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February is fast approaching, and with it, Valentine’s Day, which means that pretty soon it will already be time to start planning your day or night with your significant other. Depending on your own situation and personal feelings on the holiday, this doesn’t have to be an extremely involved process. However, if you are a person who likes to go a bit overboard for Valentine’s Day, or even if you simply want to find ways of expressing yourself to the one you love, you definitely do need to give it some careful thought in advance. Specifically, you’ll want to give some thought to what kind of date you’re going to have.

It’s fairly traditional, of course, to take your significant other out to a date on Valentine’s Day, perhaps at his or her favourite restaurant, or at the place where you met, etc. Indeed, on Valentine’s Day all of the nicest restaurants always seem to have long lines and long waits, and all of the tables are filled with couples. But, while it’s perfectly fine to take part in the restaurant idea, you may also want to consider doing something a bit different, and a bit more unique, this year – plan a meal on your own, and surprise your significant other with a date at home.

This may be a bit easier than you expect. Will you be able to put the same kind of meal on the table as a 5-star chef at a nice restaurant? Probably not, unless you happen to be trained – but you can still make a very nice gesture by preparing a nice meal and creating an atmosphere. Swing by a to pick up some chocolates and some fine wine, fix up a nice table for two in your home, and maybe set the mood with some music you both enjoy and a dimly lit room. Valentine’s Day is all about atmosphere, and once you have your significant other enjoying your date at home, you can cook for him and her and enjoy a meal together.

This is merely one suggestion of how to create a more unique Valentine’s Day evening for you and the person you love. Of course, there are many, many ways to make this a special holiday. However, do keep in mind how simple and appealing it can be to plan a meal and a date at home, as a nice change from going out to restaurants year after year.

Marks & Spencer

With the summer on its way it's time for garden parties, barbeques and enjoying time outside. Try some of our great summer cocktail recipes to help get you in the spirit this summer!

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