What better way is there to show someone that you love them than by taking them on a date? It can rekindle the flames for one another and create new memories. However, although spending time with your loved ones is essential, going out on dates is not always feasible. Sometimes, there may be little money saved up for going out, or there just doesn't seem to be enough time. Or, if you're an introvert, going out can be a lot of work and make you feel exhausted by the end of the date. No matter the reason, planning ways to create memories together is crucial.
Having at-home date night ideas is a lifesaver for those who may not have the resources, time, or desire to go out. We've got lots of ideas, from active games to more passive leisurely activities. Let's delve into all the possible dates we could come up with, all to be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.
1. Movie Night
This is an easy and obvious first pick. Watching movies is a great way to enjoy each other's comfort without the stress of doing anything mentally or physically taxing. Watching a classic comfort movie that both people love is a great move. Or, if you want to experience a new story together, choose a movie that neither has seen. Select the new movie by deciding on the genre or even the director. Before fully committing to a movie, look up reviews on Rotten Tomatoes or IMDb to decide if it's worth a watch. The key is to make it a special experience – maybe create a cozy nest of blankets and pillows or prepare some special movie snacks you don't usually indulge in.
2. Local Wine or Beer Tasting
Depending on your region, but especially for WNC, beer and wine are a part of the local culture and cuisine. Try new local beers if you enjoy the occasional drink but usually stick to the same flavors. Western North Carolina is well-known for its wineries, so it's worth looking into. Support a local winery or brewery by purchasing drinks to enjoy at home.
If you want the experience to be a bit more fancy, we suggest you pair some snacks with the drinks. Consider complementary flavors—maybe some fancy cheeses with your wine or gourmet pretzels with your craft beers. If you’re feeling extra, set up a tasting station in your living room or on the patio, complete with tasting notes. With all the food and drinks set up, it's time to kick back and have a relaxing evening at home, discussing your favorites and discovering new tastes together.
3. Cook a New Recipe Together
Do you and your partner cook often but stick to the same recipes? It's time to change it up! Add a little spice literally to your routine by selecting new recipes, gathering new spices and ingredients, and playing around in the kitchen. Pull out a kitchen gadget that hasn't been used in years and see how it can help the process. If you really want to challenge yourselves, pick a more complex dish that will stretch your skills and creativity. If it seems impossible, divide the recipe into tasks and then assign them to you and your partner based on skills.
If you consider yourself and your partner to be culinarily challenged, that's okay. Just pick a recipe with fewer ingredients and steps. Everyone should learn how to cook, and we must start from somewhere. Tasting the finished product is always the best part. Remember that some people are more gifted at baking than cooking meals. So, if you're not looking to make a Michelin-star dinner, stick to baking something fun like muffins, donuts, or cookies! The act of creating something together can be just as rewarding as the meal itself.
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4. A Relaxing Spa Evening
Another one of our relaxing at-home date night ideas is a spa or pamper night! If work and life have been stressful for you both, there is no better time to treat yourself. You don't need to take a trip to an expensive spa resort to have a restful day. Create a relaxing environment with plenty of options for at-home facials and hot bubble baths, and give each other massages with oils.
To really set the atmosphere for this experience, it's a good idea to pick out a calming playlist, light some scented soy candles, and prep space for the spa experience. Remember, this date idea should fit your and your partner's preferences. There's no need to go overboard with unnecessary spa tools, lotions, and other products. The goal is to relax and focus on each other, not to recreate a professional spa. Sometimes, simply taking turns giving each other a gentle hand massage can be incredibly soothing and intimate.
5. Game Night
Let the games begin! Game night can be whatever you want, depending on what game you choose. For video games, stick to multiplayer games like It Takes Two, Stardew Valley, MarioKart, and more. Plenty of video games are on all platforms, from desktops to consoles. These games can be a great way to work together towards a common goal or engage in some friendly competition.
For board games and card games, either purchase a new game that has never been played before or stick with an old childhood game. These are sure to be fun and can often lead to great conversations and lots of laughter. For added friendly competition, consider offering a small prize at the end of whichever game you choose. May the best player win! Remember, the goal is to have fun together, so choose games that you both enjoy and that match your competitive (or cooperative) spirits.
