Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I’ve been reflecting on what it is that I think really makes a great celebration of love for me. I like to think that I am pretty down to earth when it comes to romantic gestures and I am not expecting to be whisked away for a romantic weekend break (particularly as I am currently expecting a baby in early March!) however, some simple touches would really make my night special.
When I was younger and lived in London I might have said my ideal Valentine’s night out would be out for a fancy meal at a restaurant and then onto cocktails and a show. However, my tastes are somewhat more relaxed these days being a bit older (and more tired!) and my idea of the perfect Valentine’s evening would be curled up on the sofa at home under a cosy blanket with my fiancé, watching a good movie.
Atmosphere
When it comes to having a romantic evening at home atmosphere is everything! Get the lights down low and light some delicious-smelling candles for maximum impact. I am a Yankee candle junkie and right now have a whole Yankee advent calendar’s worth of tealights lined up ready to burn! Candles produce a lovely glow which can really make an evening special. Don’t forget to make a comfy seating area; grab some cushions and a fluffy blanket to snuggle under and we have a fantastic biofuel fire which I will light to enjoy some cosy warmth.
Food & Drink
I think Valentine’s night is a great time to have a tapas style dinner with a selection of small dishes which you can share and feed to each other for added romance. You can either make your own from scratch with help from some great recipes or simply grab some platters from your supermarket. You can’t do Valentine’s Day without bubbly and chocolates – although as I am currently pregnant I am strictly on the non-alcoholic bubbles! Make sure to break out the good china and some sexy champagne flutes to add some extra sparkle to the evening.
The Gift
I am the kind of woman who only wears a few pieces of jewellery every day, bringing out some other more impressive pieces once in a while to go to a special occasion, so jewellery isn’t really the best gift for me as I tend to stick to my usual items and don’t wear other pieces often. I do have a small selection of make-up which I like to wear on special occasions, so something new like this Borboleta lash serum might make a good gift.
I do love flowers, but often feel sad when they eventually die. In the last year or so I have started enjoying more and more gardening, so this year I think I would prefer some rose plants for my garden to cut roses, so I can enjoy watching them grow and admire the blooms for longer!
Otherwise, the best thing to get me for Valentine’s Day would be perfume as I rarely buy myself any due to the expense. My favourite perfumer is Fragonard in the town of Grasse in France and ever since visiting them in 2012 all my favourite fragrances have come from them. Their flower of the year for 2023 is Narcisse – a fragrance as light as air, full of idyllic beauty and extremely romantic, perfect for Valentine’s Day!
What is on your Valentine’s Day wishlist?
