Everything You’ll Need for Your Date Night At Home

Whether you’re a new couple or you’ve spent a couple of trips around the sun together, the importance of dates and activities together doesn’t go away.

Dates are not just crucial for the health of your relationship, they’re also fun, they’re fulfilling, and if all goes well, they leave you with a feeling of warmth at the end of the night (or day) that’s hard to replicate. And one of the best things about dates? They can look any way you want them to.

One of my favorite ways to switch up a date night is to have one at home. Dinner and a movie are always great, but a change in atmosphere and activities can make for an evening that’s unique, special, and entirely your own.

From wine delivery to the romance of dark chocolate, all the tools you need to create the perfect at-home date night are out there. Here are a few to get you started.

The Perfect Soundtrack

As you’re about to find out, setting the mood is key, and few things can do it quite like music. Whether you’re playing games, cooking dinner, or even just getting wine delivery and takeout, the music playing in the background is going to play a big role in creating a vibe. Music has been used as a tool for romance throughout history, and for good reason; it can trigger dopamine release in the brain, it can evoke strong emotional reactions, and, perhaps most importantly, can connect people.

Like most of the things on this list, finding the perfect soundtrack for your date is pretty subjective. It’s all about you and your partner’s music tastes, the activities you’re doing, and even the time of day. If you’re having a picnic lunch date on your lawn (highly recommended for a sunny day), you still want to grab a portable speaker and put on a playlist, but you may want more upbeat tunes than if you’re having a candlelit dinner. Either way, one of the advantages of at-home dates is that you have full control over the music.

Drinks

Many people, including myself, consider drinks to be a key part of dates. If it’s a first date or early in the relationship, it can help ease the nerves and loosen you up; if you’ve been dating for a while, it can be a way to just jazz up your date, get yourselves in a fun and social mood, and spark great conversation. Plus, drinks can be delicious, and there are many, many options when it comes to drinks for an at-home date.

Wine & Wine Delivery

Evidence and history quite literally explain that wine is the most romantic alcohol, and from its colors to the elegant glasses, to the aromas and beyond, it’s not hard to see why. It’s also very easy to get your hands on some for your date. With wine delivery, you can plan the rest of your date and not have to worry about a trip to the liquor store. You can pick from a wide selection of wines for delivery online, and your chosen bottles will be at your door in a flash. The prices aren’t jacked up, and there’s no order minimum. It’s one of the true luxuries of the 21st century.

At-home wine tasting is a great date night activity. Order a few different kinds of wine for delivery, mix in some cheese and meats, and pick your favorite. It sparks conversation, it’s delicious, and by the time you’re done, you’ll be loosened up and ready for the next activity… whatever that may be.

Cocktails

Another favorite at-home date idea: each of you picks a new cocktail recipe or one of your personal favorites, bring the ingredients, and make them both for each of you to try. It’s a fun way to put your taste and cocktail-making skills on display, and you get to try out a new beverage. The more creative you get, the better; think, rosemary and muddled blueberries with gin, or a flavored spicy margarita. You might end up with a new drink of choice by the end of the date!

Chocolate

Since the days of the Aztecs, people have been drawing a link between chocolate and sexual desire. Today, many experts dispute claims that chocolate is actually a strong aphrodisiac (a substance that increases sexual desire or behavior), but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing to have on hand for a date. In fact, it still has plenty of positive properties for romance.

Experts say that while chocolate isn’t specifically an aphrodisiac, it does have properties that can stimulate other kinds of arousal. Dark chocolate contains an organic compound called phenethylamine, which increases serotonin in the brain and just so happens to come with the nickname “the chemical of love.”

The indulgent treat also contains caffeine (a little stimulant never hurts), and its aromatic properties are often noted as something that helps get people in the mood. And at the end of the day, whether it’s scientifically backed or not, there’s simply something romantic about chocolate. So I highly recommend having chocolate on hand for your date – or better yet, take it up a notch and get (or make) an indulgent, gooey, decadent chocolate dessert.

Entertainment

Between the wine delivery, the chocolate, and the music, I’m willing to bet the conversation will be flowing pretty well throughout your date, but tossing an activity into the mix can make for an extra special or unique date night. That’s another major perk of having an at-home date night: you can go out for dinner and wine anytime, but can you have a game night at the restaurant?

Can you set up pillows and candles and drink your wine with a classic rom-com on the TV? Can you turn your date into a cooking competition? Probably not, but you can for your at-home date.

As we mentioned above, some parts of the meal itself can serve as a great date activity. Here are a few entertainment ideas that might pique your interest.

• Make Appetizers. The kitchen is one of the best places to bond, and appetizers are a great low-stakes way to do it if you’re new to cooking. Each of you should bring an easy appetizer recipe (a kind of dip or spread, a Caprese salad, etc.) and the ingredients it calls for. Then you can make the apps together, upon arrival, (with wine in hand, of course), and see whose is best. Or just enjoy them both!
• Cook the Meal. If you’re ready to take on the challenge, cooking your own date-night dinner together can be a fun and rewarding way to spend the evening. It also tests your compatibility, at least in the kitchen. Pick something attainable, put on the tunes, and have fun with it.
• Dabble in Art. There’s a reason paint-and-sips are so popular. Whether you’re an artist or a novice, it’s fun to create something. Draw each other, paint a picture, or, if you’ve got the tools, make some pottery. Art is fun, it’s messy, and it takes just a dash of vulnerability, perfect for getting comfortable with each other.
• Have a Spa Day (or Night). Skincare and self-care are for everyone, and it’s one of those things that you don’t realize how enjoyable and relaxing it is until you’ve done it. Bring out the facemasks, give each other massages, and even consider taking a bubble bath together if you have the right tub for it. It’s sensual and romantic, and you’ll be doing your bodies a favor at the same time.

At the end of the day (or night), an at-home date is what you make it. You could nix the wine delivery and charcuterie board and just watch a movie together with Diet Cokes, or you could go all-out with a cocktail competition and make-your-own taco night, but ultimately, it’s the company that counts the most. So enjoy the time with each other and let yourself open up. But of course, a little wine probably won’t hurt.