Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if the past few years have inspired you to celebrate the day with a more relaxed approach, then this blog is for you. We’ve put together our top 10 ideas for celebrating a quiet Valentine’s Day that will help let the one you love know just how much they mean to you.
1.
Start the Day right with a Valentine’s breakfast. You and the one you love could get creative in the kitchen making your favourite home cooked breakfast, as a lovely way to spend quality time together. Or why not head out on the town for a bite of brunch, Dishoom are known in Edinburgh for making a fantastic breakfast, we've heard their Bacon Naan Roll is delicious. The perfect start to the day!
2.
Take advantage of the great outdoors and plan a romantic walk! Does that special person in your life have a favourite local spot that means a lot to them? Plan an extra special route and take a cheeky glass of fizz and some chocolates to be devoured along the way. If you are lucky enough to live in the capital of Scotland and feeling a little lacking in inspiration then check out the ‘This Is Edinburgh’ guide to the best city walks.
3.
Weather permitting, why not enjoy an evening under the stars this Valentine’s Day? If you have space in your garden then wrap up, get out some blankets and snuggle under the winter sky. If you have a fire pit or BBQ then light it and toast some treats, such as marshmallows. For an extra romantic feel then add some candles and fairy lights. Our wool tartan blankets are the prefect size for keeping you cosy and comfortable outdoors.
4.
It’s a fairly obvious one but why not send a beautiful bunch of flowers? Even better, get online and look for florists in your area offering delivery. Not only will you be letting your partner know just how perfect they are, you will also be doing a good deed by supporting local businesses! Rogue flowers on William Street are just a few minutes’ walk from our Edinburgh shop and are currently offering an online service. With such a beautiful selection you’ll definitely find something special for that special someone. We even did a special episode of ScotlandShop on the Sofa all about Scottish Flowers! From romantic gifts to national anthems and clan plant badges, you can watch the episode here.
5.
Snuggle up on the sofa to browse holidays, days out and experiences. Why not plan an exciting wish list of things to do together in the future? If Isle of Skye is on your bucket list then you could always order a blanket in the island's own tartan to add to the romance.
6.
Recreate a night at the cinema with a Netflix Party. Both you and your true love can pick your favourite films to watch together. Order in some of your favourite snacks and drinks and have a fun evening discussing, dissecting, and laughing about your most loved movies. My favourite Scottish film has to be Trainspotting but that's not very romantic so you could go uplifting with Sunshine on Leith, or maybe it just has to be another episode of Outlander? We have plenty of Fraser tartan if you want to dress up like Sam Heughan!
7.
Valentine’s is most definitely a day to enjoy a decadent dinner! So many restaurants have put together menus especially for Valentine's Day that are of the highest standard so you really are spoiled for choice. One restaurant in particular that is proving very popular with the Edinburgh locals is Six by Nico, who change their menu every six weeks so you are always treated to something different! However, Brown's, The Register Club and Tattu are also offering specially curated menus for January 14th. So why not get dressed up in your favourite tartan with your nearest and dearest to make the evening extra special?
8.
If you enjoy the odd tipple, then you could consider organising a tasting. Whether it’s cocktails, whisky or wine, there are some great bars to choose from, we love local bar, