sure to tell the other person that you are thankful for them (& be specific as to why!), tell them how much they mean to you, and tell them that you love them.
Love notes aren’t just for significant others – write them to your kids too! They may not be able to read yet, but they’ll still love getting a card!
Speaking of kids: I know there will be A LOT of photos on Instagram of influencers going all out & presenting their kids with massive gifts. (You know what I mean! And they probably make you cringe inside too.)
If you want to go all out & spoil your kids, by all means! Especially if gift-giving is your thing – buy the sparkly tissue paper & create gorgeous Valentine’s Day gifts.
But, if you can’t (or don’t feel the need to), DO NOT feel pressured to “keep up with the Joneses”. For us? We love to give our kids something – but just something little. A piece of chocolate & a toy is what our kids will be getting & they will LOVE it!
The Food
I mean – any reason to make special, delicious, out-of-the-ordinary food is a good reason in my book – and Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to go a little bit beyond “normal” food!
Now, maybe you’re a die-hard “go out to eat in a restaurant” for Valentine’s Day type of person. That’s amazing. Order something delicious & out of the ordinary & enjoy every moment!
If you make the decision to cook-in & eat at home – start thinking about what you want to eat NOW! That way, you can go to the grocery store next week & get everything you need – avoiding the crazy-Saturday rush that you know will happen!
And don’t forget to grab something special to drink!
Not sure what to make? Ask your significant other what they’d like! Steak? Shrimp? Pasta? Maybe ask the kids for inspiration (you might be surprised at what they suggest!)
Further: can you make the food pink & red? What about heart shaped? There are SO many ways to upscale your food, even if it’s just normal, every-day stuff.
Dessert
You didn’t think I was going to lump “dessert” in with “food”, did you? If there ever was a day to go all out with dessert, it’s Valentine’s Day!
What do you really love but rarely have? Homemade cheesecake? Brownies from scratch? Apple pie? Poll whoever you’re cooking for & they are sure to help you come up with ideas!!
And here’s my PRO TIP:
If you are spending Valentine’s Day at home & you have kids – put them to bed first & THEN have dessert.
Kids are great y’all – they seriously are so much fun! But, if your house is anything like my house, it’s downright impossible to have an uninterrupted & complete conversation with them in the room. Either someone is throwing their food on the floor, someone just thought of something that they need to say right now, someone is asking for more drink – the amount of conversations that Derrick & I have started but never finish is astronomical.
SO! If you have kids – have a delightful, fun Valentine’s dinner with them included. Give them their dessert and then ship them off to bed. Once they’re all settled & sleeping – re-light those candles, press play on your Spotify playlist, and enjoy some uninterrupted time to connect with your significant other.
So, there you have it! Just some of the thoughts rolling around my head in regards to the upcoming “love” holiday. Did I miss something? Leave me a comment below – I’d love to hear what you’re planning for Valentin’s Day!
