You don’t have to spend top-dollar out at a quiet, candle-lit restaurant to have a romantic date. Why not create an intimate mood in your apartment? Read on for fun dating ideas to try inside your own four walls.
Bring on the creative courses
When we cook at home, we often have just enough time and energy to prepare one-dish meals, or perhaps a meat/protein and a side dish or two. Preparing a more lavish meal to share in courses is a special treat, and your date will appreciate the special effort. If he or she has a favorite dish (salmon? steak?), use that in the main course and get creative with your appetizer, soup or salad, and dessert. You might want to experiment with a new recipe for one of the courses, but choose dishes that you’re more experienced with making for the rest of the meal.
In the dark
There is an interesting trend in some eateries to host dining in total darkness. The experience is meant to heighten senses of taste and smell, so that food is enjoyed without the distraction of sight. Though it might prove a little messy, why not try the same concept for an apartment dinner? You and your date can each prepare dishes ahead of time and keep them covered. When the lights are out, you can unveil each one at the table and enjoy the surprise of what the other has made to share. Expect some interesting conversation as you marvel at how unexpected the flavors are when enjoyed in the dark.
Dinner and a movie, at home
Have fun creating an alternate universe for an evening. Themed dates bring together food and entertainment. How about BBQ and Westerns, Chinese food and kung fu, sushi and samurais, or Italian food and Fellini? You can even add decorations to go with your theme, such as Chinese lanterns, Italian travel posters, or cowboy hats.
Stargazing indoors
If you’re like many apartment dwellers, stargazing isn’t exactly easy to do, with city lights and surrounding buildings competing with starlight. Try this romantic date idea: buy glow-in-the-dark star stickers and create your own ceiling constellations. You can assemble the best-known ones or create your own heavenly palette. Along with star shapes, you might also use glowing hearts or images that represent your date’s hobbies. Try to get it as dark as possible in your apartment, then spread a blanket on the floor. Unpack your picnic basket and enjoy the night sky in your own living room!
Think beyond the white tablecloth and candle: you can create a romantic date in your apartment by listening to music or old radio shows, playing truth or dare, or sharing stories. Be creative and see if some of these dating ideas inspire ideas of your own. Most of all, have fun on your at-home date!
