So, tell us, what have you got planned for Valentine’s Day this year? A romantic meal out? Dancing? A cosy cinema trip? How about a city break for two? Or, you know, none of those things because this flipping virus simply won’t go away! But just because we’re stuck at home doesn’t mean that Valentine’s Day can’t be special. And we’ve got an idea or two to get you started.

Top Tips for a Lovely Lockdown Valentine’s Day

Cook up a storm

Eating in has been the new eating out for the last twelve months and creativity in the kitchen has abounded. And not just in our kitchens at home. If you don’t feel up to planning your own feast, there are recipe boxes without end to choose from. From the sumptuous yet healthy to the Michelin starred. Shop around, plan ahead, and you could make a meal that neither you nor your partner will ever forget.

And remember, with Valentine’s Day being on a Sunday this year the feasting doesn’t need to be limited to dinner time. Start with an indulgent breakfast, move on to light elevensies, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, then a midnight snack! You could even factor a Swizzels cake into your planning!

Embrace the great outdoors

If you have a garden, make the most of it. Cosying up around a fire pit with blankets and wine can be a fabulous thing. Toast some marshmallows and mull some cider. You could even break out the barbeque and prepare a special meal that way.

If you don’t have a garden, plan a walk somewhere pretty. A park, local woodland or along a river can be great choices.

Buy fun gifts

Valentine’s Day has become terribly expensive in recent years. But sometimes it’s the little and fun gifts that mean the most. To date, this writer’s favourite ever Valentine’s gift has been a bag of compost with a packet of Love Hearts! Seriously, it was exactly what I wanted, and it made me laugh. And that’s what Valentine’s is all about. So maybe forego the perfume and airpods and focus on the smaller things. And don’t forget your sweet hamper or personalised Love Hearts to add a sweeter flavour to the day.

Dress to impress

If you’re one of the millions of people either furloughed or working from home throughout lockdown, the chances are that sweats and pyjamas have become your standard dress. So, even if you’re planning to spend the night in front of the television, making the effort to dress nicely will make the evening feel special. And as a general rule, the better you look, the better you feel. So, dress up for your own benefit as well as for your partner’s.

Treat yourself and each other

So, you can’t go to that spa you were planning. Make your own. Fluffy towels, candles, massage oil, soft music, a bath, what more could you want?

If you were planning a theatre trip, look for online performances. Cinema? That’s what Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are for. If you can’t get out for those special cocktails, make them yourself. In some places, you can even order in. And there’s no reason why you can’t dance at home.

Being locked down for special occasions doesn’t prevent them from being special. It just means doing things slightly differently. Plan ahead. Think of ways to make your partner smile. And enjoy the time for being what it is. You never know, it might just change your Valentine’s Day forever!