Is the thought of a crowded restaurant on Valentine’s Day a turn-off? Are you longing for a quiet, romantic dinner instead? If so, I have you covered! Let me help you plan a romantic dinner at home this Valentine’s Day.
The hubby and I dread the thought of busy, loud, restaurants on Valentine’s Day. In the past, we have even tried celebrating with dinner on Valentine’s Day eve. However, our most relaxed and romantic dinners have been those at home.
Content Covered Here
Tips for a Romantic Night at Home
Of course, celebrating at home requires some planning to set a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. So, I have a list of tips to help you create an intimate evening:
- Candles
Lots of candles…light them all over the house. - Flowers
For a twist, skip the expensive roses and go with Asiatic Lilies for a soothing floral scent. - Music
How about a song from your wedding? Or choose romantic classic songs, contemporary music, or something that spells romance to you. - A crackling fire
Whether it’s in a fireplace or an outdoor fire pit, let it set the mood. For extra delicious fun, make s’mores! - Something to Sip On
Wine, cocktails, mocktails, or your favorite special drink for the evening. - Stream a Movie
Choose a couple’s flick, like The Notebook, Phantom Thread, Beauty and the Beast, Titanic, or La La Land. - Couple’s Games
Inspire conversation with couples cards or loving challenges. A couple of our favorites are: Our Moments for Couples and Loopy for Couples. - A Romantic Soak
Take a dip in a hot tub or jacuzzi (if you’re lucky enough to have one). Add some scented oils. - Create a Relaxing Atmosphere
This means, you may want to hire a babysitter, or wait until the kids go to bed. - Create a Bedroom Haven
Spray linen spray on clean sheets and light some candles. Set out massage oil for massages, lay out robes. You get the idea!
A Romantic Dinner
Cooking in or Take out?
If cooking doesn’t appeal to you, order take-out from your favorite restaurant. For those of you looking to make a home cooked meal, I have some meal suggestions:
Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Herbs
A chef in Hawaii grilled our shrimp with a variety of fresh herbs and oh my I was hooked! Seafood can be a little bland, but the fresh herbs delivered flavor. And, when you add a little butter, you have another winning 30-minute meal.
Ribeye Steak
This Ribeye Steak recipe is the most perfect and romantic meal that you can have on your Valentine’s dinner at home!
Heart-shaped Pizza
Use my pizza recipe to make a heart shaped pizza! When shaping the pizza, use your finger to pull down the top of the pizza to make the top of the heart and pinch the bottom to a point. Then top them with your favorite pizza toppings!
Pasta with Meat Sauce
Perfect for Valentine’s dinner, this pasta with meat sauce is robust and full of flavor. This is perfect for those pressed for time as you can have it on the table in about 45 minutes.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
NOTE:
For the pasta with meat sauce, buy a ready to eat salad and a loaf of French bread (or my easy homemade French bread) for the sides.
Cut your French loaf in half lengthwise. Spread it with a thick layer of butter and parmesan cheese on top. Broil on low, in the middle of the oven.
Heart Shaped Desserts
Heart Jam Cookies
Heart Jam Cookies is our Valentine’s Day cookie recipe for buttery heart cookies with strawberry jam. This thumbprint recipe is cute and easy!
Valentines Sweet Tarts
Everyone loves these heart-shaped treats for breakfast, as a snack, or as desserts. Make them easily with pre-made pie crust and your favorite jam.
Heart-Shaped Brownies
Make it easy and buy a box of brownie mix. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to make these fun heart-shaped brownies.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Valentines Day, I hope you have a wonderful day.
I realize Valentine’s Day can be a difficult for those who are single. If it is, have a relaxing evening, with a spectacular meal to celebrate YOU. You deserve it!
Until next time!
This post, originally published in February 2019, was updated with additional helpful content in January 2023.
Save This Recipe!
Enter your email below, and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.
Christine says
These ideas look lovely, thank you!?
Renae says
I hope they were helpful!