CelebratingValentine’s Day at Home: 8 Romantic Ideas

February 7, 2024 by Julia Weaver

The familiar saying goes: “Home is where the heart is.” With thatin mind, why venture elsewhere for Valentine’s Day? While some may hustle fordinner reservations and plan costly getaways, you can unwind and savor aromantic evening in the embrace of your own home.

Whether you’re hosting Valentine’s Day in your home in Minneapolis, MN, an apartment in Des Moines,IA, or turning your cozy abode into a heartwarming retreat in anyother part of the country, the key is to commit to doing something thoughtful –like an online cooking class, a cozy rom-com binges, or turning up thecompetition with games.

For those in search of inspiration, this Redfin article featuressome of the most memorable at-home Valentine’s Day ideas to transform yourstay-in celebration into the most romantic experience of the year. 

1.Prep for the celebration

Get ahead for Valentine’s Day by prepping everything beforehand toensure a seamless celebration without last-minute stress.

Haveeverything set beforehand

Michelle Williams, food blogger of Coffee And Champagne recommends cookingtogether in a curated, thoughtful way, which requires some planning. She says,“There is a fine line between thoughtful and lazy when it comes to a cookingdate, so make sure that there is no mistaking how incredibly romantic you are.First, have your table set before your loved one walks into the room.”

“Put out your dishes, napkins, wine glasses, and candles. Next,make a dessert you know they love ahead of time to show that you’ve alreadytaken the time to make something. After, buy all of the ingredients for yourdinner and have them portioned out — mis-en-place — for an easy tandem cookingprocess. Lastly, buy two great bottles of wine — one to enjoy together whilecooking and the other one should pair well with your dinner,” explainsWilliams.  

Showyour love leading up to Valentine’s Day

Unlike many other holiday celebrations, Valentine’s Day comes andgoes quickly since it’s only one day of festivities. Make the most of theseason by sharing the love a few days before the 14th. 

Lifestyle blogger, Krystals Mind Blog weighs in on this topic. “Valentine’s Day is all aboutsharing love and sometimes the simplest acts can form lasting memories. To makethis year’s Valentine’s Day special, cut out cute, little paper hearts andwrite down what you love about your person on them. Leave the hearts inintentional places where they will see them throughout their day, such as thedashboard of their car, their favorite coffee mug, their hair brush, etc. Dothis leading up to Valentine’s Day to give that person something to lookforward to.”

Decoratewith handmade crafts

For Valentine’s Day, the best heart decorations are the ones youmake by hand. According to Wendy Lattof, Owner of Create & Escape Creative Studio,“One way is to incorporate heart-shaped decor pieces throughout your home, suchas heart-shaped photo frames or a gallery wall adorned with photos of yourloved ones. If you’re feeling crafty, consider creating your love-themed DIYprojects – perhaps a heart-shaped wreath for your front door or a banner forthe living room.”

2.Build an unforgettable bouquet

What would Valentine’s Day be without flowers? Learn how to designa personalized bouquet that suits your needs and your loved one’sdesires. 

Optfor dried florals

“Dried florals have become very popular and the best thing aboutthem is that they can last for years,” explains City Scents Floral &Home. “They can also make a space feel more modern and elegant. Startwith a few tall elements, like pampas grass or branches. Add some texture andcolor, using things like preserved or dyed eucalyptus. Let the setting definethe character of the piece and don’t overthink – have fun with it.”

Choosetwo or three varieties

Make sure to mix it up to add more visual interest to yourcreation. “Adding flowers to your home can make it feel more welcome andinviting,” says Fleur de Lis Florist. “You don’t want to place themdirectly in the sunlight and be sure to refresh the water every other day. Picktwo or three varieties that you like and arrange them in three stem clusters.Use vibrant colors to contrast with neutral decor to make a big impact.”

Pairunexpected colors

Don’t be afraid of colors you wouldn’t expect to see together,like oranges and pinks or deep blues and purples. 

