Uh-oh. You woke up this morning with the nagging suspicion that you were forgetting something but couldn't quite place it. Then you glanced at the date and realized this Sunday is Valentine's Day. And you haven't planned anything for your partner.
Don't panic. This holiday doesn't have to be about lavish gifts or Michelin-starred restaurants; it is simply a chance for you to spend some quality time with your sweetheart. With a little bit of creativity and hustle, you can still put together a heartfelt and romantic last-minute Valentine's Day celebration!
3 Sweet & Simple Valentine's Day Date Ideas
1. Candlelit Dinner
Even if you aren't an accomplished cook, it is easy to prepare an elegant, delicious and impressive meal. Browse cookbooks or food blogs to find simple recipes that only use a few high-quality ingredients, such as grilled salmon, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables, or pan-seared steak and Caesar salad. On your way home from work on Valentine's Day, pick up cooking ingredients, a nice bottle of wine, candles for the table and a dessert from your favorite bakery. When your Valentine arrives for dinner, pour her a glass of wine and don't let her lift a finger to help. Enjoy your intimate dinner for two, then do all the dishes and clean-up yourself.
2. Play Time
Why should a Valentine's Day date be serious and stuffy? Let your hair down, have some fun and plan a playful date out on the town. Go ice skating and hold hands while you gracefully glide around the rink (or cling to each other to avoid falling - fun either way!). Play a round of miniature golf to get in touch with your inner kid... then go out for drinks at a hip wine bar for your grown-up side. Get a little culture: look up local museums, art galleries and theaters to see if there are any special events or exhibits going on that night.
3. Movie Night
Set up a movie theater in the comfort of your own home and enjoy a screening of you and your partner's favorite movie(s)! Get all of your favorite snacks, perhaps ordering from one of your favorite local restaurants (support your local businesses!) and enjoy the movie theater experience without actually going to the movie theater.
4. Create a slideshow
Imagine surprising your partner with a thoughtful slideshow of your relationship, taking you down memory lane on all of the places you've gone and experiences you've shared. Instead of watching someone else's movie, you can watch a movie that was made just for you two, by you! As long as you have access to PowerPoint, and all of your favorite photos & videos of you two together, this Valentin surprise is sure to dazzle.
What are your last-minute Valentine's Day date ideas? Share in the comments.