With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there is still time to create a special and memorable day with your loved one without breaking the bank. We’ve got some simple ideas, centred on our favourite thing – food – that are certain to set you up for a romantic day.
1. Breakfast in Bed
Start with a bang and serve up a delicious breakfast to set the tone for your romantic day. Try fresh juices with pastries or sweet pancakes, which are on trend ahead of Shrove Tuesday next week. If you’re feeling really indulgent you could top your brekkie off with a glass of bubbly decorated with a strawberry to add a touch of glamour to the occasion.
2. Foodie Vouchers
Foodie vouchers are a thoughtful gift that won’t force you to dig deep into your pockets. From the promise of dinner at your loved one’s favourite restaurant or a three course home cooked meal, to a cookery course or supper club membership, how much you spend and how creative you get is up to you!
3.Picnic Perfect
As Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, you’ve got the whole day to impress your other half. Brave the cold and find a romantic spot for a picnic in the park. Wrap up warm and take your favourite foodie treats and maybe some cookies and hot chocolate to share together.
4. Treasured Treats
Whether you’ve bought your loved one a box of chocolates or booked them a romantic weekend away, you can get really creative with how you deliver their gift. Hide clues around the house and set your other half off on a mini treasure hunt to add to the fun of the day. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even conceal clues inside fortune cookies to link with the theme of Chinese New Year ahead of next week.
5. Show Off Your Tackle
If your other half is a rugby fan, they are certain to be glued to the Six Nations this weekend. To incorporate the great game into your Valentine’s plans, why not prepare a taster menu with 6 dishes themed around each of the countries in the tournament. Try serving haggis, steak tartare and tiramisu to name but a few. You could even invite friends along to join in with the fun!
6.Cheeky Cocktail Concoctions
A delicious cocktail can never fail to impress so why not have some fun making up your own cocktail recipes with your loved one this Valentine’s Day. Try using raspberry gin or watermelon liqueur to create tasty tipples and ensure your other half is tickled pink.
7.Moorish Meal Deals
A number of supermarkets are offering great dine in deals that don’t cost the earth but promise a simple and delicious Valentine’s Banquet. From Marks and Spencer to Waitrose, most of these deals include a bottle of fizz and an indulgent dessert. All you need to do is get down to the shops before all of your favourites fly of the shelves, then you can start the cooking, without too much preparation time, and sit back in front of a romantic film.
8.Pizza Love
It was National Pizza Day earlier this week and creating this doughy favourite from scratch is a perfect way to get creative and spend quality time with your loved one. Find a quick and simple recipe for the base, such as that from Jamie Oliver, and then chose your own toppings. If you’re feeling really romantic, you could even shape your pizzas into hearts or write love notes to each other using toppings to spell out the words…we’ll leave you to decide on the messages!
9.Decadent Desserts
Sweet treats are always a great way to show that you care. From brownies and cupcakes to cheesecake and chocolate, if your other half has a sweet tooth, try baking them something extra special this Valentine’s Day. You could even decorate your desserts with a romantic message to add an extra special touch that will also satisfy their sweet tooth.
10.A Day Late, A Buck Short
If you want to leave the hard work to someone else, but don’t want to pay the increased prices many restaurants charge on Valentine’s Day itself, try postponing the day and treating your loved one to dinner one night next week. According to this news article, this thrifty trick is more common than you might think!