Date Night In
Life gets busy and sometimes we forget to take time for ourselves, especially with our significant others. It’s important to make time each week to do something together. Too often, couples put off date night because they assume it has to be a formal night out on the town. Date night doesn’t always have to be a 3-course meal, expensive flowers, and high expectations. While that route is absolutely fine, sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that mean the most. That’s where date night at home is something we don’t always think about. The most important part of a date night is getting to spend quality time with your partner. We all live increasingly busy lives, so it’s nice to slow down and enjoy the moment together. It’s proven that Date Nights together can improve communication, de-stress you, help strengthen your commitment to one another and so much more! With a little planning, you can create the perfect date night that best suites your relationship.
October is full of fun Foodie Holidays along with National Sweetest Day on the 19th. It’s the perfect month to celebrate your relationship and recognize your sweetheart! No matter the budget, there is always something new and fun to try together. With the seasons transitioning into fall, there’s no better time to cozy up with a few soft and plush blankets, stack up all of the pillows on the couch, pop some popcorn, and catch up on your favorite TV shows, watch a New series on Netflix, or a movie!
Cooking together is a fun hands-on date night experience that allows you to use teamwork to create a special meal together and October just so happens to be National Pizza and National Pasta Month! Who doesn’t love a good pizza or pasta dish? Be sure to keep the night simple, yet fun. If you have never made pizza dough before, take the stress out of the equation and pick up pre-made pizza dough from Bravo’s Restaurant & Cafe on Portage Rd (with a 24-hour notice). For $5.00 you can get a pizza box, pre-made dough, and cornmeal to roll out your dough, while still supporting local business. You can also bring along your growler and fill it with one of Bravos many beers on tap. Because what’s a pizza without a good beer to pair with it! Not into beer? You can still support local and grab a bottle of wine from Tempo Vino Winery downtown Kalamazoo anytime during the week or weekend.
Let’s talk pasta! October 17th is National Pasta Day. Fettucine Alfredo is always a hit, and super easy to make at home. I’ve included a recipe for fool proof alfredo sauce, with extra sauce for dipping your garlic bread into, or even leftovers. I love using fresh-dried pasta from West Michigan Pasta Provisions! If fettucine noodles aren’t up your alley, they have many more options and even some pasta made with veggies. They hand-make all of their own pastas and you can find them at the Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market through November, and also at Lawton Ridge Winery, Sprout in Battle Creek, Micro Grocery in Bronson Hospital and online.
If you love to cook and want to surprise your partner, another option is to create your own 2 or 3 course-menu, grab some flowers, candles, and set the dining room table for a romantic dinner at home. Or you could amp it up a notch by printing out mini “menus” of what you will be eating. Maybe find some simple yet cute napkin folds, and break out that table cloth you use for special occasions.
Not into cooking an elaborate meal? You can keep it simple and grab your favorite cheese, crackers, fruits and spreads and create your own charcuterie board together. Finish it off by opening a bottle of wine and go to the kids closet for your favorite board game!
Others would just prefer to relax and order take-out from their favorite restaurant. While your waiting for it to be delivered, you can set the table with some candles or lay down blankets on the floor for a cozy experience.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to create a memorable date night at home. The memories you create cooking together, playing games, or just spending time getting to re-connect with each other, is sure to give your relationship that boost of confidence that we sometimes need but don’t always recognize. The most important part of date night is to spend time with the person you love most, creating new memories that will last a lifetime.