Wow your loved one in seven simple steps

Valentine’s Day is the time to put your best foot forward and treat your other half just as you would like to be treated. To have an exceptional and unforgettable night does not mean that you have to break the bank. Here are seven tips to plan the perfect Valentine’s date:

• Plan ahead

This is one of the most important aspects. There is no way that you will be able to wow your partner with a bunch of roses at the last minute. Carefully plan the day to ensure that there are no unexpected mishaps,  such as you needing to work late or other matters interfering with your date. If you are busy, then get help from friends or family.

• Decide whether your night will be spent in and around town or at home

A perfect Valentine’s night needs to be at a perfect location. There are numerous options, one being either at home or at a number of places around town. Your partner’s favourite restaurant is always a good spot, and you could also travel back in time to the first restaurant you visited as a couple. You could also go on a progressive dinner date with appetisers, mains and dessert at three different places – Safari style in the Lowveld.

• Be original, creative and romantic with gifts

Traditional Valentine’s gifts such as stuffed teddy bears and chocolates are timeless, but sometimes your significant other would like something else to make them feel extra special. Take some effort with some DIY gifts and presents that you know they will like.

• Be surprising, know your strengths

Surprise your loved one with something out of the ordinary and unexpected such as a song that you wrote or a meal that you cooked yourself – especially when you are known to burn the toast. It is important not to turn the date into an awkward disaster, so use your strengths to make it memorable – that is why they fell in love with you in the first place.

• Theme the evening based on your partner’s favourite things and the stand-out moments of your relationship

This can be a very cute and memorable way to make their hearts pound that little bit extra. This can be done in the form of photos that you print and paste in strategic locations around the home or presents that you may have shared or given to each other. The possibilities are endless on this romantic and nostalgic tour.

• Pick the perfect movie

Romantic movies are always a hit on Valentine’s Day and you can extend the evening with a bit of popcorn and cinema. This is also a good excuse to hold hands and cuddle to further enhance the mood. It is all about making them the only priority. Create the atmosphere and the rest will follow.

• End the night with the perfect kiss

Location is important, that is why candlelight dinner and evenings under the stars normally work best. Get into the mood and let your instincts take control but do not go overboard. You know you and your loved one’s limits. Keep it simple, stupid (KISS).