The Perfect Valentine’s Date Night In

To be completely honest, we were starting to think that Valentine’s Day was overrated. There is something forced about it. The extravagantly romantic dinners, the over the top gift giving, the expectation that the love you have for another person could be summed up and celebrated in one date...it all just felt rehearsed and impersonal.

And then it hit us - what if we just stayed in? What if we decided to make Valentine’s Day the day where we spend intentional time with our partner? What if we decided to do things that made us feel loved and cared for instead of the things we’re “supposed to do” on Valentine’s Day?

This year, we’re creating our own perfect Valentine’s date night in, and we’re using these 4 things to do it:

Candles

Lighting a candle is the ultimate way to set a mood, from light and romantic to something a little more sultry. We’re choosing a few of our favorite scents this Valentine’s Day and lighting them around our home for a cozy, layered vibe. Then, we’re snuggling up on the couch with a blanket, tucking in to watch our favorite film on Netflix, and hoping we don’t fall asleep before the end.

Vintage glasses

When your typical glassware just won’t do… make the night in with your partner feel a little extra special by using a tinted glass goblet for your wine, or a vintage tumbler for your craft cocktail. Whether you’re dipping into a bottle of your favorite cab sav, or finally trying out that Pinterest recipe for a winter citrus spritz, using a set of glasses that you picked up at your favorite thrift store (or, right here at Dune!) adds a bit of pizazz to an otherwise chill date night.

Bath salts

Bubble baths can feel overly luxurious during a normal week, but on Valentine’s Day they can feel like a romantic treat! Run a bath for you and your partner and use a sprinkling of bath salts (made with clean ingredients of course) to add a soft scent to the water. Finish off with a few dried flower petals for a romance novel-worthy moment and you’re all set to soak!

Handmade and vintage jewelry

Okay, we couldn’t resist including one great gift idea! Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be an excuse for an extravagant present, but purchasing your partner a piece of handmade jewelry can be a meaningful way to show your love. From a pair of stud earrings or a necklace that they can wear every day to a leather watch that you came across in your favorite shop, giving the gift of jewelry is a simple way to make this Valentine’s Day special.

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, we’re just not the over the top type. We’d prefer a night in any day of the week, and we honestly believe that stripping back the layers of expectation and grand gestures can bring you back to your connection with your partner. These are the moments where memories are made - where better to make them than in your own home?