Can you believe January is already over? I know I can’t! I mean, New Year’s Eve felt like yesterday, and now Valentine’s Day is already upon us.
For those of you who did a double-take and immediately pulled up your calendar to check the date, you are not alone!
If you don’t already have plans for Valentine’s Day, or if your perfect plans unfortunately fell through, don’t worry — we’ve got you!
Here are 6 last-minute ideas that you and your partner are sure to love!
Candlelit home picnic
Did you forget to make a reservation for Valentine’s Day, and now everywhere you’d want to go is booked? Or maybe you made a reservation, but then your beloved decided she now hates that restaurant? No worries! You can still make the night memorable by curating an intimate, candlelit picnic.
February is a fickle month. The weather may not permit your picnic to be held outside at their favorite park. But that’s okay! You can set up a cozy, intimate picnic indoors.
The key here is in the presentation.
Step 1: the lighting!
You’ll want to focus on dim, warm light to really set the mood. Ideally, you’ll want to set up a bunch of candles. If you don’t have a lot of candles handy (or are worried about a fire hazard), you can always purchase small, flameless tealights or those starry night projection lights! If you need more light than the candles provide, feel free to hang up some fairy lights, as well.
Step 2: the layout!
Spread out a large, white sheet or blanket on the floor of your living room — or whichever room offers the most space and privacy. Be sure to keep a picnic basket handy, even if you don’t actually use it. To really take your space up a notch, decorate with red rose petals and spray a bit of rose extract! If possible, open the balcony door or nearby window for a fresh breeze, too.
Step 3: the food!
Try to stick with traditional picnic foods to keep the experience authentic. Think sandwiches, salads, and lots of fresh fruit and veggies! Try to incorporate their favorite snacks — and don’t forget dessert! The biggest plus to having your picnic at home is that you don’t have to transport the food very far. Feel free to take advantage by including meltable treats and hot food on your menu.
Try to make this picnic an experience for you and your partner. That means no TV and no phones — no exceptions! Spend some quality time together and enjoy each other’s company.
Bar hop & go dancing!
Leave your weekly worries behind and spend a night out on the town!
If you missed out on that coveted dinner reservation, check to see if that hot new restaurant has a bar! Most restaurants don’t require reservations for their bar seating. The menu may be limited to drinks and appetizers, but many will still allow you to order an entrée. Otherwise, appetizers and snacks will be enough to get you through as you dance the night away!
Make sure to do your research (even if it’s the day of). Clubs or bars with a dance floor may charge a cover because of the holiday, and you’ll want to be prepared. Some may even be offering a special Valentine’s Day theme night, and you might be able to snag last-minute tickets at the door!
Try to find a concentrated downtown area that has a few bars within walking distance. If you have the time, map out a schedule of eligible bars and clubs — just to give you and your partner plenty of options. However, be flexible with where the night takes you! You may find that the first bar you go to has a great vibe, and you end up spending the entire night there!
Always remember to drink responsibly. Either have a DD on standby or be prepared to order an Uber to take you home.
Romantic game night
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “How can you make a game night romantic?”
Well, I’m not talking about lighting some candles while you play a rousing game of Monopoly. (But hey, if that’s your couple style, go for it!) What I mean is playing board and card games that are specifically for couples.
These games are designed to help newer couples get to know each other better and help long-term couples spice up their relationship.
Examples: Fog of Love ♦ Let’s Get Deep ♦ Love Language: The Card Game ♦ Our Moments: Couples Edition ♦ One Word One Answer ♦ ARTAGIA’s Talk, Flirt, Dare ♦ Love Battleship ♦ Loopy: Date Night Box ♦ Monogamy ♦ Drunk in Love: Drinking Game ♦ DateBox’s Jenga
You may have to pay extra for overnight shipping (if you can’t find a game at your local store, that is), but these games are guaranteed to ensure a fun, intimate evening with your partner. You may even find you learn something new about them, even if you’ve been together for years!
Artsy musings
One of the biggest advantages to museums in these last-minute situations is that they hardly ever sell out! There’s always a general admission ticket waiting for those of us who forget to plan ahead or whose plans fell through. You can reserve your same-day tickets ahead of time or buy them at the door to save on any online service fees.
I strongly urge you two to gussy yourselves up and really make a night out of it! You can stop by a bar beforehand for drinks and a quick bite (and to show off your stellar outfits) before getting yourselves lost in magnificent paintings and sculpture.
You can stick with just going to the museum. Or — if you want to kick your date night up a notch — bring the party home and try creating some art yourself!
Hit up your local craft store beforehand to secure some canvases, paints, and brushes. I suggest having everything set up at home before you head for the museum, that way you don’t lose momentum. You can start crafting as soon as you get back! Order some heart-shaped pizzas, pop open a bottle of wine, replace your fancy clothes with sweat pants and art smocks, and get to work.
You and your partner can create your own masterpieces. Give the “Painting Switch Challenge” a shot (where you and your partner switch canvases every five minutes!). This is a great way to collaborate. Who knows what kind of weird, whacky, and beautiful pieces you’ll produce together? You may just create the perfect painting for that bare wall in your apartment!
Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just enjoy yourselves and have fun! The memory will be worth it.
Transport yourself to a romantic getaway
While it may be too late to book a flight to France — you can still transform your home into a beautiful, Parisian oasis!
Find a livestream of the Eiffel Tower online or a YouTube video showcasing its glistening lights. Grab some baguettes from your local bakery and craft your own charcuterie board with specialty meats and cheeses. Make some fresh crepes or ratatouille to two!
If you’d rather be in Italy, make homemade heart-shaped pizzas complete with your favorite toppings, or craft some delicious pasta (homemade if you’re able!). Pick up a bottle of delectable Italian wine and indulge in some mouthwatering tiramisu!
Or, if you’d rather go to Bali, turn on a virtual tour of the beautiful temples from YouTube, sip homemade Ma Le Blue cocktails, and cook up some Balinese chicken satay!
If you really don’t have time to cook dinner, you can always grab take out from your favorite restaurant — but we highly recommend making it yourself. Incorporate cooking together as a wonderful bonding experience, and it will make the night that much more fun! How could you not have a good time with smooth, exotic, mood music serenading you as you work?
Just remember not to take yourselves too seriously and have fun with it. Who knows, themed city dinner-dates may become a new date night staple for you and your partner!
Attend a comedy show
Nothing will bring you and your partner closer together than laughing so hard your stomachs hurt. My boyfriend and I have started attending more amateur shows this year, and we have been loving it!
Plus, most comedy show tickets are relatively cheap — ranging from $15-25, depending on where you go and how far in advance you purchase them. However, they tend to also have a minimum drink or menu purchase requirement. Be sure to read the fine print before you buy.
If you’re too late to secure tickets to your local comedy club, check your local bar or coffee shop for open mic nights! You and your partner can appreciate some undiscovered talent, and you may find yourself enjoying it more than a regular comedy show.
And the best part? Open mic nights are usually free! Just be sure to double check the venue’s website beforehand.
Don’t have a date for Valentine’s Day? Don’t worry! Keep an eye out for our “Let Astrology Plan Your Next Solo Date” mini blog series for some fun ideas on how to celebrate self-love this season, or turn some of these into gal-night or bro-night ideas!