An attractive young couple cooking dinner together. She is having him taste the sauce she's makingFlowers, chocolates, dinner, and dancing brings about memories of Valentine’s Days from the past. But this year, the day of love will look different. Amid the pandemic, many of us are spending Valentine’s Day at home.
 
While you may not be able to plan a romantic night out with your spouse, ask that special someone out on a date, or have a fun family outing to celebrate this Day of Love, there are fun things you can do. This year we all just have to get a little more creative. After all, this is a day to celebrate love. Love for your significant other, love for your family, and love for yourself. Here are five ideas on how you can safely celebrate Valentine’s Day:
 

Valentine Brunch

With Valentine’s Day being on a Sunday this year, brunch is one of the first things that comes to mind. Surprise your special someone or the whole family with some festive recipes. Check out this recipe for “Bacon Egg-in-a-Heart.” Or, if you have more of a sweet tooth, how about some Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls? Deliver your feast with a handwritten love letter or a beautiful poem or quote.
 
If you don’t feel like cooking, you could order your brunch from a local restaurant such as Tofanelli’s and pick it up on Sunday morning. Bring it home or take it with you and have a picnic. After your decadent meal, you might take a walk as a couple (or a family). Talk about fun memories and take the time to tell those you love why you love them so much.
 
Attractive couple eating Chinese food and drinking red wine

Romantic Dinner

Valentine’s Day has always been known as the time for a romantic night out on the town. This year you may have to make it a romantic night in.
 
Virtual events can make this evening exciting, and you may even find you prefer this intimate way of celebrating. To make the day unique, try an online dance class or a cooking class as a couple.
 
You could make yourselves a special dinner together or order in from your favorite restaurant, like Tuscany Gardens. Make sure to get the candles out and create that romantic ambiance.
 
Kids at home? No problem. Make the night fun for them as well. Set them up with a movie night in a separate room, order some pizza, and provide a special Valentine dessert. Emily’s Catering is having a Holiday “Pop-Up” Bakery for Valentine’s Day next Friday from 1 to 5 pm. Make sure to place your order today! It will be available for parking lot pick-up only to stay safe.
 

Games

A game night or scavenger hunt is always a fun Valentine’s Day activity, whether it is with your significant other or the whole family. Pick your favorite board games or card games and let the fun begin.
 
With a little planning, a scavenger hunt is always enjoyed by all. Hide treats like Valentine cookies, love notes, or small gifts and create your clues. Romantic or just fun, your game’s theme is up to you. You can find some great little gifts and Valentine treat ideas at the Foothill Mercantile.
 

Virtual Date

What if, due to COVID-19, you cannot spend the evening with that special someone you wanted to ask out for Valentine’s? You can still spend some quality time together even if you are in different places.
 
First, think about sending a beautiful bouquet from a local florist like Foothill Flowers. Have the same dinner delivered to you and your date and Zoom while you dine. You can go on to watch a romantic comedy while still connected on Zoom and enjoy each other’s company and conversation.
 

A Valentine to Yourself

If you don’t have a date for this Valentine’s Day, no worries. Treat yourself. Create an at-home spa treatment day. Valentine’s Day is a great reason to pamper yourself. Enjoy a movie marathon or watch all the episodes of a show you have wanted to watch. Do you have a favorite meal you haven’t had in a while? Order it in or cook it up and make it feel festive. Light some candles and take the time to feel good about yourself. Don’t let any negative thoughts in; just relish the things in life you have accomplished and dwell on your strengths and what makes you happy.
 

A Day of Love

Valentine’s Day is a day of love. A day to show appreciation for your loved ones and yourself. The world has been topsy-turvy, so taking the time to celebrate love, friendship, and family should make for a pretty wonderful day!
 
Now, it’s your turn: how are you celebrating Valentine’s Day this time around? Share your plans with us by leaving a comment below!

Mardie Caldwell

Written by Mardie Caldwell

Mardie has been a successful and inspiring entrepreneur since 1981. The Foothills Event Center was created out of Mardie’s desire to enrich the community and provide a place to come together for celebrating, learning, sharing, and enjoying our rich Gold Country heritage. Rooted in her love of Nevada County, Mardie’s strong vision and desire to serve the community yielded the opportunity to revitalize the former Weaver property into a gathering place that we all can enjoy.

Her innovation and commitment to environmental responsibility contribute positively to our community and surroundings. With The Foothills Events Center, Mardie is creating the best experience for our clients and their guests, creating memories for generations.