Believe it or not, staying in for a date night can be just as fun as going out. With a little bit of effort, you can transform your home. Want a tropical oasis, a movie theater, or a classy restaurant? No problem. With these tips and tricks, we’ll help you move past the fear of missing out to fully embrace the joy of staying in.
Why Stay in?
Introverts already know the perks of staying at home. Embracing the indoors is a great way to save money, enjoy quality time with our loved ones, and experiment with calming hobbies. From do-it-yourself wine and cheese nights to curling up on the sofa with a favorite movie, date nights at home are where it’s at.
Plus, staying at home can be incredibly restorative for busy people who are always on the go. It can be easy to get caught up with the stress of life and work so much that we take our homes for granted. They can seem more like places where we sleep, eat, and catch up on work, instead of homes we love. Slowing down and taking time to appreciate our homes can be a game changer.
Enjoy a Movie Night
At-home movie nights are incredibly fun and easy—the exact right kind of date if you want to wind down after a busy week. Stock up with the kinds of candy and soda that you’d find at your local movie theater, then make some popcorn, dim the lights, turn your phones off, and cuddle up on the sofa. Ta-dah! You've got yourself a movie night.
While you’re free to watch the latest releases or an old favorite, a themed movie night can up the ante and make your at-home cinema a night to remember. Coordinate your snacks and drinks with the night’s film and embrace the theme. Martinis pair with a James Bond movie, homemade butterbeer compliments a Harry Potter rewatch, or toast your partner with a gin cocktail as Casablanca’s Rick Blaine says, “Of all the gin joints in all the world...” The options are truly endless.
Embrace Each Other’s Hobbies
This is a great activity for long-term couples who feel like they already know everything about their partner. Done right, it can reinvigorate a relationship and feel more like a third date instead of an umpteenth one. It’s simple: Each partner chooses one of their interests and then shares it with the other.
The possibilities are truly endless with this date night. You might learn a song on the guitar with your musical partner’s help, or encourage your date to embrace their crafty side with a macrame wall hanging or an abstract painting. Just choose something you feel passionate about and share it with your boo. They're sure to love it.
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Make Cooking Fun
Truer words were never spoken than “the quickest way to a man’s (or woman’s!) heart is through his stomach.” We all need to eat, so why not make it fun—and delicious? For this date night, choose a recipe together in advance.
You might embrace Mexican cuisine and try your hand at enchiladas, or decide to experiment with a fancy at-home surf and turf recipe. It’s completely up to you, but no matter what kind of food you choose, make the night special. Play some music, have a drink, light some candles, and, most importantly, put the phones away. Focus on your partner and enjoy a great home-cooked meal.
Transform Your Home Into a Board Game Cafe
Board games may sound old school, but they’ve stood the test of time for a reason. Classic games like Scrabble, chess, and checkers are a fun throwback, and they’re perfect for two people. Meanwhile newer games like Blokus, Ticket to Ride, and Codenames make time fly by. For the more tech-savvy among us, Jackbox Games is an online company whose fans adore their inexpensive multi-game packs. Simply download the user-friendly program on your computer or gaming console and enjoy!
