At-Home Date Night Ideas

You have probably already heard all of the wonderful benefits of having ‘date nights’ with your partner. Not only does it improve communication and strengthen a sense of intimacy, but for many couples, it is also a huge factor in igniting a sexual spark!

Of course, carving out time for a date night can be challenging when life so often gets in the way. Many of us have competing commitments, long work hours, children, or other responsibilities that can feel like a roadblock in making time for our intimate relationships. Especially now, with the ever-changing covid restrictions, there are more reasons than ever why a romantic night out on the town may not be possible. 

But just because you are staying home, doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun night with your person! Sure, dining out at fancy restaurants can be lovely, but the real rewards actually come from simply getting out of your regular routines. When you try something new your dopamine levels are stimulated, which has a ton of benefits, including creating a stronger sense of passion. No need to break the bank account, either!

Stumped on how to make your at-home date night fun and exciting? Here are a few ideas to get you started!

1. Pretend the Electricity is out 

Remember when you were a kid and a storm would knock out the electricity at your house for a little while? There was always something a bit thrilling about being stuck in the dark without any tv or other digital distractions. Everyone in the family huddled together with flashlights and candles, trying to come up with random ways to pass the time!  

Why not turn this into an awesome date night idea? Put away your electronics and make-believe the electricity is out. Light candles, play games, tell each other scary stories… maybe get a little cozy under the blankets… 

Date Night Tips:

• Light the fireplace and make s’mores (an unscented candle also works!)

• Create a smorgasbord of a meal out of just the ingredients in your fridge and eat picnic-style with a blanket on the floor

• Tell scary stories and use a flashlight to add drama

• Build a blanket fort and snuggle up

• Play a guessing game. Give each other random items, have the other person close their eyes and guess what it is by any sense other than sight

2. Turn your bedroom into a fancy hotel room

One of my favourite things ever is escaping to a hotel room for a night with my husband,  to literally just lounge around day and night. Of course, since having kids, a night away has become quite a rare occasion. But hey, with a little prep and imagination you can bring the hotel vibes to your own bedroom for the coziest date night ever!

Date Night Tips:

• Set up your bathroom with the self-care items you like to use, anything from bath bombs, body oils, lotions-whatever!

• Slip into something ‘comfortable’. Think robes and slippers or something a little spicier. Your call!

• Light a few candles, dim the lights and turn on some low-key music

• Mix up a couple of cocktails or set up a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice near the bed. Maybe some chocolate-covered strawberries too!

• Cuddle up and rent a new movie you have been wanting to see

• Order in your favourite food and eat it in bed-highly recommend it!

3. Travel-Inspired Themed Dinner at Home 

There are so many ways that you can make this type of date-night super creative and uniquely meaningful to you and your partner! 

Whether it is inspired by a country you have always wanted to visit or a memorable trip you both went on together, this is a great way to curb wanderlust when you can’t travel. 

Use your destination to inform the menu, and enjoy a meal together. 

Date Night Ideas:

• Italy: Make homemade pizza together. Fresh dough, mozzarella, and homemade sauce *chefs kiss*

• France: Dine on a cheese platter or charcuterie  

• Japan: Learn to make sushi together. 

• Greece: Feast on a dinner of Mediterranean appetizers like Greek salad, olives, feta, hummus, artichoke dip

• Mexico: Set up a make-your-own taco, nachos, or burrito bar. 

The key to making your at-home date night really work is to make sure that you both commit to putting aside a dedicated time to do something special together, without it becoming just an average night around the house.

Do some light planning ahead, put away your phones, and focus on spending some quality time with each other. Just a little effort can go a long way!