Research shows that spending just two hours a week on dates can help keep your relationship strong and healthy. An at-home date night is a fun way to connect without the stress of getting ready or heading out. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, your anniversary, or just want to enjoy each other’s company, here are some at-home date night ideas to help you create a fun evening without ever leaving your front door.
Can You Have a Date Night at Home?
Absolutely, you can! Romance doesn’t require dinner reservations or fancy outfits. At-home date nights give you the freedom to relax and connect in a way that feels easy and personal. No reservations required.
Benefits of Date Night at Home
When you plan a date night at home, you get to create a night that’s completely yours. You can curl up on the couch with your partner, laugh until your sides hurt, or try something new together. Here’s why staying in is a great choice:
-
Budget friendly and easy to plan
-
An intimate and private setting for deeper connection
-
The freedom to choose activities that fit your personalities
-
Uninterrupted quality time to enjoy each other’s company
Fun and Romantic Home Date Ideas
There is no shortage of ways to make your night in feel special. Here are some of our favorite fun and romantic date ideas to help you have the most fun at home.
Challenge Each Other to a Game Night
There’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition, and what better way to compete than to have a game night? Go for classic board games like Monopoly or Scrabble if you’re feeling strategic, or keep it simple with card games like Uno.
If video games are more your style, race each other in Mario Kart or team up in Overcooked to see how well you really work together. You can also throw in a playful bet, like the winner gets to choose dessert or the loser has to sing their favorite karaoke song.
Get Lost in a Movie Marathon
Turn date night into a movie night! Pick a theme like romantic comedies or classic horror flicks. Want to dive into a fan favorite franchise? Consider Marvel for action-packed fun, Star Wars for an epic adventure, or Harry Potter if you’re in the mood for magic.
Takeout and Chill
Takeout night doesn’t have to be your typical “grab and go.” With a little creativity and some out-of-the-box thinking, you can turn your takeout into a culinary experience.
A popular trend is ordering from different spots for each part of your meal. Here’s how you can break it down:
-
First, start with drinks. Pick your favorite coffee shop or bubble tea place to kick things off.
-
Next, choose an appetizer. Grab something light like spring rolls or mozzarella sticks from a local spot you love.
-
Then, move onto the main dish. Go for a hearty option like pizza, sushi, or your go-to comfort food.
-
Finally, finish with dessert. Stop by a bakery or ice cream parlor for something sweet to share.
Another idea is for each person to order their favorite foods for the other to try. This is a great way to explore new flavors together and see how well your tastes align. You just might discover a new dish you love or finally understand why your partner swears by their go-to order.
Creative and Playful Date Night Ideas
Tap into your inner child and let your imagination take the lead with these playful date night ideas. Who says grown-ups can’t play too?
Set Up an Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Store-bought desserts are fine, but creating your own sundae bar at home is so much more fun! Start by choosing a few ice cream flavors. Stick with classics like vanilla and chocolate, or shake things up with birthday cake or salted caramel. Then, set up a toppings bar with plenty of options to mix and match. Popular toppings to consider include:
-
Crushed cookies, candy pieces, or brownie chunks
-
Fresh berries, sprinkles, or edible glitter
-
Chocolate fudge, caramel drizzle, or strawberry sauce
Finally, finish it off with the essentials–whipped cream and cherries, of course. You can even challenge each other to make the wildest sundae and taste-test to crown the winner. The only rule? There’s no such thing as too many toppings.
Build a Magical Blanket Fort for Two
Turn your living room into a mini escape from reality by building a fort that’s cozy inside and out. Start with a solid base and let your imaginations run wild. Here’s what you’ll need:
-
Big blankets to drape over chairs, couches, or whatever furniture is nearby
-
Fluffy pillows to make the inside as comfy as possible
-
Bean bag chairs that are stuffed, never stuffy
-
String lights or fairy lights for a dreamy and magical feel
Once your fort is ready, set up some snacks, queue up your favorite movies, or share silly stories that will have you belly laughing together all night long.
How to Elevate Your At-Home Date Night
If you’re looking to take your at-home date night to the next level, we’ve got you covered. From sampling new flavors together or creating a snack spread that looks like it's straight out of a food magazine, there are endless ways you can make your evening feel out of this world.
Make a Decadent Charcuterie Board Together
Charcuterie boards are great for indulging in your favorite treats while allowing you to be creative. Combine savory bites like aged cheddar, brie, or herbed crackers with sweet treats like dark chocolate, fresh berries, or a drizzle of honey. Have fun arranging everything in a way that feels fancy, or just pile it on. It’s your board, your rules.
Try a Mini Wine Tasting
Bring the vineyard to your home with a mini wine tasting. Pick up a few small bottles or choose three to four varieties to sample. You can stick to one type, like reds or whites, or mix it up with a sparkling option or a rosé. Pair each wine with a little bite from your charcuterie board to see which flavors work best together. Even if you’re not a wine expert, the fun is in the trying.
How to Prepare Your Home for Romance
Once you’ve picked your date night activity, it’s time to set the mood. Here’s how to prep your home for you and your date.
Have Comfortable Seating Arrangements
Comfort is the foundation of a great date night, and CordaRoy’s bean bag chairs are always trust-fall ready. Picture yourself and your partner sinking into a seven-foot wide bean bag as you’re surrounded by soft and luxurious fabric that feels like a hug. Our giant bean bags come in three styles, including faux chinchilla, chenille, and plush corduroy, so you can find one that fits your style and mood.
If you’re looking for versatility, our convertible bean bags are the way to go. The queen-sized option is perfect for lounging and can easily transform into a bed for two. The king-sized version provides even more space to relax together. With over 200 cover options, you can customize your convertible bean bag to fit into your space, and the removable, washable covers make cleaning up after popcorn spills easy.
Set the Mood with Soft Lighting
Lighting can completely change the vibe of your space, making it feel calm, cozy, or even a little magical. Here are a few ways to create a romantic atmosphere:
-
Dimmable lights to control brightness and set just the right tone
-
Candlelight for a classic, intimate glow
-
Fairy lights to add a playful and idyllic touch
If you want to try something different, consider using colored lighting. Specifically, red is often associated with passion and romance, making it a great choice for date night. A subtle red hue can energize the space and create a mood that feels bold and intimate without being over the top.
Don’t Forget The Last Minute Details
The little extras are what make your date night memorable. Add soft touches to your space like pillows and blankets that invite you to settle in and relax. From our indulgent XL Chinchilla Throw to our XXL Plush Corduroy Big Blanket, our collection of cozy throws are perfect for keeping warm while staying close.
Set the mood with music that reminds you of your favorite moments together or a playlist that matches the vibe of the evening. Light a scented candle to create a calming atmosphere, or sprinkle rose petals for all of the romantic feels. These thoughtful touches will let your date know that you truly care.
Make Your Next Date Night at Home Unforgettable
As you can see, planning a special date night doesn’t require fancy reservations or elaborate plans. Choose one of these ideas or combine a few to create a night that feels perfect for you and your sweetheart. With just a little creativity and effort, your next date night at home can be just as fun as any night out.
Sources:
Why Date Nights Are So Important for Healthy Relationships | Psychology Today
Red Color Psychology, Symbolism and Meaning | Color Psychology
