Going out or staying in – how to make Valentine’s Day extra special
“The weak would never enter the kingdom of love.” — Gabriel García Márquez, “Love in the Time
of Cholera”
Gabriel García Márquez spelled out many things in his famed literary classic — a love story set in a raging pandemic — and one of them is this: Love takes strength. And yes, buckets of patience.
That’s something most of us have been witnessing more than ever over the entire past year. And now, in the run-up to Valentines Day, the question is: Can we still try to have a slightly normal Valentine’s Day? Is it even worth it to try? And what’s the best way to celebrate our loved ones — our romances, our friends, families and ourselves — in such times?
Well, let’s start with a few ideas. No matter how you plan to tackle V-Day this year, these smart hacks and hints (in no particular order) should elevate the event:
No. 1. Romantic. You’re going out together — finally an excuse to wear something other than sweatpants! On the year’s biggest restaurant date night, you can’t just waltz out of the house with your sweetie donning the exact same thing you do 24/7. Let’s do it up a little, shall we? For example: The Mac Duggal Sequined Midi Dress ($398 on bloomingdales.com). The gorgeous crew neck and sleeveless midi dress takes no prisoners — it’s covered in sequins all over, and its banded waist hugs your curves in a way that makes it flattering no matter what you wear it with — from a cashmere shrug to a leather biker jacket.
No. 2. Family night. Staying in and hanging with your family. While you may all normally have thrown on your winter coats and hit the North End together, this year you can do the next best thing by heading out to your own patio (or, if it’s just too cold, to the floor in front of your TV as you throw on a movie) and setting up an Italian picnic. James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Boston’s Fox & The Knife Karen Akunowicz has tossed together an Italian-inspired Valentine’s Day winter picnic spread ($150 on secretsupper.com). It’s full of cold-weather tools and fixings to share with loved ones as well as satisfying Italian recipes.
No. 3. Friends and self-care.
Hanging in with the girls, or just treating yourself. Maybe you need a night with the roommate, your sisters or just want an evening full of you, Prime Video and a pint of Talenti. Either way, set the scene by ordering a tub of Rose Face Mask ($62 on fresh.com), the silky effects of which are basically like waving a magic wand and feeling instant hydration and an equally magical infusion of real rose petals. And follow it up with the line’s Rose Deep Hydration Oil-infused Serum ($59 on fresh.com). Even better, you may be able to catch the Fresh Valentine’s Day promo — the Boston-based company is sending a six-product gift free (a $52 value) when you spend $100.
No. 4. Romantic version 2.
You’re staying in together, and you refuse to sacrifice on fireworks. Don’t even think about the sweatpants for this one, either. Even if you aren’t leaving the love nest, you’re going to need a killer look like the Cowl Drape Neck Satin Halter Jumpsuit by Aidan by Aidan Mattox ($245 on neimanmarcus.com) — and since you’re staying inside, skip the heels if you feel like it. Fire up some candles, pour some bubbly, and then do the easiest version possible of whipping up a five-star meal at home, with the Lobster, Pasta & Chocolate: Valentine’s Day Special ($105 on lukeslobster.com). The kit bundle includes a pound of beautiful flash-frozen lobster meat, fresh fettucine, instructions for making the sultry aphrodisiac, and handmade Bixby chocolates. Put that on your bingo love card.