Did you know that Valentine’s Day greetings were popular as far back as the middle ages? In addition to the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, France, and Australia all celebrate the holiday! Another Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and this year you might consider switching up your usual V-Day plans! If you normally go out to a fancy restaurant for dinner and catch a movie, it could be fun and refreshing to spend the holiday at home with the one you love. Valentine’s Day falls during the work week this year, but there will still be plenty of time to enjoy the day after your nine to five. There are many benefits to spending time at home with your loved one on Valentine’s Day.

If you’re like most people, your days are busy and hectic, and maybe you don’t always get to spend as much quality time with your partner as you want to. Using this day to spend an evening at home and enjoy each others company is a great way to get in that extra quality time—you will have the house to yourselves, and won’t be surrounded by dozens of other couples, creating a more quiet, intimate setting.

Most eateries and theaters are very busy and crowded on Valentine’s Day and going out into the hustle and bustle can be noisy, stressful and even claustrophobic—especially if you haven’t made any reservations. Staying in to celebrate will allow you to have a relaxing night in and enjoy a slower pace. Light some candles, adjust the lighting, and create a romantic space at home. You can still dress up and look nice for the occasion even though you’ll be staying in.

If you and your partner choose to stay in on Valentine’s Day, make sure you schedule a baby sitter in advance. Spend the evening cooking a nice meal together, sipping on wine, and enjoying every peaceful moment. You may choose to forgo your usual dining space and open your folding patio doors and dine outside on the patio. Light a fire in your fire pit to stay warm and gaze at the stars and enjoy the fresh air!

Do a quick cleanup of the kitchen, but don’t waste time doing dishes on this special evening—that can wait until tomorrow. When dinner is done and you’re ready to move inside, close your folding patio doors and cozy up on the couch. Pick out a movie together, put on your pajamas, and break out the dessert! Sometimes a relaxing evening like this is the perfect way to sneak in quality time with your significant other. You shouldn’t wait for Valentine’s day to get some alone time—prioritizing each other will build a stronger relationship!

There’s nothing wrong with going out on Valentine’s Day and staying in on the occasion may seem more appealing to homebodies, but if you choose to skip your usual elaborate plans and stay home, you may be pleasantly surprised by how much you enjoy and appreciate a quiet date night at home! Valentine’s Day is about spending quality time with and spoiling the one you love, the flowers, chocolates, and gifts are just a bonus!

To learn more about using folding patio doors to create an intimate living space that connects to the outdoors, click here.