Date Night In Dinner Ideas
After I had my twins, we were tired. Going out wasn’t something we did often, but we still tried to prioritize connection. A few times a month, we planned a date night in after the twins went to sleep.
We’d splurge on good meats, cheeses, or a special dessert, cook a meal together, and then settle in with a movie or catch up on shows we’d missed. It wasn’t fancy — but it felt intentional and honestly meant so much during a season when leaving the house felt like a lot.
Those nights reminded me that having a romantic time with your husband doesn’t have to be a huge event or involve reservations and babysitters. You can create something really special right at home and truly treat yourselves!!
That’s why I’ve rounded up some special meals you can make at home to enjoy with your spouse.
These dinner ideas are perfect for any time you want a romantic night in or to celebrate an anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or a milestone together!
Extra Romantic Touches
You can set the whole tone at home with lighting. Use some fancy or special dining plates (you know, the ones you try not to let the kids break…). If you’re like I was and alcohol-free is off the menu, you can still grab some sparkling cider or non-alcoholic bubbly “wine” and make it feel fancy.
Maybe you are not in the mood for a full dress-up—and that’s the whole point of staying in: to be comfortable. But in those early days of motherhood, I also wanted to feel—how do I say this—feminine and human again. So you can take a little extra time to change your clothes, take a nice shower, and use your favorite perfume (maybe even wear something fancy under your comfy clothes… wink, wink).
The point is to make it your night—what you want it to be. A night that’s just for the two of you, at home, snuggled in and connecting, while you get a couple of quiet hours together.
A few simple touches go a long way:
Light candles or dim the lights
Put your phones away for the night
Cook together instead of rushing
Watch a movie or show you both enjoy
Set the table, even if it’s just for the two of you
Wear your favorite perfume for going out
Chimichurri Steak
by living chipy
Easy Broiled Lobster Tail
by what a girl eats
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
by the cookin chicks
One Pot French Onion Pasta Recipe
by the cinnamon jar
One Pan Caprese Chicken
by lauren fit foodie
Creamy Pork Tenderloin
by pumpkin n spice
Slow Cooker Beef Braciole
by flavorful eats
Risotto with Smoked Salmon and Peas
by casual foodist
Creamy Steak Pasta Recipe (With Mushroom & Whisky Sauce)
by the cinnamon jar
Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast
by haute healthy eating
Beef Tenderloin Roast with Red Wine Sauce
by chew out loud
Date Night Spaghetti
by the gifted gabber
Easy Marry Me Chicken
by the soccer mom blog
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
by a cedar spoon
Easy Lobster Ravioli Cream Sauce
by Lauren from Scratch
Don’t Forget Dessert!
Elegant Dessert Recipes
If you are looking for elevated, no-themed desserts to pair with your romantic date night, check out the blog post here filled with delicious and elegant dessert recipes!