Editor’s Note: Want to spice up a casual evening at home on the couch? We’re sharing this article, originally published in March 2021, as a way to bring a fresh approach to your next home date night.
Home is where the heart is. And you know what hearts are known for, right? Love and cherish! Love love love love.
While our house is certainly filled with love—family celebration, sweet memorabilia, the people you love — sometimes the hustle and bustle of everyday life can overwhelm the more tender yet essential moments you need let your relationship grow.
Regardless of how happy you are in your relationship, it’s important to make time to enjoy each other’s presence. Working collaboratively in the same home office, no matter what fun, doesn’t count.
While a romantic date in low light with linen tables and well-dressed waiters is great, sometimes it just isn’t. Sometimes your commute is your own square footage, and especially at night… whatever’s in the fridge.
That doesn’t mean the night has to be a bust.
If you’re open to it, there are plenty of home date ideas to make your evening special.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money (or anything, if you don’t want to), but you do Have to be open to trying something new and can feel stupid for a second or two when you start your date night adventure. Here are 22 creative ideas to get you started on your home date night journey (almost all of these ideas can also be done with a roommate, a family member, or with yourself). Don’t worry — the “What are we doing?” The emotions will pass and the joy will remain.
Sing to your heart
There’s nothing like a karaoke date, and YouTube has instrumental versions of all the song Below the Sun. In addition, the hairbrush microphone never goes out of style.
Make it beautiful
Isolate yourself in separate areas of your home while you wear your best clothes, then show off. Grab the special occasion treats and enjoy a nice vintage treat (or buy your favorite cheap bubblegum in luxury coupe glasses).
Game night
You have a chess board that hasn’t been used since you bought it later-Queen’s Gambit drunk? Get it out! this is a guide to begin.
Couple yoga
Good + Good there is a list five postures perfect for beginners (and requires no acrobatic training).
Spa retreat
Okay… now is the right time to try Baby Foot. Throw some masks and entertainment. You can do each other’s nails! You can arrange each other’s skin care routines! Did you know that back rubs are technically considered a couples massage?
Around the world
Choose a destination, any destination. Are you missing your Basque vacation? Grab a bottle of Txakolina and learn a traditional dance. Cheesecake for dessert, anyone? You can cross the border to France in the morning — make sure the croissants are ready.
A dual feature
You both choose a movie — your personal favorite or an old movie and a new movie! If one of you is known to fall asleep while watching a movie, start early. Hit the couch and burn some popcorn (the best part about being at home is choosing how much butter to put in it).
Taste the wine
Check with your local stores for tasting kits or build your own with an online guide. Although somewhat expendable, winemakers like Matthiasson offers tasting options that can be delivered to your doorstep, complete with a free Zoom guide. Make sure to build a matching cheese board to match, and if you don’t like wine… try one taste chocolate!
Make a vision board
Cut down on magazines and figure out some long-term goals while you’re at it.
Patron of the Arts
A perk of technology: live theater and concerts from the comfort of your own home. What or who do you want to see? Chances are it’s a quick Google.
“36 questions that lead to love”
If you haven’t read it yet Modern love story, here is a Lining about concept. And here are the questions when you’re ready.
Read to each other
There is something very romantic about a good poem read aloud. Crack open your copy of Mary Oliver’s Thoroughness and recite your heart out.
Cooking
A classic for good reason. Save the food for the morning.
Picnic living room
Unfurnished. Also no ants.
A digital experience
Take care of visit the museum? Try escape room? Discover a National Park?
Play video games
If your Switch doesn’t work, dust it off. Mario Kart and Just Dance are always good ideas.
Put your profile up
Select an album and listen to the whole thing.
Paint
Or draw, sculpt, or knit. Choose a topic to focus on and see what comes to mind in isolation — no peeking. If you like what you come up with, Your wall will thank you.
Working on a puzzle
A perfect excuse for some easy conversation and just enough competition. Who will get the last piece?
Presentations
Challenge each other to create a PowerPoint on a topic, whatever you choose! There is no need to fear the stage with an audience. Especially if it’s someone you love.
Walking in the neighborhood
A pleasant stroll through your regular stomping ground can look different — and romantic — at dusk. Walk slowly and enjoy.
Big planning
Toast to your future! Take the time to sit and talk about your hopes and dreams. The vacations you’ll continue one day, you’ll end up liking the linen-covered dinner tables.
Sophie Vilensky (@sophiavilensky on Instagram and Twitter or if you met her in second grade) is a Real Housewives scholar and daughter of Naturopath. At this point, these things are very important to her.
