Traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations usually involve going out: to dinner, to the theater, to the cinema, on a carriage ride through the city, for a night of dancing, or any number of other activities. But spending the evening at home for some quiet one-on-one time with your love can be every bit as fun and romantic as going out, especially if you put some effort into the planning. To help get the creative juices flowing, here are some ideas for having a cozy Valentine’s Day night at home.

Food and drinks

No matter what other activities are on your agenda, you’ll require sustenance at some point. Stock the fridge with snacks and finger food and prepare a home-cooked meal to share. Even if you barely know your way around the kitchen, you can pick a simple recipe from an online cooking site and do your best. Your date will appreciate the effort—and you can always order takeout if things turn out badly.

Acceptable beverages can run the gamut from a nice bottle of wine or champagne if you want to feel fancy to beer or cocktails if you’re keeping things simple. Depending on your tastes, nonalcoholic options such as coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and soft drinks may also be considered.

Ambiance

Creating a romantic ambiance is critical for getting into a proper Valentine’s Day mood. Dim lighting, candles, and soft music are a must, while heart-shaped decorations or red and pink embellishments can add to the effect. Other ways to create the right ambiance include decorating around a particular theme, such as “A Night in Paris”, or setting up a picnic blanket in front of a roaring fire. No fireplace? No problem; just lay out an Under Area Rug Radiant Floor Heater from CozyWinters under the picnic blanket for a similarly cozy effect.

Activities

Having some activities planned for after dinner can help make the evening more fun and memorable. Playing board games or video games, putting together a jigsaw puzzle, exchanging gifts, or simply talking without the distraction of phones or other electronic devices are popular choices, as is snuggling together under a heated electric throw and binging your favorite TV series on Netflix.

Whether you’re staying in for Valentine’s Day because you couldn’t get reservations at your favorite restaurant, want to save some money, or merely wish to enjoy each other’s company in private, these ideas can help make your at-home celebration more special.