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Valentine's Day Survival Guide
| Published: 12th February 2015 08:02 |
Valentine's Day Survival Guide
All too often, preparations for 14th February are left until the last minute, with a mad dash to the card shop and a small bunch of wilted carnations hurriedly collected on the way home being the only offering.
By following a few simple steps, and starting to think about Valentine's Day now, you can help ensure that your special day goes smoothly.
Have I got your attention? Then let's begin!
Prepare now!
Prepare now!
Tables in restaurants are in high demand on Valentine's Day, and many book up weeks in advance. So don't dilly dally, if there's somewhere you'd particularly like to go - book now!
If you're planning a romantic meal for 2, it's worth ensuring that you have a meal plan organised and have checked that you can purchase all the fresh ingredients you require locally. Some more exotic ingredients may require you to travel, and you don't want to be rushing round at the last minute. You could always combine the purchase of ingredients with a day trip out - perhaps a trip to the coast for fresh fish to be lovingly prepared that evening would go down well with your Valentine?
There are unlikely to be any special offers on Champagne in the run up to Valentine's Day. If this is to be your tipple of choice and you have an eye for a bargain, buy early, and hide it well.
Pay attention!
Come on guys, ladies are very good at dropping hints! Don't dismiss that magazine that has 'accidentally' been left open on a particular page, or those hints offered casually when curled up watching TV. Your Valentine will have a clear idea of what will make her tick this 14th February, and will drop plenty of hints in the hope of receiving it, so watch, listen, and learn!
Don't make assumptions...
Don't assume that your Valentine is bound to want red roses this year. If your lounge is neutral, and she likes it that way, she may prefer a different coloured flower that co-ordinates well with the decoration. Oh, and if she hasn't bought herself red underwear in the past, it's probably because she doesn't like it, so don't assume that, because it's Valentine's Day it has to be red, or your lady may well just see red... and throw it straight to the back of the drawer!
Be imaginative
There are some beautiful gifts available from local shops, some of which can be quite unique. If your partner collects items from a certain range of pottery, it's likely that a gift from this collection will be gratefully received, and show that you pay attention to what he or she likes.
Be romantic
Of course, Valentine's Day is all about romance. If this isn't your strong point, why not make a little extra effort? Here are some ideas:
Create a treasure hunt for your Valentine so that they can find their gift via lots of clues and surprises
Run a bath for your Valentine - pepper the water with rose petals, light some candles, pour a glass of something fizzy and leave him or her to have some quiet relaxation time
Whisk your partner off their feet. This doesn't have to be a trip somewhere exotic - perhaps the local funfair for some fun, or the cinema where you can quietly hold hands, preferably watching a slushy movie
Breakfast in bed - always a winner!
Keep it simple
If you're planning a romantic meal at home, don't add unnecessary stress by selecting a complicated recipe that will have you as hot and bothered as the oven! If possible, choose something that you've prepared previously, and don't drink too much alcohol prior to stepping into the kitchen - it won't help.
Scrub up!
Whatever you plan to do this Valentine's Day, make a little effort with your appearance. Wash, trim, pluck, shave, scrub, and iron. Even if you're staying in it'll make the evening seem that little more special.
Got children? Why not involve them?
If you're not lucky enough to be able to get a babysitter, why not involve the children in your Valentine's Day preparations? They can make a card for Mum or Dad, help prepare breakfast, and perhaps join in making some heart shaped shortbread biscuits - the possibilities are endless.
Have a Plan B
Planning a romantic picnic in the park is all well and good, but what happens if it rains? Always have a back up plan, just in case something happens that makes plan A impossible.
Think fixtures
Ladies, ladies, ladies... If your fella's a sport fan and his team is playing a big game that day - forget it! Unless he's completely under your spell (and we're talking nodding dog here) he's unlikely to forgo an important match for a day out with the other love of his life. If he's an armchair fan, don't even think about suggesting that he records the game so that he can watch it later. It just isn't the same, apparently...
Oh, and whatever you have planned, make sure it's all wrapped up before Match of the Day hits the TV screen!
Last but not least, whatever you do, don't ever, ever forget! Never!
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