“Tomorrow is Saint Valentine’s day, all in the morning betime. And I a maid at your window, to be your Valentine.” — Hamlet, Act 4 Scene 5.
Valentine’s Day has a long, long history. Shakespeare first penned the line above while he was writing Hamlet in the late 16th century. By the 17th century, handmade Valentine’s Day cards first appeared in Europe. The origins of Valentine’s Day are somewhat vague, though some historians note a resemblance to Lupercalia, the ancient Roman festival celebrating the coming of Spring. Today, Valentine’s Day is about love — that ineffable, mystical power that binds us together — and celebrating our affection for significant others, family members, friends, and others dear to us.
Admittedly, planning for Valentine’s Day has not been easy over the past few years due to winter surges of COVID-19. But not to worry: we have an assortment of tips for how you and your special someone can enjoy a unique Valentine’s Day this year, whether you decide to go out for a night on the town or opt to spend a cozy evening at home.
An Active February
This year, there’s some competition in and around this day of love and affection. Fans of professional football will almost instantly recognize a key detail. Super Bowl LVI and Valentine’s Day are but a day apart. Some advice, however — unless you are absolutely convinced of your partner’s priorities, combine the two at your own peril.
The Winter Olympics (February 4-20) will also be in full swing. You’ll have the opportunity to tune in to Valentine’s Day competitions in figure skating and bobsledding, among others, all curled up together on the couch. Add an extra touch of romance to this moment of togetherness with special treats, like s’mores, chocolate-covered strawberries, or chocolate fondue!
Date Night Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Here are a few ideas to help you plan a unique Valentine’s Day date night that is sure to delight you and your partner:
The Setting
Turn your apartment into a cozy alcove with some thoughtful transformations. Scatter red silk rose confetti petals about, or form them into the shape of a heart on the dinner table. Serve crimson-colored cocktails during or after a romantic meal.
Accentuate the mood with smart WiFi light bulbs. Control dimmable, color-changing bulbs right from your smartphone, and set to red! Intensify the effect with red LED light strings. Once you’ve dressed up your home, make your at-home Valentine’s Day memories a little more special by dressing up a bit yourself. Don a cocktail dress, a well-tailored suit, or a sports jacket.
Sweet Treats
There are sweethearts and there are sweet hearts — crafted from chocolate, that is! Select handcrafted gourmet chocolates from a favorite shop. Or, rather than giving sweets, why not head to a nearby boutique candy store together? Look for that approving nod before you select truffles, turtles, or cordials for your special someone.
Put the cherry on the top of a perfect day together with a visit to a local ice cream shop — for example, Chicago’s Gold Coast offers delicious options like the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. For a stay-at-home experience, order creative alternatives online. Pecan divinities, marzipan, and maple cotton candy are just a few of the possibilities.
Bring the Picnic Indoors
Come mid-February, spring remains but a promise of the warm breezes to come. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day with a lovely indoor picnic. You know, one free of mosquitoes, wind, and other unpleasantries. Spread a blanket or two on the floor, adding pillows as desired. Fill a picnic basket to the brim with tasty treats. Add a bottle of wine or sparkling grape juice and imagine you’re under a big cherry tree.
Dream, Together
Turn Valentine’s Day into a time for dreaming and brainstorming about travel. Map out a weekend road trip from Chicago, St. Louis, or San Antonio for when the weather warms. Alternatively, you can break out the maps and begin planning a dream vacation together full of exciting international destinations. Embrace Lao Tzu’s ancient insight, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” As in relationships, visualizing your destination is the first step to making it a reality.
Love, Virtually
Maybe an in-person celebration is a challenge because of COVID-19 or geographical distance. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day virtually.
Join a virtual tour of one or more of the world’s great art museums or take advantage of online international walking tours to take a virtual vacation together. Plan for a future trip together by pinning ideas to Pinterest. A virtual poetry reading is another special way to connect. Read the work of a favorite poet to one another. Consider Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 or the romantic poems of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Emily Dickinson, or Samuel Coleridge.
A virtual wine tasting is yet another possibility. Some vineyards even work a yoga class into the mix!
About Draper and Kramer
Draper and Kramer is a family-owned and operated real estate services firm founded in 1893. You’ll find Draper and Kramer luxury apartment properties throughout the middle of the country, from San Antonio and Dallas to St. Louis and Chicago.
Many have features ideal for Valentine’s Day gatherings and other entertaining. Some, like Chicago’s Wrigleyville Lofts and Aspire Residences, include spacious kitchens with large granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The same is true of Moda at the Hill in St. Louis, set to open in late spring 2022. Some even offer bartending amenities like wine refrigerators and wet bars.
Visit Draper and Kramer to browse luxury apartments today.