6. Stargazing on the Porch
If it's a clear night and you live somewhere with minimal light pollution, it's time to go stargazing. Turn off any indoor lights that may shine outside onto your balcony. This will make it easier to enjoy the night sky. A telescope will make this nighttime show more intriguing if you have one. It doesn't have to be an expensive, technologically advanced telescope, just one that can help you see far-away planets. Living in the mountains makes you more likely to see more stars than people who live closer to cities.
Try to find common star constellations like the Big and Little Dippers, Orion, and more. Be sure it's the right season to find these constellations, as some are only visible at certain times of the year. If you need help locating planets and constellations, plenty of apps and websites can help you navigate the night sky. Make it cozy by bringing out some warm blankets and hot drinks. You could even make up your own constellations and stories to go with them – it's a great way to spark creativity and share some laughs.
7. Art-Making Fun
This is a personal favorite of mine as a connoisseur of art. Art is truly subjective, and it's up to each individual to create their own masterpieces. Remember that the art you make does not have to be "perfect," whatever that means. You and your partner could play around with clay, acrylic paints, watercolors, pencils and paper, photography, collages, and anything else you could think of. The mediums you can use are limitless, and there is no wrong way to do this activity other than to have fun.
If you're thinking to yourself, "I don't have a creative bone in my body," then all you need to do is pull up a YouTube tutorial on how to draw this or that. Follow it step by step, and don't worry about inaccuracies. For art supplies, look into going to Michael's Art Supply or Blick Art for your materials. Stick to the cheaper stuff if this is a first-time art-making event. You never know what you'll make and how much you enjoy it until you try. The best part? You'll end up with a unique piece of art that holds the memory of your date night.
8. At-Home Dancing Lessons
If you or your partner love dancing, creating an open space to dance is one of our other great at-home date night ideas. Clear the living room or an outdoor space on the deck. Depending on what you want to practice, have fun and dress up to fit the occasion! You can try salsa, square dancing, ballroom dancing, and more.
YouTube is a great resource for following dance tutorials. So learn the basic moves and then set your dance to the music. This is a great way to get closer to the one you love. Nothing says I love you more than dancing the night away together. Don't worry if you're not pros – the point is to have fun, laugh at yourselves, and enjoy the music and movement together.
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9. Quiet Evening Reading
This is another favorite of mine. There are no expectations. You simply pick a book you enjoy or want to try reading and be in your partner's presence. Reading the same book together can make it feel like a book club and can open a dialogue, but there is no need to read the same thing at once. Sometimes, it's better to just have company while reading. If there is no space in your home dedicated to reading, you can simply read on a couch or, better yet, in the comfort of your own bed. The shared silence can be incredibly intimate, and you might find yourselves discussing what you've read afterward, leading to interesting conversations.
10. A Backyard Picnic
This is perfect for fall or spring weather. Either cook inside and prep your food or grill on the deck. Then, set up a blanket in the shade of your backyard and enjoy some food and drink. You could make it extra special by creating a theme for your picnic – perhaps foods from a certain country or foods of a particular color. The change of scenery, even if it's just to your backyard, can make the meal feel more special and date-like.
11. Firepit Chilling and S'mores
A night in front of a firepit is a perfect stay-at-home date for this coming fall weather. Bust out the graham crackers and marshmallows for some s'mores, or simply sit in front of the fire and enjoy the warmth. Firepits can be set up in the backyard or the driveway for ease. The crackling of the fire creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for intimate conversations or sharing stories. If you're feeling particularly romantic, you could even write down wishes or goals for your relationship and toss them into the fire as a symbolic gesture.
Have Fun, However It Fits You
Going on dates is never about how much money you spend on your partner. It's about building memories and sharing experiences. Before going out, step back and consider all the at-home date night ideas you have and enjoy some time at home. These ideas are just starting points—feel free to adapt them to your interests and preferences. Most importantly, you spend quality time together, strengthen your bond, and create new memories.
If you have an at-home date night idea that is different from the ones we shared, leave a comment below! We love to see how people enjoy their time together.
Out on the Town >> Romantic Date Nights In Western North Carolina
Make Your House a Home
At Vista Developers, we're here to help you build the place of your dreams—the home that fits you perfectly. Whether it's built for at-home date night ideas or something else, this home needs to fit your lifestyle. Explore our pre-made floorplans for inspiration, and work with our designers to create a home that fits you perfectly.
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