Snowed In? Creative Date Nights to Keep the Romance Alive This Winter

Oh, it’s winter alright. It’s cold, it’s dark, and you’re – more than likely – spending a whole lot more time indoors. But, being snowed in (whether literally or metaphorically) doesn’t have to mean mindless TV binges, takeout, and scrolling through your phones in companionable silence. With a little creativity, your winter evenings can turn into unforgettable date nights that warm your heart – and maybe even heat up your relationship. After some top ideas for cozy romance? Whatever your style, there’s a super cozy date night in store. Well, buckle up, because you’re in the right place!

Cook Up a Storm Together

I know, I know, you’ve got to cook every single night. But making it special really does make it exciting. Fancy reservations and Michelin menus, they’re great, but they don’t give you the same satisfaction as cooking something elaborate yourself. Take it from me: bring the restaurant experience home. 

Pick a cuisine you both love (or have always wanted to try) and find a recipe that challenges you (and this is the crucial bit) just the right amount. If you’re a microwave devotee then opt for something on the simpler side; if you’re a dab hand in the kitchen then don’t be afraid to kick things up a notch. Then? Divide and conquer! One of you handles the main dish, while the other whips up dessert. Crank up the music, crack open a bottle of wine, and make time for a kiss or two in between prep work. Bonus points for plating everything just as fancy as they would have at that Michelin-starred spot!

Have a Casino Night at Home

Who says glamour has to be reserved for a night out? It’s easier than ever to bring the casino to your living room, thanks to cheap and cheerful board games, or just a good online casino option! You can go as crazy as you like with this. Set a James Bond dress code, hire an actual roulette table, and insist on martinis only. Or, keep it casual in your pajamas, play some poker or a bit of online roulette, and enjoy the comforts of home in a way that you just can’t at a physical casino. The choice is yours to do what feels right for you and your boo! 

Choose games that make sense too. If you’ve never set foot in a casino before then an option that requires minimal theory isn’t a bad idea. Getting used to online roulette is much quicker than learning how to play poker. All you need to know for roulette is what each of the bets means. Similarly, a few spins of a slot machine requires less knowledge than a game of baccarat, so pick the games that are likely to provide enough of a challenge to be competitive without being overwhelming.

Get Stuck Into a Series on Netflix

Film devotee? Fair enough. For me, sometimes (in fact often) a good series is better than any movie marathon. The beauty of picking a binge-worthy show is that it can stretch across multiple date nights. Unless you go for a particularly gripping mini-series – in which case wave goodbye to any thoughts of sleep that night! Either way, whatever kind of vibe you’re after, you’ll find plenty of options. Recently, Kings of Tupelo provided exactly the kind of out-of-this-world but firmly in this world mania that crowds loved, but you could go for something tried and tested like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or a bit creepier like Stranger Things (perfect for hiding under a blanket together). 

Take time setting the mood with blankets and maybe a themed drink or snack inspired by the show. You’ll have plenty to talk about between episodes, and it’s the perfect excuse to keep cozy together.

Try a DIY Wine (or Hot Chocolate, or Whatever) Tasting

Tastings are great fun and can open up your culinary horizons to a world that you just hadn’t thought to explore before. Sure, usually you’ve got to go to a vineyard, a fancy restaurant, or a hipster coffee shop, but with the right tasting notes, you can set up your own right at home! Some companies will send several bottles of wine to you, along with notes on which tastes and aromas to look out for. This can be great fun and give you a bit of an insight into the world of wine connoisseurs. You might even find a new favorite tipple!

If you want to keep it budget-friendly then opt for something non-alcoholic and make it a marks out of ten scenario. Hot chocolate is a great option because you can top it with things like whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks, then rate each concoction like the chocolate connoisseurs you were always meant to be.