If an elaborate and expensive Valentine’s Day isn’t in your budget, you can still enjoy a fine evening in the comforts of your home. And there’s no shame in spending Valentine’s Day at home! Keep reading for my budget-friendly Valentine’s Day (at home) tips and ideas.
Valentine’s Day either conjures up romance or annoyance. Some couples go crazy with flowers, dinner, and special treats. And then there’s the group of people who don’t like retailers telling them how to love on their significant other.
We fall somewhere in between. I don’t mind being reminded by flower shops, restaurants, and greeting card companies that I need to take the time to spend with my honey. Our days, weeks, and months are full with kids activities, careers, and home projects so yes, we do need to be reminded that an occasional date night is necessary for marital bliss.
But that’s where I stop with the craziness. Heading out for Valentine’s Day dinner sounds lovely, but long lines, high prices, and the cost of a babysitter, can keep many of us in for the holiday.
7 Tips for an Extra Special Valentine’s Day at Home
- Unplug from the Outside World. Turn off the phones and any form of social media. Don’t invite or allow your Facebook friends into your date night with your sweetheart.
- Use the Good China. You might have to wash the good china because it sits in a cabinet, unused the other 364 days out of the year, but break out the good china.
- Create a Romantic Ambiance. Create a romantic vibe with a candle lit table and your favorite music playing in the background.
- Dress it up! Wear dressier clothing, instead of your normal ‘lounge at home’ outfit.
- Split the duties. One person can plan the the main course while the other person plans the dessert. And for fun, keep the details a secret.
- Splurge on one key ingredient. If possible, splurge on one key ingredient that you both enjoy, but don’t buy or cook that often. Our splurge will be one pound of Wild Alaskan salmon. It usually runs about $10 a pound, but one pound will feed both me and my husband. (My kids will be okay with chicken.)
- Got Kids? Either include them in the festivities or shuttle them to bed early and move your dinner for two to later in the evening.
Cook A Restaurant Quality Valentine’s Day Meal at Home
Appetizers
- Roasted Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus with fresh vegetables
- 20 Salsa Recipes
- Artichoke & Roasted Garlic Dip at Wonky Wonderful
- Easy Feta Dip at The Girl Who Ate Everything
Main Course
- Garlic & Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin – Serve with mango peach, tomato, strawberry, or apple salsa.
- Grilled Salmon with Mango Peach Salsa
- Roasted Tilapia with Tomatoes & Olives
- Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp
- Pasta with Clams & Fresh Tomatoes
- Cranberry Walnut Acorn Squash Bowls – a delicious vegetarian option
- Easy Lasagna
Side Dishes
Serve your main course with one or more of the following sides
- Roasted Asparagus with Garlic & Parmesan
- Hasselback Potatoes
- Fresh Garden Salad
- Tomato & Cucumber Salad
- Artisan Bread
Dessert (also known as the most important course)
- Chocolate Cheesecake with Blueberry Topping at Family Balance Sheet
- Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies at Family Balance Sheet
- Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Serve Breakfast in Bed to Your Sweetheart
Serve with fruit smoothies or fresh fruit.
What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Will you stay home or go out to dinner? Let us know all about it in the comments.
Wow! this is an awesome resource. I myself planned of making hearty meal at home in celebrating Valentine’s Day. Eating out is never an option anymore especially that we are very much conscious of our expenses nowadays.