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DINNER FOR TWO

While a night out with your partner can be a lot of fun, sometimes, an at-home date can be even better. We've combined some key ingredients to help you set a romantic scene. Just add love!

The standard dinner-and-a-movie date night is a classic for a reason, but it can start to feel a little repetitive - especially if you and your significant other have been dating for a while. And if the weather's not cooperating, you can't always get out to stroll around a nearby park or partake in more adventurous outdoor activities. But there are lots of ways to connect and make memories with your other half that don’t even require leaving the house.

The secret is paying attention to the details. Simple touches can speak volumes, especially since you don’t need any grand, sweeping gestures to have a special night together. Whether that’s opening up a bottle of their favourite champagne or cooking a gourmet meal worthy of Gordon Ramsey’s praise, we’ve come up with all the ideas and tools you’ll need to have a special night in.

DINE IN

Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than cooking for your other half. After all, food is the way to the heart, right? Whether you’re an expert in the kitchen or a total novice, cooking with your S.O. turns dinner into a fun and romantic activity that’ll soon become a cherished tradition. Make it all the more thoughtful and set a theme for the night. Base the meal around your partner’s favourite things, be it a dinner inspired by their favourite film or country or a recreation of your first meal together. The point here is to give a home-cooked meal some meaning and make it extra-special.

SET THE MOOD

No romantic dinner table could be complete without the light from a flickering flame. Candles are a surefire way to fan the flames of romance, but they can also double up as a special surprise for your partner. Whether a floral scent that smells like a bouquet of roses, a beautiful votive that’ll match your table’s decor or a scent that’s special to them, candles are a great way to create ambience.

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LOVE IS IN THE GRUYÈRE

All special occasions call for a celebratory cheeseboard so why should date night be any different? Whether served as an entrée to your home-cooked main course or as an after-dinner treat, a carefully curated cheese board is a must. While a traditional cheeseboard includes cured meats and cheese pairing, bring some romantic flair to the table by including some sweet treats. Trust us, sea salt caramels and dark chocolate pair excellently with pretty much any type of cheese. A little sweet, a little savoury, and full of variety, spend a romantic evening together cuddled up with a special cheeseboard for two.

POUR YOUR HEART OUT

We think that any night you open a great bottle of wine is cause for celebration, but having an excuse to splash out certainly never hurt. And a special date at home is an excellent excuse to really indulge. Whether you're going for a full feast this year or nibbling on a snack in front of a classic movie, a nice bottle of wine, champagne or even a homemade cocktail calls for the right glass. Make sure you’re prepared for whatever the night brings with special glassware.

SAY IT WITH CAKE

Whether you’re the one with the sweet tooth or it’s your partner that craves goodies, sharing a few bites of something beautiful and delicious can be a very romantic way to end the evening. While they’ll sure to appreciate the effort you’ve gone to bake them dessert, why not get them in on the action and make it an activity the two of you can enjoy.

LET THE MUSIC PLAY

Once upon a time, the most romantic gift you could give or receive was that of a specially curated mixtape. Nowadays, the mixtape has since been upgraded to a playlist. Make your date night at home extra special by setting the night to a stellar soundtrack with a personalised playlist created by you. From classic love ballads to your partner’s favourite song, playing a personalised playlist is a great way to show someone how you feel without actually having to come up with the words yourself.

Please remember to always drink responsibly, visit drinkaware.ie

MORE TO READ

Now that you know what you have date night successfully planned, all that's left to do is pick out an outfit in It’s A Date.