“Any variety or color of flowers will bring life and beauty toyour home and can accentuate any decor, shares Josef Reiter, owner of Botanica Floral Design, a carefully curated floral,plant and lifestyle boutique in Portland, OR. But you can create differentmoods and vibes by the color(s) of flowers you choose. A monochromatic palettebrings a soothing, relaxing vibe while a mix of bright colors will add a touchof fun and energy. There are an infinite number of beautiful color combinationsto create so don’t be afraid to experiment and pair some unexpected colorstogether and see what happens.”

3.Begin the night with a themed cocktail

Indulge in the romantic spirit of Valentine’s Day with adelightful array of themed cocktails crafted to add a touch of love and flavorto your celebration at home.

Agorgeous bubbly cocktail 

What better way to celebrate the giddiness of a love holiday thanwith a bubbly cocktail?

“Valentine’s Day sips are all about bubbly, flowers, and agorgeous garnish,” expresses Carolyn Pascual White, founder of the SocialSipper, a site dedicated to helping others start a career in photography. “Aclassic French 75 made with gin, champagne, lemon and sugar is a great base fora Valentine’s celebration at home. I’m currently loving a Rosé French 75 orthe Bubbly French Blonde –a twist on Taylor Swift’s recent favorite cocktail. Presentation can make yourdrink even more romantic. Try a festive glass, edible flower garnish or mypersonal favorite – a cupids’ arrow garnish madewith heart gummy candy and a toothpick.”

Aboozy strawberry vanilla drink

Strawberries and vanilla create a drink that practically blushes.Here’s how to make one, according to a notable recipe blogger. 

“Homemade strawberry vanilla bean infused vodka is our favorite(and most delicious) way to make just about any Valentine’s Day cocktail extradelicious, shares Lexi, co-founder of the Crowded Kitchen,a vegan and vegetarian recipe blog. “Simply add 1 cup of sliced strawberriesand 1 vanilla bean (sliced in half lengthwise) to a quart-sized jar and top itoff with vodka. Let it sit for at least 3 days or up to a week beforestraining, then enjoy in a simple spritz or another vodka-based cocktail. Ithas the most stunning red hue and it’s a special way to show someone you care.”

4.Cook a romantic dinner

Endless possibilities await when it comes to choosing the cuisinefor your home-cooked meal. Here are a few ideas to spark your culinaryinspiration:

Mexican

A unique twist on mole might be just the trick for a specialValentine’s Day meal. Executive Chef and Founder of Aura Cocina Mexicana, Chef Graciela Montañorecommends the special White Mole, also known as Mole of Love or Wedding Love.“This delicious mole is prepared with almonds, peanuts, pinenuts, white sesameseeds, golden raisins, and other exquisite ingredients. Discover the art ofpreparing this delightful dish in our Authentic Mexican Cooking Experience.”

Mediterranean

Arguably, one of the most romantic types of food is Mediterranean,so why not indulge in something that involves pasta, cheese, or bread for yourspecial day?

 “Make Valentine’s Day most memorable is to dive into the artof cooking together with your loved one, a practice deeply rooted in theMediterranean way of life,” explains Felicia Rajnoch brand manager at Neolea,specializing in Mediterranean food products. “Create your dishes with pure andfresh ingredients, adding a generous sprinkle of love. With your favorite musicplaying, candles casting a warm glow, all that’s left is to savor the moment.Seeking recipe inspiration? Try this amazing focaccia recipe.”

Argentinianand Uruguayan

Spice it up with cuisine from a South American culinarydestination like Argentina or Uraguay. 

“My chimichurri sauce recipe holdsa special place in my heart, particularly for Valentine’s Day, due to itsremarkable versatility and flavor that transforms steak, chicken, or fish intoa romantic, gourmet meal,” shares Jessica Randhawa, creative directorof The Forked Spoon. 

“The vibrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and tangy vinegar inthis chimichurri not only enhances the natural flavors of the meat but alsoadds a touch of elegance to the dining experience. Preparing this easy sauce athome takes five minutes at home allows for a cozy and intimate setting, perfectfor a Valentine’s celebration and my go-to choice for a memorable and flavorfulValentine’s Day dinner.”

