Easy Ideas For Spending Valentines At Home

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by creating a warm, intimate atmosphere right at home? Looking for affordable ideas to create the perfect mood, from easy room styling to some simple menu ideas? As always, we’ve got you covered.

Look, I know it’s just a day, and a commercialised one at that. We all know you don’t need to wait for one specific day of the year to show your special person that you love them. And, if you’re single, it can all be a bit annoying or downright depressing. BUT – hear me out. What if you could make it a luxurious experience that feels special, personal, and meaningful? Even– yes, even – if you’re single. I’ve got my thinking cap on and come up with some fun, easy and budget-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas. Whether you're planning a romantic evening with your partner, a fun Galentine's Day with friends or just want to pamper yourself and feel like royalty, I’ve got you some fab tips on dining table and living room styling, easy menu suggestions and some fun activities for the perfect cosy vibe.

Image credit: Dupe

Valentine’s Dining Table Styling

First things first, let's set the scene with a beautifully styled dining table. Here's how to make it look fab:

Tablecloth and Napkins Go for a soft, elegant tablecloth in a romantic hue like deep red, blush pink, or classic white. Pair it with matching cloth napkins for that extra touch of class. A linen-look table runner can look stunning on a wooden table for that romantic, rustic vibe. Something with a bit of a sheen will look gorgeous on a high gloss or glass dining table.

Centrepiece A stunning centrepiece can make all the difference. Think fresh flowers, a cluster of candles, or a mix of both. Add some greenery for a natural touch. You can create your own tablescape by arranging ornaments along the centre of your table or cheat a it and buy a spring themed garland from somewhere like the Range and add a few candles.

Tableware Bring out your best plates, glasses, and cutlery. If you've got special occasion tableware, now's the time to use it. Gold or silver accents can add a touch of luxury.

Personal Touches Add personalized elements like handwritten place cards or a small gift at each setting. These little details show thoughtfulness and care.

 @mylittlekitchen_93 styles our Atlanta white high-gloss tables

Easy Valentine’s Day Menu Ideas

I am all for getting a takeaway delivered for Valentine’s Day – saves on the cooking! But, if you want to do something a bit fancier, a delicious meal doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some easy and romantic menu ideas:

Starter Start with a light and refreshing salad, like mixed greens with strawberries, goat cheese, and a balsamic glaze.

Main Course Something easy yet elegant like lemon herb chicken with roasted veggies or a creamy pasta with shrimp and garlic will be a good choice.

Dessert End the meal on a sweet note with chocolate-covered strawberries or a classic tiramisu. Both are easy to prepare (or buy in advance – I won’t tell!) and perfect for sharing. You could even do a chocolate fondue to dip strawberries or pretzels into. Don’t melt chocolate in the microwave though, it can burn really easily and turn into a hard, lumpy mess. Instead, boil some water in a saucepan and place your chocolate in a heat-proof bowl that sits over the saucepan (rather than in the water), and stir your chocolate until smooth and dippable.

Drinks Pair your meal with a bottle of your favourite wine or a fun cocktail. A sparkling rosé or a classic martini could be a fun twist. You don’t even have to do alcohol if you don’t fancy it; my favourite mocktail is an Elderflower Fizz.

Afternoon Tea or ‘Cocktails And Cake’ A lovely alternative to a full sit-down meal, an afternoon tea of ‘picky bits’, slices of cakes and sandwiches can go down a treat. This can be a great idea for a Valentine’s kids party or Galentine’s friends celebration. Add in a cocktail making station for something a bit more adult, but non-alcoholic mocktails or a selection of teas work really well too. (psst, a console table or small cabinet makes for an excellent cocktail bar).

Image credit: Dupe

Fun Valentine’s Date Night Activities

Here’s a few fun but affordable ‘Valentine’s at home’ activities, aside from the food and drink I discussed above:

Movie Marathon Choose a selection of your favourite romantic movies or a series you both love. Create a cosy movie-watching area with plenty of blankets and pillows, and lots of popcorn.

Game Night Play board games or card games. Games like Scrabble, Uno, or a fun trivia game can bring out your playful side. These are great for family Valentine’s with the kids, or for a friend’s night too.

DIY Spa Night Pamper each other with a DIY spa night. Set up a relaxing atmosphere with candles, soothing music, and some homemade face masks or massage oils.

Stargazing If the weather permits, take a blanket outside and do some stargazing. It's a peaceful and romantic way to end the evening. Set up a fire pit and some blankets around your garden sofa or outdoor chairs for a snug little spot to toast some marshmallows.

Image credit: Pinterest

Styling Your Living Room For Valentine's

Transform your living room into a cozy and romantic haven with these styling tips:

Lighting Soft, warm lighting is key to creating a romantic mood. Use fairy lights, candles and lamps to achieve the perfect ambiance.

Sofas and Sofa Styling Make your sofa extra inviting with plush throw blankets and an assortment of cushions. Choose soft, luxurious fabrics like velvet or faux fur in romantic colours. Here’s our blog on how to style a sofa like a pro.

Décor Add some romantic touches to your living room decor. Fresh flowers, framed photos of special moments, and a few well-placed candles can make the space feel intimate and special.

Music Create a playlist of your favourite songs to play in the background.

@athome_withsammi shows us how to create a cosy corner in her living room, complete with layered textures and a snuggly throw, with one of our Holden black metal arc floor lamp to create some relaxed and intimate lighting. 

Ideas For Celebrating Galentine's Day

Valentine's Day isn't just for couples—it's also a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the amazing friendships in your life. Galentine's Day, typically celebrated on February 13th, is all about showing love and appreciation for your friends. This is a wonderful way to honour the special friendships in your life and create unforgettable memories with your besties (and it doesn’t need to just be for the girls).

Here are some fun ideas to make your Galentine's celebration special:

Brunch Party Host a brunch with your friends. Serve up delicious treats like pancakes, waffles, and mimosas. Decorate the table with cheerful flowers and fun, festive tableware.

Cocktails And Cake I mentioned this above but it’s worth repeating. You can go as big or small as you like with this. A couple of cans of pre-mixed drinks and some donuts vs something fancier with some colourful macarons and cupcakes – the possibilities are endless

Craft Night Get creative with a craft night. Whether it's making friendship bracelets, painting, flower arranging or scrapbooking, it's a great way to bond and create lasting memories.

Movie Marathon Choose a lineup of your favourite chick flicks or feel-good movies. Create a cosy viewing area with plenty of blankets, pillows, and, of course, popcorn.

Spa Day Pamper yourselves with a DIY spa day. Set up stations for facials, manicures, and pedicures. Light some candles, play relaxing music, and enjoy some quality time together.

Rage Room OK hear me out on this one. But getting a bunch of your mates together and smashing the… ‘poop’ out of stuff to vent all your frustrations might just be the most fun you can have (legally) with a sledgehammer.

@rebeccasglamhome shows off our Palma round pedestal table in beige stone with Milan grey and gold dining chairs with a scrumptious-looking afternoon tea.

If Valentine’s is something you celebrate, I hope it’s an occasion full of love and laughter for you! We’d love to see how you style your Valentine’s At Home, so be sure to tag us on Insta!

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