Sure, going out is fun and all, but dinner is by no means a cheap affair. The flowers, the food, and the fun — they all add up into one tidy packet! Plus, it’ll be teeming with people — the bane of existence for introverts out there! Here’s how you can have a perfect date night for less — just by staying-in!
Setting the Scene
Before anything, you should set the scene. If you noticed, restaurants often use dim lighting, and for good reason. Sensory triggers play a big part in your overall experience of a place. Make the environment a conducive one for your date night by using accent lights instead of the harsher ambient lights, and mood lighting. This helps create a dreamy atmosphere in the room which will help make the night all the more special. Throw in some cute decorations into the mix, and you’ve got a winner.
Look the Part, Feel the Part
Dressing up isn’t just for when you head out — dressing up with your partner will not only make you feel good, but will also really help you both ease into the date night mood. It’ll give you and your partner the opportunity to remind each other how good you both look! It's all in the little touches!
Chill Over Cocktails and Charcuterie
Start your night by impressing boo with a fancy-schmancy charcuterie board. Charcuterie boards may be seen as a luxury in Singapore, and it’s not hard to see why. Cured meats and cheeses are all imported, making what are grocery basket staples in European countries a luxury here. However, with some careful planning, charcuterie boards can be inexpensive — here’s how to craft one under $30!
And what would date night be without some drinks? Spice things up with Woodstock’s Artisanal Alcohol Bundles — you can find them on our marketplace. If you and your partner are more into beer, we’ve got you covered too. Temple Cellar’s Alcohol Bundle features a range of different craft beers that you're both bound to love!
Make a Mess (Hopefully Not!) With Dinner
While take-outs are convenient, depending on where you live, the choices may not be that great (speaking from personal experience). The solution to that? Cooking your dinner. It’s another great way to spend time together, and have fun as well.
A tried-and-true date night option is steak — all you need is a good cut of meat (check out gourmet grocers like Huber’s Butchery or Meat Collective). Even if you aren’t skilled in the culinary arts, there are plenty of videos on the internet to show you how it’s done. However, if you’d like to err on the side of caution, there’s a wide variety of home cooking kits available from different restaurants. Be it steak, pizza, or even tacos, the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget dessert!
Bond Over Your Favourite Activities
Teo Heng may still be closed, but if you and boo love karaoke, why not have your own karaoke sesh from the comfort of home? It doesn’t need to be karaoke — find something you both love to do, and do it together. It could be watching your favourite movie, playing Overcooked from your 3DS, or even just playing some board games. If she loves having a spa day, why not give her one from home?
Curate a “How Well Do You Know Me?” Quiz
Check how well you all know each other by curating a quiz for the other to play. These are one of my favourite activities at birthday parties, but they work here as well. Fill them with random trivia, fun facts, and bits of information! It’s great fun, and you’re bound to learn something new about each other by the end of the night.
Spa Time Before Bedtime
If you are spending the night together, end off your day with a spa night for the both of you. For one, you could light up a scented candle and give each other massages. Or you could just chill before bed with some sheet masks. Whatever it is, it doesn’t have to be elaborate — just fun!
Not sure what to get your significant other for Valentine's Day or any occasion in general? We've crafted a guide for you to pick out the perfect gift from our marketplace!
