Essentials for a Cozy Holiday Date Night In

Dating is an important part of marriage. Although, when you’re busy raising a family, dating sometimes stops being the most important thing and that needs to change today. Seriously, don’t let disconnect become the norm. It’s mid-December, the temperature has dropped which means chilly nights and spending more time indoors, and a perfect time for a cozy holiday date night in. I love date night because it forces me to relax and it gives both my husband and me, a chance to remember our why – the reasons why we decided to embark on this journey together.

5 Essentials for a Cozy Holiday Date Night In

I know how crazy life can get, kids, marriage, work. It’s hard finding the time. However, the stars have aligned, you’ve managed to secure a babysitter for the littles ones. Now, let’s put together a cozy holiday date night in which you and your significant other can enjoy. First, put down the phone. Sigh! I know, it’s tough but the start of a good date night involves being disconnected from the world and totally tuned-in and focused on each other. Believe me, your husband will appreciate the extra effort and the one-on-one time you dedicated. Keep reading for five ways you can make this an extra special holiday date night-in.

See more: 7 Romantic Holiday Winter Date Ideas For Parents

Here are the essentials, regardless of your date night style:

Candles/Scents/Flowers – It’s all about romance. Flowers, candles, and scent never go out of style and it can help set the mood for your date night-in. The ambiance will play a major role in creating an ideal holiday setting. No matter what mood you’re trying to achieve, candles or holiday scents like ScentSicles Scented Ornaments could offer an easy way to bring in that holiday vibe. You can hang it on your holiday tree to bring out that nostalgic holiday season scent. We have the spiced pine cones scented ornaments and it smells great. The smell is strong but it isn’t overpowering. 

Movies/Games – To truly slay date night you need to have the right activity planned out, perhaps movie night or game night. Try and pick something based on both your interests, make the night about both of you. If you want, involve your significant other in the decision process so they don’t feel excluded. Sometimes I like the idea of going out and exploring but more often than not, I appreciate a quiet night at home, doing nothing. I know it sounds basic but that’s what works for us.

Food – Date night is often as good as the food and the food is only as good as the wine you pair it with, am I right? If you’re pressed for time, or you want something different, order take out and consider pairing your meal with a nice bottle of wine. Cinzano Prosecco is considered one of Italy’s most iconic sparkling wine. We paired it with seafood and it was perfect. Whether you are cooking or ordering take out, the choices are endless. Another option is to have a pre-dinner drink or a special cocktail with your meal. Here is an easy holiday drink recipe to elevate your night.

Cinzano Mint Spritz

• 1 part Campari©
• 1 part cranberry juice
• 3 parts Cinzano Prosecco
• 5 fresh mint leaves

Pour all the ingredients into a wine glass with ice, stir gently and add the fresh mint leaves to the top.

As the night progress, slip into something that makes you feel sexy, confident, and comfortable.

Music – Music goes with setting the mood, but it also plays a very important role in making it the perfect snuggle-worthy night. Play some tunes in the background while you cuddle up with your love. Take a trip down memory lane by playing a playlist from your wedding night or sexy tunes you both love. It’s a great way to reminisce. Yes, even if he has an eclectic taste and you are more of a top 40 gal; having a mix of both makes for an interesting night. Don’t have time? No problem, pick a date night playlist online and enjoy discovering new favorites together.

See more: Five Easy Ways To Beat The Winter Blues

Dessert – Dessert is essential for a cozy holiday date night in. In this case, ice cream and chocolate were on deck to help us close out the night. Melt-in-your-mouth My/Mo mochi ice cream and Fran’s Gray & Smoked Salt Caramel Chocolates. The chocolates are about 45 calories each but we aren’t counting calories tonight. Besides, they are so good, you won’t even care. Fran’s chocolates are fair-trade certified, so you can spend more time, enjoying each other and less time worrying about the planet. They are also an award-winning woman-owned business and they’ve been in business since 1998.

Ever wish there was an ice cream wrapped with sweet chewy dough? Wish granted. My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream is gluten-free and it’s available in 8 delicious flavors at only 110 calories per mochi ball. So far, we’ve tried sweet mango, ripe strawberry, green tea, and cookies & cream. We bought ours at Walmart but you can search on their website for where to buy it near you.

That concludes the perfect cozy holiday date night in Eat, Drink, Celebrate, and Repeat.

If staying indoors isn’t for you, you’d rather brave the cold and head out, here are some ideas for a low-key date night.