Valentine’s Day dates out on the town can be exciting, but dealing with overcrowded venues and overpriced menus, not so much. If you love a low-key February 14, you’re not alone. According to Bing, 53% of people prefer to stay home for Valentine’s Day, and the desire to celebrate at home increases as people get older.
Concerned staying in on Cupid’s holiday will be boring? No need to worry. Celebrations don’t have to be extravagant to make loved ones feel special. In fact, the most memorable experiences can happen in the comfort of your home.
To help you avoid stress, save money, and still feel the love, we’ve compiled 14 at-home Valentine’s Day ideas. You’ll find a variety of thoughtful tips covering homemade decorations, easy recipes, and romantic ways to spend time with your significant other. Get ready to be inspired. You just may have your best holiday ever.
Homemade Valentine’s Day Décor
Whether you’re hosting a kids’ party or simply want to decorate your home for the holiday, set a lovey-dovey mood with these Valentine’s decorations you can make yourself.
1. DIY Valentine Wreaths
Greet your guests with a pretty pop of color on your front door. What’s better than one festive wreath? How about a video tutorial for four. The only problem you’ll have is deciding which Valentine’s wreath to make first. Watch how to make these four easy DIY Wreaths by Simply Preet.
2. Lovely Mantel Display
Stage a romantic scene on your fireplace’s focal point with traditional symbols of love. Think red and pink, pillar candles, roses, and jars of candy. You get bonus decorating points for edible décor. Don’t have a mantel? No problem. Decorate a shelf instead.
For inspiration, check out this adorable Valentine mantel and tissue paper heart banner from The Sunny Side Up Blog. This is a super easy Valentine’s Day craft you can do with your kiddos while watching a movie, wearing your pajamas! Bonus tip: Attach the hearts to the ribbon with a strip of double-sided tape.
3. Table Centerpiece You’ll Love
Those cute little heart-shaped conversation candies are a sentimental classic that’ll instantly take you back to elementary school. Here’s a charming, grown-up way to use the candy: Put a smaller vase inside a larger one, fill the space between the two containers with candy hearts, and add fresh flowers to the inside vase. It’s a centerpiece sure to strike up a conversation. Check out this video tutorial for the candy heart valentine bouquet from Smart School House. Plus, she shows you how to make four more fun Valentine crafts!
4. Paper Flower Craft for Cupid’s Day
Remember making tissue flowers back in the 80s for wedding receptions? Modern paper flowers are a fresh take on the inexpensive craft. And since the paper version won’t wilt, they’re the perfect decoration. You’ll definitely want to make an entire bouquet. There are numerous paper flower tutorials online. To get you started, check out this step-by-step guide by Design Everyday Blog that shows you how to make tissue paper flowers.
5. Valentine’s Day Photo Booth
Finally, no gathering would be complete without a few photos to commemorate the occasion. Photo booths are the hottest event trend happening right now and for good reason: They’re a lot of fun! Here are three ideas to make your own Valentine’s Day photo shoot:
Beverages to Get You in the Mood
Of course, wine and romance go hand-in-hand on February 14, but sometimes other drinks are in order. Here’s a kid-friendly pink punch that will thrill all ages and a cocktail for those who want something with a little more kick.
Easy Recipes You Can Make With (or for) Your Sweetheart
Valentine’s Day is the second-busiest day for restaurants in America with 34% of people going out to eat. Instead, cook a homemade meal in your custom kitchen. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive but something you can cook together. Enjoy a romantic dinner for two in your candlelit dining room. Just be sure to save room for dessert.
Valentine’s Day Desserts
What’s a Valentine’s Day celebration without delicious dessert? Here are three sweet recipes that will melt your honey’s heart:
- Pink Velvet Cake
- Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
- Make Your Own Edible Arrangements Gift Basket
Valentine’s Day Movies
If your idea of the ideal date is “Netflix and Chill,” you’re in good company. According to Bing, 72% of those in a relationship said staying in and watching Netflix is one of their favorite date nights. Saint Valentine’s official holiday is a great time to cuddle up and watch a movie about love. Here’s a list of 23 romantic movies. And yes, The Notebook is on this list. Noah: “It wasn’t over. It still isn’t over.” *sigh*
Conclusion
Valentine’s date-nights are notorious for being stressful. But this Valentine’s Day, take a deep breath and relax. You’re home. And it’s not called “Home Sweet Home” for nothing. Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Fine Line Homes.
Fine Line Homes is a custom home builder in Pennsylvania, Southern New York, & the Triad region of North Carolina. Visit www.finelinehomes.com for more information.