As winter is drawing nearer and nearer, a lot of us are probably finding the idea of staying in the comfort of our warm homes more and more enticing. If you and your S.O don’t feel like going out but still want to do something exciting, don’t worry—there are ways to spice up your date nights, all within the comfort of your own home! Keep your PJ’s on, and enjoy a relaxing night with your special someone with these fun homemade date night ideas.
Pizza night
Although pizza delivery is a quick, easy option, try making pizza all on your own with your S.O! To keep the food fresh and exciting, go to the market with your S.O and pick out the toppings you want for your pizza, grab some dough or pizza crust, then head home and get to work! If you have dietary needs (anyone else severely lactose intolerant?!), this is especially great because you can make pizza that caters to your restrictions! After the pizza’s done, settle onto the couch with a movie or good TV show. Nothing beats good food and relaxation. Also, don’t be afraid to switch it up and try new things on your pizza! Below, I’ll give you the ingredients to one I’ve been making at home and loving lately.
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower pizza crust (gluten + dairy free, since I’m lactose intolerant and have celiac disease)
- Chicken (cooked)
- Daiya dairy free cheese (mozzarella + pepper jack)
- Banana peppers
- Black olives
- Pepperoni
- Arugula
- Olive Oil
How to:
- Spread cheese on top of pizza crust (desired amount—it’s all up to you!)
- Add chicken, pepperoni, banana peppers, and black olives
- Pop in the oven (cook times will vary, double check the back of pizza crust box or Google!)
- After you take it out of the oven, allow the pizza to cool (most boxes will say the time needed for the pizza to cool down, but 2-3 minutes is usually safe)
- Cut pizza
- Top with arugula (not too much!), and drizzle olive oil (lightly—you can always add more!)
Wine, cheese, + crackers
I love a good appetizer, and a cheese and crackers spread with a good bottle of wine is always decadent. Pick out your favorite kind of cheese, grab a box of crackers, choose a bottle of wine (don’t be afraid to try new ones!), and you’re good to go! Enjoy your food and drink at the dinner table, and eat slowly for a restaurant-like feel. If you want to make it more romantic, light some candles and play classical music lightly in the background!
Tips:
- A bottle of red from Tuscany almost never fails
- Blueberry goat cheese and crackers is a delicious combo
- My current favorite red wine is Piazzo – it’s smooth, full bodied, deep in color, and has a good price point. Check your local liquor store, wine shop, or some online shopping!
Homemade cookie night
I’m a hard-core dessert girl. I seriously love a good dessert; and there is something so cozy about baking with your S.O. I love making cookies (especially from scratch!), and have even more fun doing it with my boyfriend. Of course pre-made cookies are amazing (that cookie dough is even better), but challenging yourself and spending more time baking makes the whole process more personal and enjoyable. (Just make sure you both clean up after, don’t let one person handle the mess on their own!)
Tips:
- While decorating the house or a Christmas tree, make some cookies before you get to work. The aroma will give you holiday vibes, and a positive association with the smell of freshly baked cookies!
- If you’re decorating, enjoy with a glass of Prosecco or champagne (mimosa if it’s morning time!)
Fancy takeout
Don’t feel like cooking or going out but still want some fine dining in your life? No problem! Let me introduce you to the fancy takeout option! Pick your favorite high-end restaurant, order it to go, bring it back home, pair it with some good ambiance and drinks, and you’re good to go!
Tips:
- Order an appetizer along with your meals so you can get the full dining experience inside your home!
- Splurge for dessert if you’re up to it!
- Don’t hold back–make sure you order whatever your heart desires!
- String up some fairy lights for some romantic ambiance, it’ll set the mood for the rest of the night
