Date Night In Dinner Ideas

RecipesLifestyle

Jan 1

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 Valentine’s Day, but they also work for any time you want a romantic night in — celebrating an anniversary, a milestone, or just carving out intentional time 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.