After a conversation with my girlfriends at the weekend, it seems like people might be going to make a little bit more effort this year for February 14th. It’s a little bit like marmite - the hopeless romantics go big or go home, whilst the cynics would argue it’s just another way of corporations to make money. Whichever side of the fence you sit on, I’m here for celebrating the small wins at the min and if Valentines is the only date in my diary till Easter then I’m going to mark the occasion.
I’ve put together a couple of cute ideas to break up the groundhog day cycle of lockdown. And this doesn’t just apply if you are in a relationship, I’m talking treating yourself, your girls and even the cat!
Pretty Tablescapes
Set the table, light the candles, pour yourself a glass of wine. How often have you been doing this in lockdown? If it’s every weekend then well done you! I know in our household we are so guilty of seeing eating as a means to an end, especially in the week. And weekends consist of takeaways in front of the tv. Even if it is just you, make an effort to make the table look pretty. It can instantly give you a boost.
These heart plates from Next are perfect for recreating some of this amazing tablescapes above and have been added to my basket.
Next Heart Shape Plates
Home Meal Kits
From Fortnum & Mason’s Champagne breakfast box to an M&S meal deal, there is something to suit every budget for the cook at home experience. If you can, why not support you’re favourite restaurant if they have a meal kit special. I can vouch for Hawksmoor being delicious at home, and of course the M&S menus are always a winner in my eyes. I’m also loving the idea of a afternoon tea if you have kids and want to share it with them (totally stolen from my best friend). This one from local suppliers Silver Apples Bakery look delicious. And if you’re feeling really fancy just go all out and have breakfast, afternoon tea and and evening meal! Why not? Nothing else to do!
Galentine’s Virtual Cocktails
Berry Pomegranate Martini by Cookie Rookie
Google, Pinterest, whatever your search engine of choice is just waiting for you to type Valentine’s Cocktails and distract you for 3-4 hours. There are so many! Why not grab the girls or the boys, get everyone to buy the same ingredients and throw a virtual cocktail party. Yes it’s not the same, but it can still be good for the soul. I’m eyeing up the Berry Martini (dry ice optional).
Treat Yourself
Buy yourself a candle, get the expensive bubble bath out that you got for Christmas but are waiting for a reason to use it. Get a flower subscription that goes on way beyond just one day. Put some bunting or balloons up. Anything that makes you happy. We all need a little love right now and the best love can come from yourself.
