1) Curate a Menu
We’ve been indoors for months so it’s time you take a break from all of the cooking and order in something special for the two of you. You’ll also be supporting your local restaurants as we know they’ve been struggling during the pandemic. Many restaurants as well as hotels and event venues throughout the GTA are offering Valentine’s Day packages that include 5 course meals which you can pick up curb-side. Toca by the Ritz-Carlton, for example, is offering 6 meals as part of their package that includes items such as Housemade Mini Ciabatta, Lobster and Celery Root Cannelloni and Braised Ontario Beef Short Rib and Prawn. Doesn’t that sound delicious? It sure does to us!
If ordering in isn’t for you, but you also don’t want to put in all the work when it comes to cooking, think about making the experience fun by taking a virtual cooking class! Eataly, Sushi Making for the Soul and Urban Acorn are a few restaurants offering lessons. If you don’t feel like cooking an entire course, you can look into doing a beer-and-cheese pairing night with The Pairing Club or taking a mixology course with Bar Chef Events.
We know Valentine’s Day is looking a lot different this year, but it’s amazing to see how the hospitality industry is curating safe experiences for us at home. We can still celebrate the day of love while supporting our local businesses.
2) Set the Mood
Spruce up your everyday dining experience! You may be like us where you have your workstation set up on your dining table for the past several months. Clear it out and bring out your fancy dishware and create a romantic table setting for two. If you don’t like the dishware you have, there are several specialty tabletop and event rental companies in the GTA that are offering rental services on their items. For example, check out Plate Occasions! From their charger plates to flatware, isn’t their rental collection just gorgeous? For your centrepieces, you don’t need to purchase expensive flowers. Just find things around the home such as mason jars, vases, fruit, twigs or sticks, baskets, balloons and even scarves that can act as table runners. Don’t forget candles as we all know they set the romantic mood!
3) Add Music
So, you’ve set the menu and the mood but there’s still an important piece missing to any evening out. Music! Whether you curate a playlist of your favourites or use a preset romantic playlist from Spotify, music will complete your at-home dining experience. If you want, you can always slow dance too!
4) Exchange Something Special
You can always purchase one another a special gift and exchange them during dinner so you have something to look forward to in between courses. You don’t have to spend money on a gift either as creating something is just as special. It’s always the appreciation and love that counts.
5) Watch a Movie
After a romantic dinner, you can always end your night by watching a movie. But who says the movie needs to be romantic? It doesn’t have to be The Notebook guys! Watch something you both enjoy even if that means a thriller! Or, you can simply catch up on the latest Netflix series. Top off your movie night with some more dessert or something savoury – popcorn anyone? We love that you can still order movie goodies from Cineplex so be sure to check that out too.
However you choose to spend Valentine’s Day, it’ll be special no matter what because at the end of it all, you’re with the person you love most. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
