The holiday of love falls on a Tuesday this year (sigh). Alex and I are amidst the go-go-go mentality of wedding plans -- we're one month away! And though we enjoy the cheesy undertones of February 14, it's agreed upon that we need an opportunity to simply breathe. We plan to celebrate a pre-wedding staycation at The Stratton House the Saturday evening before. On Valentine's Day, however, we're keeping it low-key and high-quality.
Join us?
Relieve the external pressures of the holiday and keep it cozy at home. Whether you find romance in elaborate cooking methods or crave take-out from a memorable early-stage date spot, sharing a night in privacy will yield newfound appreciation for the only place you can truly call yours.
Here are a few date-night-in concepts that can live beyond the holiday; perhaps they will become a monthly ritual for the two of you.
1. RAMEN + VINYL
Piping hot bowls of miso broth and early spring vegetables (here's a fun at-home recipe) create a sense of coziness and comfort. Use the living room coffee table as your dining platform -- place large throw pillows on the floor for seats, light a few candles, and set the record player on some sultry tunes.
2. BIKES AND BAGELS
After work, take a bike ride around a new or cherished area of town. Look for details you might have never noticed before, like the new modern townhome under construction or the rest area with budding spring tree blooms. Spin back home for a breakfast-for-dinner date. Channel your slow Sunday morning feelings by spreading fresh bagels (pick up that morning!) with lox, cream cheese and a few richer toppings, like avocado.
3. CARAMELIZED SUPPER CLUB
An at-home guide for seasonal suppers, the new platform of Caramelized sends a box of tablescape decor, recipes, and elegant wine pairings to your door every other month. Double up a nice Valentine's dinner by gifting yourselves a subscriptions ($48/box) for future romantic meals at home.
4. SUNSET STROLL + STAYCATION SUBTLETIES
Pour a glass of rosé and walk down the block for a sweet sunset view. Arrive back home in "staycation" mode, which you can easily prepare before dark with the following touches: your favorite local dark chocolate bite on the pillow, a new bath salt and body butter by the tub, and champagne with two flutes on the nightstand. You never had to go anywhere for your getaway!