5 Ways to Create the Perfect Valentine's Night In

If your planning on spending Valentine’s day at home with your loved one this Saturday then there is no reason that you cannot make it as special and as stylish as a five star hotel. With these 5 little tips and ideas you can create a romantic and elegant setting that will provide an air of passion and refinement within your home.

Surprise!

There is nothing quite like the surprise of a grand romantic gesture or a intimate night in for two so make sure you have a plan to keep your Valentines under wraps from your partner. Send them on a trip to the supermarket for some wine or beer, or perhaps rope a friend or family member in to distract your partner for an hour or two while you decorate the home or prepare a meal. When you’re lucky other half arrives back at the home, leave a note or sign on the front door as a clue to what is inside. If you have a chalk notice board then hang it from your front door with a personalised message; or if you have young children then get them involved to make a valentines poster for their mummy or daddy.  You can even leave a trail of messages around the home that will lead your partner to their valentine’s gift for a fun and romantic treasure hunt.

Decorations

Decorating your house can be a lovely surprise for your loved one this Valentine’s Day and will help create a romantic space for you both to enjoy. Some beautiful floral arrangements in the windows and along a sideboard or console will add a splash of colour to our home and creates visual detail and a gorgeous scent throughout your interior. You do not have to stick to roses; select some arrangements of your partner’s favourite flowers and colours and create a mix and match design, or zoned areas of colour throughout each room of the home. Cushions are also a great way of incorporating a Valentines theme in the home and can be used to decorate the sofa for a cosy area to snuggle up with a romantic film or can be scattered along the bed for a sensual boudoir look. Bunting, wooden shabby chic signs and heart shaped ornaments can also be used along mantelpieces and tables for visual style and appeal.

Relaxation

While it is fortunate that Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, for many people this still means a long day at work with the anticipation of a relaxing night off. Why not make your partner’s return home an enjoyable one by creating a relaxing and romantic bathing area where they can soak away their cares and enjoy an atmospheric and chilled out space. Draw a lovely warm bath and fill it with your partner’s favourite bubble bath, oils or place a pink bath bomb on the side for them to drop in when they are ready. Float some petals or coloured bath lights along the surface of the water for the ultimate romantic look. Shut off the lights and light an array of scented candles around the bath tub with a glass of champagne on the side to partner their bath time. Play some slow romantic music and leave a trail of rose petal from the front door to the bathroom for added finesse.

Gifts

Finding the perfect valentines gift can often be quite stressful. Traditional flowers, teddies and chocolates are always an option but why not be unique with your present this year and purchase a lasting gift that can be displayed in the home for the whole year through. Wall art, signage and stickers are hugely popular this season and can be found across all the high street stores. Wall stickers and quotes are a lovely way of telling your partner how much you love them and can be stuck above the bed or in a dressing room for added glamour and impact. I love the phrases ‘You are my Happily Ever After’ and ‘Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favourite’. You could also purchase a quirky framed gift such as this list of famous couples (right) or a professional canvas painting or framed photo of you and your partner for a truly personalised addition to your home.

Wine and Dine

You don’t have to be a chef to treat your partner to a candlelit dinner for two. With so many fabulous food offers in the supermarkets around Valentine’s Day, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to culinary delights. Whether you are cooking from scratch or with the help of the microwave the key to a successful dinner is in the presentation. Decorate your table with a stylish table cloth (black, white or red work well) and then lay your placemats and coasters opposite one another on the table. Select heart shaped designs, simple slate items or some glitzy sparkled or metallic styles for added glamour. Choose your finest cutlery and a selection of Valentine’s themed crockery or elegant gold plates and glasses for a luxurious table setting. Choose a floral centrepiece (not so big that you cannot see one another) and tie your napkins with a red ribbon and a single rose for a traditional romantic nod. Serve your partners favourite wine or a selection of romantic cocktails that are sure to impress your loved one.

For more ideas on creating a Valentine’s themed home, then take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Valentines