Money-saving blogger Miss Thrifty shares her top tips for wining, dining and romancing on a budget
Make it a day to remember
Valentine’s Day can be expensive, but don’t feel that you have to splash out on sumptuous gifts and a lavish meal because these are the ‘done things’. A homemade Valentine’s Day doesn’t just save money, it also allows you to use your imagination and create a day that is as special and memorable as it is romantic.
My husband and I once took time off work to have a Valentine’s picnic in our local park. It was unusual, but we wrapped up warm and took homemade soups in thermos flasks and homemade bread fresh from the oven. We had the place almost to ourselves and had much more fun than we would have done squashed an overcrowded, overpriced restaurant with countless other couples.
Say it with handmade gifts
Time is a prized commodity, so putting the hours into creating a one-off gift, tailored to its recipient, speaks volumes about your feelings. If you want to make some sweet treats, these heart-shaped cookie cutters are perfect. Or what about homemade chocolates? For a finishing touch, present them in this 'Made With Love' mug. Homemade ‘gift certificates’ or IOUs, for everything from household chores to quality time, cost nothing and always go down well.
Flowers don’t have to cost the Earth
Roses are expensive at this time of year, so why not present a hand-tied French bouquet that costs a fraction of the price? Buy your roses from the supermarket, where you’re likely to find the best prices, remove the cellophane wrap and arrange the flowers into a tightly packed bouquet with the largest bloom at the centre, and the stems at a 45-degree angle. Wrap with tissue paper or brown parcel paper and tie with string, or secure the stems with a large red ribbon.
Don’t let work get in the way
Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, but even if you and your partner are at work, why put the romance on hold until the evening? Breakfast in bed is always a treat. If your partner’s workplace is close by, hand-deliver your flowers, cookies or other gifts – and give your Valentine’s message in person.
Romantic meals don’t have to be expensive
Even if you are having Valentine’s Day at home this year, dress as if you were at the grandest restaurant in town. The same goes for the dinner table. Touches such as white linen napkins aren’t expensive, but if you don’t have anything suitable, beg and borrow for the night. You may find that older neighbours and family members have some retro treasures in their cupboards, from printed tablecloths to vintage candelabra.
As for the food: you don’t have to bring out lobster and caviar to find your way to his or her heart. Your partner’s favourite food or comfort dishes, cooked perfectly and dished up with a couple of extra ingredients and sides, are guaranteed to go down well. Need some inspiration? Take a look at through the delicious Valentine’s recipes on Real Food.
Make it more than a day
Finally, if you are having a homemade Valentine’s Day, why restrict the loving mood to one day in the year? Scatter handwritten love notes around the house, hiding some of them in hard-to-find places. Your partner will still be finding them weeks, perhaps even months, after 14th February has passed. How’s that for romance?
Miss Thrifty blogs at www.miss-thrifty.co.uk.
What are you planning for Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comment box below…
