Valentine’s day is fast approaching. Which means everything on the high street is covered in hearts and flowers. And frankly, sometimes the pressure to be romantic is too much to bear! Does the thought of finding a babysitter and then paying extortionate prices for lukewarm and mediocre food make you feel cold? Us too! Which is why this Valentine’s day we’re not going out. We’re going to have a romantic night in instead.

Here are our top tips for having a romantic Valentine’s date at home, and the good news is, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune:

1. Dinner for two. How often do you eat dinner with your partner and not the kids? We thought so: we can’t remember either! Which is why dinner for two in the comfort of your own home is the perfect date night. Cook something simple but delicious, light some candles, and pack the kids off to bed! If your little ones are small enough to not tell the time, start their routine early. If they can, set the clocks forward. They’ll never know!

2. The movie night. If you’re not a dab hand in the kitchen, or the thought of slaving away at the stove is not your idea of a good time, then why not try a movie night instead? Choose a film you will both enjoy (this isn’t the time to watch The Sex and The City Movie. Again) and dim the lights. For that authentic movie night experience, fill huge bowls with popcorn and pick ‘n’ mix sweets. Add a bottle of wine and enjoy!

3. Cocktail hour. Want to do something a little more different? Then why not make like James Bond (and the Bond girls of course) and have a cocktail night in your own living room? Stock up on cocktail ingredients, invest in a shaker, and let the good times roll! You can even invent your own cocktails and name then after each other: I can’t think of a more romantic Valentine’s gift!

4. Get crafty. This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you love creating new things and working with your hands then this could be the perfect home-date. From drawing portraits of each other to making your own Valentine’s presents , craft can actually be pretty romantic. And everyone remembers that pottery scene from Ghost. So buy some clay and a pottery wheel and get creative!

5. Have a poker night! Almost every man we know loves playing cards, so a poker night will probably be his idea of a perfect valentine’s date. Especially if you take your clothes off and start playing strip poker. And if all else fails, you can forget about the cards and start baby making!

What will you be doing this Valentine’s day? We’d love to hear your ideas in our chat forums!

Last Modified: 06/02/2012