Couples Ideas For Any Day or Valentines Day

Need some easy ideas for a fun romantic night or Valentines Day.

Ideas for a cozy night in.

Easy gift ideas for you... Flowers, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, more chocolate, champagne...

Snack & Drink Ideas

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Making chocolate covered strawberries is actually easy.

• Buy the ripest and biggest strawberries you can find, then buy white chocolate chips and semisweet or milk chocolate chips.

• Melt Chocolate (see instructions Below);

• Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper.

• Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip the fruit into the dark chocolate, lift and turn slightly, letting any excess chocolate fall back into the bowl. Set strawberries on the parchment paper. Repeat with the rest of the strawberries. Dip a fork in the white chocolate and drizzle the white chocolate over the dipped strawberries. Set the strawberries aside until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.

Melting Chocolate

Stove Top Method

• Start by putting the semisweet and white chocolate into 2 separate heatproof medium bowls.
• Fill 2 medium saucepans with a couple inches of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
• Turn off the heat; set the bowls of chocolate over the water to melt. Stir until smooth.

Microwave Method

• For the microwave method melt the white and dark chocolates in 2 microwave safe bowls at half power, for 1 minute, stir and then heat for another minute or until melted.

If you have extra chocolate keep dipping! You can dip Bananas, pretzels, cookies…

More chocolates

Still not enough chocolate? Buy some dove chocolates that come in a heart shape for Valentine’s Day.

Also Target stores have some really unique chocolates in cool & trendy packaging.

Chocolates are good anytime!

Warm & Cozy Drinks

If you need a warm chocolate drink mix up some premium brand hot chocolate on the stove then leave it on warm. For an adult version add liquor such as Bailey's, Godiva or other coffee liquor. Top with whipped cream.

***Do the same with coffee if you prefer***

Wine

There is no right or wrong it is whatever you like. Chill a bottle of sparkling wine, or any wine you like. I happen to like sparkling wine, it has a celebratory feel. Put the bottle in an ice bucket, for a special touch.

If you don’t have a ice bucket you can get a really inexpensive one at a craft store like Michael’s. There is nothing like sparkling wine and strawberries. If you are not sure what to buy ask someone at the Liquor store they should be able to pick you out a decent bottle; based on what you like sweet, dry…

Cheese Plate

Slice up your a few of your favorite cheeses, buy some crackers or cube up some crusty bread. Add some juicy grapes. Buy some stuffed olives. Set the food together artfully on a big platter or cutting board and enjoy.

Breakfast

Don’t forget breakfast. Have something easy to prepare for breakfast in the morning. Pop in some ready to bake cinnamon rolls in the oven, and of course brew plenty of fresh coffee.

Most guys love bacon, its okay to eat it once in awhile. But instead of frying it stick it in the oven. No splattering! For cooking bacon in the oven you will need use a baking pan with a ¾-inch rim. Just let it bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees. Then place bacon on paper towels to cool before plating it up.

Photos

Place a nice picture of the two of you in a simple frame. Consider printing the photo in black and white for a classic look.

Another good idea is to go on snapfish.com and upload your photos then you can order personalized cards, mugs, photo albums, stationary, even stickers with your photos.

Flowers

• Looking for flower delivery? The website proflowers.com has some great specials. For example if you buy now (as of 1/ 2011) in advance of Valentine’s Day you can get 100 lilies for only $19.99, and many other deals. Deals will always be better if you can order in advance of Valentine’s Day.
• You can even go to your local flower shop or grocery store that has a floral department and pickout a few flowers yourself. Put them in your own vase. It will mean that much more that you picked the flowers. The arrangement will be unique; not some pre-fabricated arrangement that every one else is getting on Valentines Day.

Gift cards

A gift card to his/her favorite clothing store or a restaurant gift card to a new place you have been meaning to try. Does he/she get coffee every morning? Dunkin donuts or Starbucks gift card is also thoughtful even if it is not super romantic; put it in a new mug with some coffee or chocolates.

Fun Gift Basket for him

A guy will always appreciate a six pack of his favorite beer in a basket with some salty snacks as part of his present. Surprise your partner with tickets to a sports game, concert, or comedy show to go with friends (or you).

Get Away

If you need to get away you could look for an inexpensive weekend package. If you live on the coast for a good deal look for beach front hotels that are offering reduced rates in the winter , because they are trying to fill rooms in their off-season.

Look for Hotels with rooms that offer views of the beach, an indoor pool & hot tub or spa treatments. Usually there are ads in the local paper. Don’t forget to ask for an upgrade when you get there, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Cant get away on Valentines day? Plan a trip or day outing for the future.

Its something you both can look forward to. Just give you partner a save the date card.