Romantic Valentine's Day

What do you think of as being a romantic Valentine's Day? The phrase can mean different things to different people.

It is important when planning a romantic day that you keep your partner's tastes and style, as well as your budget, in mind. Most people can't afford to whisk their loved one away to a tropical paradise for a few days of romance but there are things that you can do to make the day special right where you are.

Prepare ahead and plan carefully to ensure that everything goes smoothly and according to plan. A romantic Valentine's Day should begin differently than an average day. Think of the entire day being a celebration of your love rather than a few hours in the evening. You don't have to take the day off, you don't have to be doing something every minute, but what you want to be doing is to build the anticipation by many unexpected gifts and events throughout the day. Keep them random so that your partner really doesn't know what to expect and begins to look forward to the next thing.

There just isn't anything much more romantic than a special breakfast, whether you create breakfast in bed or a special meal at the dining room table. Serve things that you don't normally. Some good ideas are:

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Yogurt
• Croissants
• Pain au Chocolat
• Brioche

If you have a good bakery nearby then you can pick up an assortment of breakfast pastries. Finish the breakfast table with a good coffee or favorite tea, some fresh flowers, and a Valentine's Day card.

During the day plan a variety of events for your partner to look forward to.

• Have flowers delivered to the office.
• Send romantic or sexy text messages hinting about what is to come.

After work plan on enjoying a special dinner. This can certainly be at your favorite restaurant or café but since these are usually packed on Valentine's Day you may want to choose take out and a picnic by the fireplace. Set the mood with candles, dim lights, and a bottle of Moscato or good champagne.

Another romantic way to spend the day is to take the day off and go on a romantic adventure. Perhaps you can tour a local winery and enjoy a wine tastings, or go horseback riding, or any of hundreds of activities that may be available to you in your area. Some racetracks allow you to take an hour ride in one of the race cars, or even drive one. Balloon rides, helicopter rides…. There are usually several options if you look into it. Adrenalin is a potent aphrodisiac and just doing something different can stir up passion. Want more ideas?

• Couple's spa day
• Ice skating
• Museum
• Boating
• Horse and buggy
• Cooking class
• Train ride
• Have a romantic movie marathon

Overnight

If you can go away for an overnight trip then plan on going somewhere you haven't been before. Trying new things keeps life exciting and interesting. Many women prefer a bed and breakfast over just a plain hotel but luxury accommodations in a unique hotel is romantic as well.

Have roses, champagne on ice, and chocolate covered strawberries waiting at the bed and breakfast. Most innkeepers can arrange this for you as well as tell you what activities are available in the area. You can choose to stay in the room and relax or stroll around the town and check out the various shops and sights.

If you both like the outdoors you can either rent a cabin at a state park or go camping. Camping can be very romantic for Valentine's Day, depending on where you live. While some campers love camping in winter conditions, others are not fans.

Make It Special

Whatever you choose to do to make it a romantic Valentine's Day should be fun for both of you. Keep your partner in mind every step of the way and let them know that they are special.