In a year greeted with greater social distancing and continued COVID-19 protocols, our parameters of creativity for a romantic holiday might be limited — but I’m determined to make it memorable! From sun-up to dark, this Valentine’s Day can be met with meaningful meals and rituals that, believe it or not, you might want to continue in a post-COVID world, too! Here are my suggestions to sweeten an otherwise standard Sunday.
Start early—Coffee + pastry date?
Pretend you’re in Paris. Venture to your favorite local bakery/coffee shop and order an extra indulgent pastry. Chocolate croissant? Scones? Enjoy your confections and coffee at an outdoor table for two. Plenty of people-watching and pondering, I hope!
Take advantage of a Sunday Valentine’s Day.
Prepare a decadent brunch for two (french toast + omelettes are my order), or show off your Valentine’s pajamas with roommates or your “pod” for a sweet Galentine’s gathering!
Shop the look (above) from Bella Vita: Montes Doggett wood tray; Casafina Ruffled Baker; Simon Pearce Bud Vase
Deliver Valentines to your girlfriends’ doors.
The nostalgia of my classroom Valentine’s mailbox (made from my mom’s shoe box) is setting in. Write and decorate notes to your best gals, complete with their favorite candy or a freshly baked batch of cookies or brownies. A sweet surprise at their doorstep!
Support a local restaurant with an intimate dining reservation.
It’s no question our restaurants need our support, and many are pulling all the stops to ensure an extra special dining experience. Get your reservations in now since seating is limited!
Surprise your Valentine with their two favorite local restaurant dishes to-go (and let them do the same for you), and enjoy a four-course take-out feast.
Pick his favorite two dishes (an appetizer and entrée) and let him pick yours. Arrange for curbside pick-up early evening so you can enjoy a virtual “progressive” dinner!
Conduct your own wine tasting with bottles you wouldn’t typically splurge on + a charcuterie spread.
Why not channel a California date night? Enjoy a handful of wines (one with bubbles, too!) and exchange commentary about the tasting notes and your favorite attributes. I recommend the Robert Roads collection from Sangiacomo Family Wines, who has farmed in Sonoma since 1927. With over 50 years of grapegrowing experience, they bring passion and expertise to each and every bottle of wine. You can get 10% off your Sangiacomo Wines purchase and FREE shipping on 4+ bottles with the case-sensitive code “CaraMelized”!
Pair your fine wines with cheeses and accouterments, which you can arrange yourself or order through a local charcuterie service.
