Valentine’s Day for Couples in 3 Hours

This Valentine’s Day, forego the cheesy cards, fixed menus, and overpriced flowers and do something unique. Creating a special and memorable V-Day for your one and only doesn’t require elaborate gifts or fancy dinners (although, those things are nice and welcome any day…). Instead, focus your celebration on spending quality time with the person you love.

First, turn off the TV and power down every Apple product you own. Second, put down the menus; there will be no takeout! Tonight, traditional fanfare will be replaced by at home indulgence. Below is our guide to throwing a quick and easy Valentine’s Day celebration for two in under three hours. 

The Game Plan 

• Set the mood. Staying in doesn’t mean you’re allowed to wear pajamas and leave the game on. Make your home an inviting atmosphere and one in which your Valentine will want to spend time. 
• Cook dinner. The quickest way to a person’s heart is (and always will be) with a home cooked meal.
• Bust out the bubbly. This is a celebration of you and your love. Only the best will do. 

Next, setting the mood…

Step One: Set the Mood (45 minutes)

Light candles, turn on soft music, and dim the lights. Tonight is all about romance, so establishing a seductive atmosphere before you begin the party for two is important. Throw some cushions around, turn up the heat (literally, get cozy), and settle in. Use this time to enjoy your partner’s company: laugh, talk about your day, and warm up with a drink. Pop open a bottle of Spanish cava or strike a suggestive tone with a Passion Fruit Cocktail.

Step Two: Serve Dinner (1 hour, 15 minutes)

Don’t panic. Dinner doesn’t need to be elaborate. Remember that the meal is just one part of your seduction, so keep it simple and choose dishes that are easy to make ahead of time. This will allow for more time spent with your partner.

Start with the Bougainvaillea and Champagne Grape Salad.  With baby arugula, spinach, Champagne grapes, blue cheese, kiwis, and a honey balsamic dressing, it’s as romantic as it is delicious.

Linger over the salad course while Pernil Relleno con Moros y Cristianos is in the oven. What? Rice and beans stuffed in pork. If you’re not in love before the entree, you will be after. This dish calls for 5 ingredients and is complete in just 5 steps. Take time, eat dinner slowly, and enjoy the company. There’s something about sharing a hearty meal that makes love less dainty and more substantial.

Choosing wine on Valentine’s Day can be hard. One word springs to mind: Rosé! Light enough to drink all evening but substantial enough to stand up to pork, Rosé is an ideal V-day drink. Need a pick? Here are some of our favorites.

Next, time to get sweet…

Step Three:  Share Dessert (1 hour)

The rest of the evening should move at a glacial pace, as if no one else in the world exists. Snuggle up, finish the wine and enjoy dessert. Rich, sweet Crème de Chocolat is perfect for sharing. Use one fork instead of two.

Remember that it’s not about the food, it’s not about the gifts, and it’s not about the production. Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the person you’re with. Cheers to a lovely evening.