Valentine’s Day Inspiration -A Cozy Night In
Valentine’s Day Night In: Inspiration for a Romantic Valentine’s Day at home.
Hygge
For this cozy Valentine’s Day night in I’ve been inspired by the Scandinavian notion of “Hygge”. It is hard to translate into english, it’s something like cozy, but more. It’s the idea that winter isn’t something to be endured, but celebrated. Winter is thought of as a time to light candles, enjoy sheepskin rugs, and wool socks, and wine, and hot tea, and sitting fireside. It seemed like a cozy night in could be the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year.
Cozy Night In
So our Valentine’s Feast for two will be cozy, I’m picturing a picnic or table in front of the fireplace, and an afternoon spent cooking something warm and hearty together, while we sip wine and listen to good music.
My husband’s been thinking about the menu, and I’ve been thinking about the decor. He’s thinking something like steak and garlic mashed potatoes, or duck, or chicken with 40 cloves of garlic. Yum to any of them.
I’m thinking fur pillows, and lots and lots of candles, neutrals with a touch of pretty pink.
Valentine’s Day Night In Inspiration
Decor
1. I’d like to decorate in mainly neutrals, with a touch of soft pink this year. I loved the scandi feel this Christmas, it’s inspired me for Valentine’s day too. I’m planning to make a little heart garland with some old book pages, similar to this pretty one.
2. Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I thought some fresh flowers would be nice. I love these pretty hanging flowers, and I think I’ll try and do something similar over the table.
3. The Mason Jar Oil Lamps that I made a few weeks ago should add a touch of romance.
4. To create the cozy feel, I’m inspired by this picture of pretty fur and candles, so I’ll try and add lots of warm fur and candles to our space for the night.
5. What could be more romantic than cozy fireside dining and perfect for a cold February night.
6. A romantic spot by the fireplace will need lots of soft pillows, and I love Craftberry Bush’s pretty Arrow Cushion -so perfect for Valentine’s Day.
7. And to add some softness, I’ve already picked up some of these pretty and inexpensive Ikea Pink Velvet Cushions.
Drinks
8. We’re planning a fun afternoon of cooking together, and while we cook we’ll enjoy a Kir Royal -a real favourite of mine, and perfectly sparkling and pink for Valentine’s Day.
Music
9. While we’re cooking, how about the perfect Adele 25 Album playing in the background.
Outfit
10. What to wear for a cozy night in, how about a warm and pretty Cable Knit Sweater in the perfect shade of soft pink.
Food
11. We haven’t decided on our menu yet, but Barefoot Countessa’s Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic is a real favourite, and perfect comfort food.
12. So many options for dessert… since I’m not really a chocolate girl, I’m thinking maybe Dessert Crepes. They’re so, so yummy and I love that you can mix and match toppings. All things French are romantic, right?
13. At the end of the night how about curling up with a hot cup of tea to finish the night in the prettiest Valentine’s Day teacups?
14. And perhaps, a classic old movie while snuggled up on the sofa. How about “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” before heading up to bed…?
Dating My Husband
With restaurants crowded this time of year, a cozy night at home together sounds like the perfect Valentine to me. We set ourselves the challenge of creating a Year of Feasting. We wanted to be more intentional about creating occasions were we could build authentic connections with the people we love.
As I thought about that and ideas for Valentine’s Day I was struck by how perfect it seemed to use one of these 12 feasts as a chance to do something lovely, and intentional, and special for my most favourite love of all, my husband.
We realized this past summer how easy it is at this stage of life -with school aged children, to get stuck in the rut of the business of family life. Our routines -work, cleaning the house, groceries, laundry, movie night, they work great for us. They help us get everything done that needs to get done. They help keep us all on track and happy. We’re pretty good at the business of being the parents.
But, sometimes we forget to do more than get from A to B and the old cliché that someday these little people we’ve spent our lives on will be grown and have their own lives and we will be left with each other, well it’s true. And it makes me want to be a little more intentional about loving my husband, and enjoying the journey. So, what could be more appropriate in this Year of Feasting, than to prepare one special feast just for two.
With a romantic Valentine’s night in for two, life really is a party!
You might also like our Valentine’s Day At Home Spa here.
Also check out our Galentine’s Day Cocktail and Bar Cart here.
You might also enjoy our Valentine’s Day Breakfast here.
It sounds absolutely perfect. Hope all goes to plan and you have a lovely day and evening together. Its so easy, when we have a hundred other things to do, to take your other half for granted and I’m sure this day will remind you both of the deep love you have for each other.
Thanks Julia.