Enrollin a cooking class

Elevate your Valentine’s Day celebration by enrolling in a cookingclass together, turning your dinner into a delightful culinary adventure.You’ll grow closer to each other while learning a valuable skill that willcontinue to pay off. 

“We recommend beginning with fresh caprese salad skewers,” saysthe BiteUnite team, offering food classes all across the U.S. “For the main course,savor the tenderness of grilled filet mignon and the delight of asparagusbundles wrapped in prosciutto. Conclude your evening with the sweet decadenceof chocolate fondue served with an assortment of dippables. Enhance theexperience with a choice of classic red wine or the effervescence ofchampagne.”

5.Play games together

Whether you’re celebrating with your significant other, family, ora group of friends, here are some engaging games to play that will have youtalking, laughing, enjoying some friendly competition, and maybe even gettingto know each other a bit better. 

Loveletter

“Whether you’re playing head-to-head with your significant other,or playing with family and friends, game night is an easily overlookedopportunity for memorable quality time,” says Ryan Billingsley, offeringfatherly thoughts at Dad Suggests. “And if you’re looking for a fitting theme,look no further than the modern classic Love Letter – one of our favorite cardgames that works great for kids and adults.”

Onlinegames

“Spice up your Valentine’s Day with a dash of playful competition,shared laughter, and the joy of connecting over cards,” says the team at CardzMania, offering free online games. “Choose classic favorites or explorenew adventures together. Humorous emojis, chill tunes, or a video call fordistant lovebirds can set the mood for an unforgettable game night. So, shufflethe deck, deal the love, and let the games begin.”

Hearts

“Hearts, a classic card game, is an ideal choice for Valentine’sDay due to its symbolic resonance with matters of the heart,” explains PaulDunlop founder and editor-in-chief at Cool Old Games,your destination for everything related to classic games. “In the game, playersaim to avoid capturing certain cards, like the Queen of Spades, mirroring thecareful avoidance of heartache and pain in relationships.” 

Neal Taparia of Hearts.co. alsorecommends the classic game. “You can play with two players, where you tradecards to avoid getting Hearts. The person with the lower score wins. It’s fun,and a great way to spend time with your significant other.”

Boardgames

“Valentine’s Day can be a great time to get together with peopleyou care about,” states Andy Matthews, founder, editor, and event managerat Meeple Mountain, a resource for board gamenews, reviews, lists, and more. “And what better way to spend time togetherthan by playing board games? Team-based party games like Wavelength or GreenTeam Wins let you work together with your mates, and Ca$h ‘nGun$ offers competitive fun. Or, if your evening is one-on-one, thenconsider two-player-only games like Patchwork or TheFox in the Forest. No matter what you play, everyone wins when board gamesare involved.”

Relationship-buildinggames

Not that it’s a competition, but relationship-building games takethe cake on February 14th. “What we love most about playing a game onValentine’s Day — or any date night for that matter — is that it’s more thanjust fun and competitive,” remarks Ryan and Alex Duo Life,guiding couples to fuel their love with fitness, nutrition, andlifestyle. 

“Games are relationship-building tools that improve communication,expression, and just give you an all-around-good-laugh. Plus, studies show thatplaying board games increases oxytocin release, known as the ‘love hormone,’fostering trust and bonds while reducing stress and fear. Our top picks forcouples include Love Lingual and Talk, Flirt, Dare forromance, or Codenames: Duet for cooperative play.”

6.Tap into your creative side

“A Valentine craft kit can transform your home into a haven ofcreativity and love,” explains Craft Kits 2 Go,providing a large variety of craft kits for every occasion. “Crafting withfriends and family allows you to create personalized decorations and themed gifts,infusing your home with sentimental touches and the shared experience enhancesthe intimacy of your home, making it a special place filled with warmth ofhandmade expressions of love.”

