As fun as going out can be, sometimes you just want to stay at home. Maybe you and your significant other have exhausted all of your favorite places. Maybe you’re trying to save a little extra money. Perhaps it’s freezing and uninviting outside. Or maybe you just simply don’t feel like going out. Whatever the case may be, staying in doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Over the past year my boyfriend and I have spent more date nights at home for various reasons, and we’ve both come to love our homemade date nights. Today I’m going to break down the steps to achieving my personal favorite: the romantic homemade date night.
SET THE MOOD
Ambiance is everything. Environments have the ability to shift our mood without us even realizing it. Light some candles and play music softly in the background. Try classical piano music like Chopin to really set the mood.
ALCOHOL
Wine, Prosecco, and champagne are mine and my boyfriend’s go-to’s for date night. We both equally enjoy all three of those drinks, so we always get two to three bottles to have on deck and choose from. We pick them out together. It’s fun sharing a bottle of wine with your S.O. Pick out a few things you and your S.O can split on date night if you’re into the same things. If not, then make sure you each get something you’ll both enjoy, and also sits well with both of you. The alcohol doesn’t have to be anything that breaks the bank. Scour your local liquor store together and I can guarantee you that you’ll be able to find some great buys for under $20.00
FOOD
The food for your homemade date night doesn’t necessarily have to be an elaborate, fancy concoction. Pick out an appetizer you and your S.O can split, and pick out a dinner the two of you will enjoy. An easy appetizer of cheese and crackers is fun, delicious, and inexpensive. Dinner can be something as simple as steak and rice or bacon cheeseburger pasta casserole. If you really want to make your partner feel special, have one of you cook dinner for the other one. One of you can set the table and help out, or you can enjoy your drink and relax. If you’re not into that, both of you can take the reins and whip up a meal together. Whatever you do, just keep it fun! Also, don’t be afraid to add in a dessert you two can split if you really have a sweet tooth.
MOVIE OR TV SHOW
After you’ve finished your meals, snuggle up together on the couch with a drink and watch a movie together or a TV show. If you can’t agree on what to watch, try to come to a compromise. If you pick something out that night, let your partner pick out the next one. Meet your S.O in the middle. You should try to watch something the two of you can equally get into and invested in. Make sure to speak up! Don’t keep your opinions to yourself and allow yourself to become passive aggressive. If you don’t like something, tell your partner that you’re not into it but you’re willing to watch it with an open mind. They’ll appreciate your honesty, and maybe even decide to switch up their pick.
NO ELECTRONICS
This is probably the most important one. It’s easy to get caught up in posting an Instagram story of your date night, or taking cute selfies with your S.O, but too much time on our phones takes away from the moment. Leave your phone in another room to curve your social media temptations and be present.
ALWAYS GIVE PARTNER YOUR FULL ATTENTION
If you’re at a restaurant, chances are you two are having intimate conversations and giving each other your undivided attention. Being at home shouldn’t be any different. Treat your homemade date night the same way you would a night out. Have good discussions, be patient with one another, and be open to dissecting any different opinions you might have. Being able to talk freely and naturally with one another helps solidly your bond even more. Look forward to giving your partner all of you on your date nights.
