Love and romance during a pandemic are not easy. With social distancing and CDC guidelines firmly in place, making a meaningful connection with a new love virtually, or nurturing existing relationships while being cooped up together around the clock, can be a challenge. That’s especially true when celebrating Valentine’s Day.

While traditional Valentine’s Day rendezvous spots—such as restaurants, movie theaters, and music venues—are closed in many places, virtual and at-home dates can make Valentine’s Day at home feel just as special. From hanging Valentine’s Day decorations in your apartment to cooking a decadent meal, there are plenty of things to do on Valentine’s Day at home for singles and couples alike.

Valentine’s Day Apartment Decorations

Whether you’re looking for home-based date night ideas for your new valentine, or lifelong love, the trick is to fully commit to the holiday. That means going all-out with Valentine’s Day decorations for your home. Now’s the time to deck your apartment in red roses, heart-shaped balloons, bowls full of pink candies, and flickering candles (real or fake). If you’re feeling crafty, you could make a garland of cutout paper hearts. Or create a special photo gallery to showcase photos of you and your loved one throughout your relationship. 

At-Home Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas

Just because you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day at home doesn’t mean you can’t eat well. Virtually bring an expert chef into your kitchen for your date night (or anytime if you want to brush up on your own skills and techniques). Sur La Table’s classes start at $29 per household and run the gamut from making sushi at home to cooking with wine. The Chef & The Dish delivers private cooking lessons via Skype. A two-hour session includes three courses, private coaching, and personalized tips as your chef cooks with you.

Valentine’s Day Cocktails

Sign up for a virtual cocktail making lesson and become a mixology master. CourseHorse has a ton of these, including a $30 Valentine’s Day Virtual Mixology class via Zoom that’s perfect for singles or couples who want to spend a fun Valentine’s Day at home. Or, plan ahead and sign up for a Virtual Wine Tasting with Priority Wine Pass. Small sample shipments start at $60 for three bottles with shipping and virtual tasting included. 

Host an Indoor Picnic

Take your special meal up a notch and create a cozy living room picnic. This at-home Valentine’s Day idea is easy to execute. Simply spread a blanket and break out a cheerful picnic basket filled with your Valentine’s favorite foods and drinks. Don’t forget the chocolate covered strawberries and champagne. You could even order a pre-made picnic basket. Harry & David has some great options.

Play a Romantic Movie

If you can’t go to the movies, bring the theater to your apartment with a selection of romantic films to watch while you snuggle up with your loved one. Classics like Casablanca, A Star is Born, Titanic or Baz Lurhmann’s Romeo & Juliet are fantastic options. Or, settle in with the Before Sunrise trilogy. And don’t forget the snacks!

Spend a Virtual Night at the Museum

Visit the world’s greatest museums from the comfort of your couch (in many cases, for free). Take a virtual walkthrough of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, visit New York’s Metropolitan Museum’s iconic spaces through the Met 360 Project, or take an online tour of the Louvre’s most popular galleries. The Google Arts & Culture initiative brings virtual tours and online exhibits from over 2,500 museums and galleries around the world right to your home.

Finish on a Sweet Note

If your Valentine (or you) has a sweet tooth, there are plenty of options to satisfy it. Want a fun and interactive thing to do on Valentine’s Day at home? Consider a chocolate fondue set. This Fondue for Two Date Night In set features milk, dark, and white chocolate as well as dipping items. There’s even a vegan/gluten-free option as well. Or, maybe splurge on chocolate fondue pots from igourmet, which can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the microwave. 

Find a Home You Love with Southern Management

Since we are limited to where we can go these days, our at-home Valentine’s Day ideas are sure to spread love regardless of the setting. Date nights might look different this year, but with just a little creativity and planning, it’s quite possible to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day at home. 

At Southern Management, we want you to love your community as much as we do. We strive to build lasting relationships with our residents by offering well-managed, well-maintained apartment communities where you can relax and enjoy life to its fullest.

If you’re ready to fall in love with a new apartment this Valentine’s Day, we’re just a phone call (or a few keystrokes) away. We’re happy to chat and provide virtual apartment hunting resources, including what to expect during a virtual apartment tour. We can’t wait to speak with you, so contact our team today!