Here are some fun crafts you can make together in the spirit oflove:

DIYV-day sign

“Valentine’s Day is a special occasion to celebrate love with yourdear ones, and in our home, crafting is a cherished tradition,” explains Hunter Kouture, a destination for all things crafting. “Oneof the most enjoyable activities I share with my kids is creating a DIY paintkit sign together. The entire process, from designing the sign to bringing itto life, is a source of joy, creating lasting memories that we treasure.”

Candlekit

Mika, owner of Maizen Life, a community for unique personal growth, creative discovery, andzenful reflection shares, “What we love about candle kits is that they’remeaningful gifts that create lasting memories and offer a personalizedexperience.”

Decoratedjar

“If you’re looking for a unique Valentine’s Day gift, rooted inthe history of Saint Valentine, look no further than this DIY decorated jar,”says Nicole Bolin, owner and chief creative officer at Stencil Studios inScottsdale, AZ. “This Valentine’s Day gift is something you can create at homewith only a few simple supplies, including just an empty jar, a folded slip ofpaper, decorative string or twine, paper for the scroll and heart cut-outs, anda paper doily.”

Paintyour own stencil

“There are countless fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day athome. Consider buying a stencil craft kit, curated to engage your kids duringthis loving season,” comments Alison Witt, owner of Create Art, Party In aBox, empowering kids to imagine, create, and explore. “With allsupplies conveniently delivered to your doorstep, it’s a hassle-free option forbusy parents and perfect for sparking creativity in your little ones. Craftingthese kits is pure joy and the final results are adorable. Your kids will beamazed by how cute their creations turn out and will love showing them off.”

DIYheart garland

“Elevate your Galentine’s Day with DIY Heart Garland,”suggests Lindsey, owner of Woodsy Craft Co inOregon. “Gather your friends for a craft-filled celebration and indulge in thejoy of coloring eight unique hearts using vibrant paint markers. Create astunning 6-foot garland adorned with delightful felt balls, utilizing theprovided needle and thread for a personalized touch. Whether adorning yourmantle, doorway, or wreath, the possibilities are limitless for adding a touchof handmade love to your Valentine’s Day festivities.”

Upcycledtable decor

Laura Duris, owner of CraftLab Seattle, specializing in crafted events, emphasizes their passion forusing upcycled materials whenever possible and recommend a craft repurposingwine corks and bottle caps.

“Take a few colors of paper (we used Valentine’s colors for thisone) and create hearts of various sizes and fold them accordion-style from topto bottom. Then Insert a small bamboo skewer through the middle of each heartand spread it out along the length of the skewer. Push the skewer into the topof the wine cork. If your wine cork is a little wobbly, take your bottle capand glue it onto the bottom for a little extra stability. And like that, youhave a super cute upcycled Valentine’s Day craft.”

7.Set the mood with scent

The artful selection of scents can significantly influence themood and ambiance, playing a crucial role in creating a romantic atmosphere,especially on Valentine’s Day. Here are a few scents that can help set themood, depending on what feelings this love holiday conjures up for you. 

Luxurioustropical escape

“The fragrance we’ll use this Valentine’s Day is Retreat while wecook a meal together and watch our favorite movie,” says Jessica Simon of Mississippi Candle Co. “Retreatis a luxurious tropical escape with luscious coconut, sweet pineapple, andtangy orange will whisk you away to a beach paradise. The harmonious notes ofcoumarin and jasmine are balanced by the soft embrace of musk, heliotropin, andvanilla.”

Fruityand uplifting blend

“For Valentine’s Day, Love Potion has certainly captured myheart,” states Caitlin Marsters, of Candeo Candle. “A blend of grapefruit, cherry blossom, apple, and peach —fruity and uplifting with just a touch of spring blossoms to round it out. It’sthe ultimate mood-setter for a romantic bubble bath or a cozy evening spentwith that special someone. Who knows? It might just put a spell on you.”

Warmand inviting notes

A favorite Valentine’s Day scent is Love Potion, says Lisa Coyer,co-founder of Coyer Candle Co. “This is a nice combination offruity mulberry and tart notes. The warm and inviting ribbons of purple and reddyes are swirled together in perfect harmony making this a great gift forsomeone you love.” 

