5 Tips for Setting Up a Date Night at Home

Creating romance at home can be quite challenging especially if the kids don't seem to want to go to bed or that pile of laundry still needs to be put away. With signs of your normal daily life all around you, romance can feel a world away. So consider a few tips to help you set the scene for the perfect date night at home and get lost in the romance.

Set the Table

Instead of sitting on the couch in front of Netflix, make the most of your dining table. Put away any piles of laundry, put on a nice table covering, and dig out your best tableware and cutlery. A cute centerpiece—such as a candelabra or a vase of fresh roses in the middle and tea lights and rose petals scattered—can turn even the most simple and mundane of meals into something a little bit special.

Cook a Nice Meal or Grab Takeout

Cooking a good meal does not have to involve hours of preparation or expensive ingredients. Something like spaghetti and garlic bread with salad can be a great date night meal and is simple to do. If your cooking skills leave a lot to be desired or you simply do not want to worry about being in the kitchen, order in from your favorite restaurant and serve it onto your favorite plates.

Make Up Some Cocktails

Whether your drink of choice is water, lemonade, or a cocktail, serve it in your fanciest glass. Go all out with the straw, paper umbrellas, and/or garnishes. It can make even the most boring of drinks seem interesting and special.

Let the Music Play

Music sets the tone for the scene, so choose selectively. Whether you pay your tunes through your mobile device or your records on an Audio Technica LP60, make a playlist of music to get you feeling romantic. Look for songs that bring back memories— perhaps ones that remind you of your first date, first kiss, wedding, and so on. You could even try recreating your first dance.

Dress to Impress

It may have been a while since you've dressed up, but what better excuse is there to get your favorite outfit on than a date night with your significant other? Go on, grab your finest, and dress to impress.

Date nights at home do not have to be yet another night in front of a television on the couch. It does not take a lot to make your partner feel special—it is all about setting the scene.