Romantic Valentine’s Day Ideas for a Stay at Home Date
Not everyone who plans a Valentine’s Day stay-at-home date is on a budget. If you are, welcome to the discussion. You can jump into some guilt-free creativity. If you’re not, the sky’s the limit and you’ll still probably save a little cash on the side.
One of the most romantic things a couple can do together is craft some delicious cuisine. Get matching aprons and get cooking! The internet is rife with recipes that will satisfy. If you’re a meat lover or married to one, find a recipe for oven-cooked steaks. You might be surprised to know that some well-known restaurants prepare their steaks in the oven rather than over an open flame, and with fantastic results. Don’t forget to stop into The Spice & Tea Exchange of Gatlinburg, The Pepper Palace or Zi Olive in The Village in Gatlinburg to get everything you need to add that extra “oomph” to your dishes and meats. Think outside the recipe…every good recipe has an inch or two in the margin for personalization.
Some tried-and-true restaurant favorites like shrimp scampi or lasagna can be made any number of ways and with different pastas and sauces tweaked to your taste. When adding side items to an expensive main course, you can, to trim cost, think basic. A pan of roasted asparagus and some wild rice can round out a meat-centered meal and a colorful healthy salad with French bread on the side is all it takes to put a basic lasagna in the elegant zone.
While your meal is in the oven, you can have some real fun decorating and setting your table for two. Light tall, elegant tapers for the center of your table (you can find clear glass holders at thrift or dollar stores). Add in some sparkly heart confetti in red and gold or pink around the center of the tablecloth or table runner, close to your candles. They’ll reflect the candlelight and add to the fun. These are just a couple of nice ideas; your imagination could take you much further! The heart of any great table setting is nice dishes. Break out your china or use the very best dishes you have. If you don’t have anything special, get some shiny gold plastic chargers at a hobby store. None of this is expensive and all of it will pull together a fun table for Valentine’s Day.
Finally, plan a great dessert. If you both like chocolate, of course you should indulge in it on this special day. If you can afford it, buy a chocolate fountain. You’ll be able to use it on other occasions and it will be a really special touch on Valentine’s Day. You can dip strawberries in it and throw the calorie counting out the window for one night! Plan on brewing some delicious coffee from Coffee & Company in The Village to enjoy with your sweets.
While planning your perfect Valentine’s Day stay-in-date, don’t forget to stop in at Gatlin’s Escape Games in The Village for a new board game or puzzle. You might want to cozy up in some pajamas from The Lazy One (also in The Village) as you settle in for some friendly competition or good clean puzzling fun. What a relaxing way to end a beautiful evening!
If games and puzzles aren’t your thing, there is a movie out there in streaming land begging to be seen! Grab some awesome specially-flavored gourmet popcorn from Pop Culture in The Village. It’ll be the perfect addition to whatever flick you choose.
Have fun this Valentine’s Day! If you choose an “at-home” date, remember, you’re still making memories and you definitely should take pictures. Best of all, you’ll skip all traffic, any waiting and all cold weather! Win-win-win!