Floraland oceanic notes

Radek Dockal, owner of ScentWick Candles says, “when you think of Valentine’s Day, you think offlowers, and a candle that combines soft floral notes of orchids with oceanicnotes of sea salt, grounded with light musk and amber, is perfect forValentine’s Day.”

Sweetfloral with earthy undertones

“Our favorite fragrance for Valentine’s Day is our blend of rosepetals and lavender in our Love Wish Wax Melts,” shares Tabatha Manuel, ownerof Calming Flames. “This scent combines sweet floral notes ofrose petals intertwined with the earthy undertones of lavender, creating anenchanting fragrance that uplifts your mood and eases your mind. This alluring,yet soothing scent creates a relaxing atmosphere that not only honorsValentine’s Day, but also encourages self-care.”

Sweetand sultry scents

“Our absolute favorite scent for Valentine’s Day is our BlackCherry Merlot,” says Kristen Deweese, owner of Honeydew Candle Company. “The scent provides theperfect romantic ambiance. With sweet and sultry notes of black cherry, brightraspberry and velvety merlot, this scent screams romance and plays well withthe red theme of the day.”

Warmvanilla and light musk blend

To celebrate the season of love, Melanie Harris of Green Koala recommendsthe Cozy Cashmere candle. “This comforting blend of warm vanilla and light muskis sure to create the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening in with yourloved one, or a much-needed night of self-care. Love doesn’t always have tocome wrapped in bows and celebrated with champagne, sometimes a cozy night infor some Netflix and Chill is all we really need.”

Romanceand floral bliss

“Step into a garden of timeless romance with the intoxicatingfragrance of fresh cut roses,” suggests Taja Collection, a home goods store in Miami, FL. “La Vie en Rose is more than just afragrance, it’s a poetic journey through the heart of a rose garden,encapsulating the delicate beauty of the timeless red rose and dew-kissedpetals. Let this captivating scent infuse your surroundings with romance andfloral bliss. Reminder: our fragrances are always non-toxic and free ofphthalates. You can also repurpose your jar when you’re done burning yourcandle and fill with your favorite florals.”

Pear,bergamot and magnolia fragrance

“Our ‘Love Me’ scented candle is our absolute favorite scent whencelebrating Valentine’s Day,” states Nascents. “It is the perfect way to create a sensual atmosphere at home,while enjoying the intimacy of a day all about love.”

Sweetand rich aroma

“Strawberry Cheesecake is the perfect Valentine’s Day scent,”says 4:44 Candles. “The sweet aroma of strawberries blendsperfectly with the richness of cheesecake. This creates a warm and invitingmood for a romantic evening.”

8.End the evening with a homemade dessert

Indulge in something sweet with your sweetheart as the perfectending to your Valentine’s Day. Though a box of chocolates always makes a nicegift, a dessert you have to prepare together feels more romantic. 

Chris Nease, publisher and content creator at Celebrations At Home suggests,“For an exceptionally romantic experience, there’s nothing quite like sharing ameal with your hands over a shared platter, and a dessert fondue withdippers is the perfect fit for Valentine’s Day. The ease of preparing the dipsadds to the charm, creating an interactive experience that intimately bringscouples together.”

CelebrateValentine’s Day at home this year

Food, wine, art and travel blogger Christy Majors sums up celebrating Valentine’s Day athome perfectly. “Whether part of a dynamic duo or embracing a sophisticatedsingle status, Valentine’s Day is a celebration for everyone. Be your own bestvalentine by treating yourself to flowers, a heartfelt card, and a specialhome-cooked dinner – perhaps indulging in King Crab Legs and caviar.” 

Whether coupled, fabulously single, or somewhere in between,relish the luxury of love by falling in love with life all over again –because, after all, home is where the heart is. Our tips for a cozy Valentine’sDay are a good place to start as you start preparing your celebrations.

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