Six DIY Date Nights For Lockdown
Relationships in lockdown... for some, the ultimate dream of intense 1-1 time; for others, a learn-as-you-go communication challenge and even more difficult if you aren’t physically with each other. Regardless though, we are all craving the normality of a proper date night.
With lockdown restrictions in place for at least another month, we’ve pulled together some ideas to help you get the date night magic flowing again whilst staying in. All of these have been road-tested by different members of Team OB.
At home disco for two
For those of you who love to boogie together, we fully encourage hosting an at-home disco. Get yourself a disco light and karaoke mic, stock up on your favourite drinks, pull together a playlist of your ultimate songs and just dance the night away. There are so many live music sets being held online and on the radio right now, so make sure you do your research so you don’t miss out on your favourite artist putting on something special.
Host your own film club
If you both share a love of film, why not make things even more interesting by starting your own mini film club for 2. Pick your film, create cinema tickets and score chart, grab your popcorn and get watching. Once the film is over, both give your scores out of 10 and take time to discuss it. For those who are apart, you need not miss out as Netflix has a brilliant plug-in feature called Netflix Party so you can watch together at the same time. If you are lucky enough to have outside space, and the weather stays fair, take your film club to a new level by investing in a projector to create your own cosy outdoor cinema - complete with comfy cushions, throws, bed socks, string lights and unlimited snacks.
Bring the restaurant to you
You cannot go out to eat but there are certainly many options for enjoying a delicious meal together. Order from your favourite local restaurant or if you enjoy cooking a meal from scratch, many well-known restaurants, like Padella, are sharing their beloved recipes online so have a look and try something new. We are big fans of Laura Jackson’s concept #makingamealofit: get dressed up, take time to set up your favourite tableware, dim the lights, add a candle, and put on a playlist – all extremely vital to set the mood.
Organise a games night
Right now, some of us might be feeling a little gamed out but we promise a night of being a little bit competitive against each other can be fun. Get out all your favourite board games, puzzles, video games and quizzes - and create a shortlist of the ones you must do together. If you are stranded apart, and are doing things virtually, there are many games and quizzes you can do together online, which, if chosen well, are a really great way to get to know each other even better.
Cocktail Hour
With more time and an at-home bar set up, now is the time to hone your cocktail (or mocktail) making skills. Why not impose a cocktail hour on the day of your choice and have fun making cocktails for each other to drink, trying different recipe books or follow along with our favourite Pip Jolley who is hosting cocktail making sessions each week. To really set the ambience put on one of the many video backgrounds on Youtube that will transport you to somewhere else in the world, we are big fans of Thailand beach scenes.
Trip down memory lane
Sometimes we need a reminder of better things to come and what better way to do this than reliving joyous memories gone by. Gather photos and videos from your favourite moments together: birthdays, holidays, gatherings with loved ones and have fun sharing stories and re-live the fun.
Images courtesy of: lifeattheapollo, shinythoughts, designbyluci, saggy_benz, the coloursofwhitehallhome, thehouseontheend_, aforteforfurnishings, collette__hughes, annarrclaudia, kayleighdawsonn, casa-di-fiona, sophiecharlton1
Bring the restaurant to you
You cannot go out to eat but there are certainly many options for enjoying a delicious meal together. Order from your favourite local restaurant or if you enjoy cooking a meal from scratch, many well-known restaurants, like Padella, are sharing their beloved recipes online so have a look and try something new. We are big fans of Laura Jackson’s concept #makingamealofit: get dressed up, take time to set up your favourite tableware, dim the lights, add a candle, and put on a playlist – all extremely vital to set the mood.
Organise a games night
Right now, some of us might be feeling a little gamed out but we promise a night of being a little bit competitive against each other can be fun. Get out all your favourite board games, puzzles, video games and quizzes - and create a shortlist of the ones you must do together. If you are stranded apart, and are doing things virtually, there are many games and quizzes you can do together online, which, if chosen well, are a really great way to get to know each other even better.
Cocktail Hour
With more time and an at-home bar set up, now is the time to hone your cocktail (or mocktail) making skills. Why not impose a cocktail hour on the day of your choice and have fun making cocktails for each other to drink, trying different recipe books or follow along with our favourite Pip Jolley who is hosting cocktail making sessions each week. To really set the ambience put on one of the many video backgrounds on Youtube that will transport you to somewhere else in the world, we are big fans of Thailand beach scenes.
Trip down memory lane
Sometimes we need a reminder of better things to come and what better way to do this than reliving joyous memories gone by. Gather photos and videos from your favourite moments together: birthdays, holidays, gatherings with loved ones and have fun sharing stories and re-live the fun.
Images courtesy of: lifeattheapollo, shinythoughts, designbyluci, saggy_benz, the coloursofwhitehallhome, thehouseontheend_, aforteforfurnishings, collette__hughes, annarrclaudia, kayleighdawsonn, casa-di-fiona, sophiecharlton1