We’re more than halfway through! Only one more full week of lockdown still to go – we hope. And, if during this stressful and trying time, your relationship has taken a backseat – or even a bit of a beating – we have ways for you to show your loved one just how much they mean to you. Treat your other half to something special this long weekend and spice things up with one of these romantic indoor date ideas.
ALSO SEE: 7 Ways To Ensure Your Relationship Survives Lockdown
These indoor date ideas will leave you feeling swooney
1. Have an indoor picnic
Everyone loves the idea of grabbing a blanket, packing some goodies – and bubbly – in a basket and heading somewhere beautiful for the day. In normal times, that meant the park, the beach, maybe the botanical gardens. But, why can’t we enjoy the same exciting experience simply from our own garden or living room instead? Before lockdown ends, try this easy indoor date idea and convert your living room into a totally new space. Make delicious nibbles, crack open the wine (if you still have any) and gather on the floor for a well-deserved feast.
ALSO SEE: How To Make A Relationship Last
2. Try something new with Airbnb
Recently, Airbnb launched a wonderful new initiative to help the travel-starved among us. Through their online experiences, you and your partner can take a class, watch a concert, tour a farm or learn a new skill – at-home cocktails anyone? Sharing a new experience with your partner can help bring you closer together. This is an indoor date idea that will leave you laughing, gasping, learning and – hopefully – talking about your date for months to come.
We love Kevin and Maria’s live tango concert on Airbnb. They’ll help create a romantic atmosphere.
3. Make a Christmas bed in April
Why reserve this quirky tradition for the festive season, only? When there’s nothing else to do – and, especially if the weather’s dreary – nothing lifts the spirits quite like mooching on a Christmas bed all day. But, instead of moving your actual bed in front of the TV, create a comfy cocoon with blankets, pillows, cushions and throws in the middle of your TV room. Draw the curtains and add candles or fairy lights for a super cosy feel. Then it’s up to Netflix and the snack cupboard to provide the rest. Get ready to snuggle up, festive-season style.
4. Create a romantic at-home dinner
Yes, it’s time to pull out all the stops. Get the recipe books out, see what Jamie and Nigella have been up to, and ferret out that long-lost apron. We might have started lockdown making delicious meals and experimenting with the latest ingredients, but what’s to bet those three-course dinners have deteriorated into one-pot wonders made with whatever is left in the pantry? This long weekend, treat your other half to a really special meal, candles and all. And, hopefully, they’ll provide dessert.
5. Lull in the tub together
This one doesn’t really need an explanation. It’s been an extremely trying few weeks and what’s better than letting your worries float away while you bask in a lavender-scented, candle-lit bubble bath? Letting your worries float away while you bask in a lavender-scented, candle-lit bubble bath with your other half. So, dim the lights, bring out the expensive candles and run a bath that threatens to overflow. Our beauty editor has some ideas on how to upgrade your bath here.
6. Get puzzling
According to writer Alice Boyes from The Washington Post, new and moderately challenging activities can take your mind off worries and provide a sense of exploration. Something everyone needs when we’re stuck at home. Research has shown that tackling something novel and slightly challenging together leaves couples feeling more satisfied in their relationship. So, something as simple as starting a puzzle or doing a crossword can help bring you closer together. Turn this into more of a romantic indoor date with chocolate-flavoured snacks, the last of the wine, and a great Spotify playlist.
We’re sure there are loads of other great indoor date ideas out there, but this is a start. And for more good news? These ideas don’t have to only apply during lockdown. Let’s ramp up the romance whenever we can.
By Features Editor Stephanie van der Plank
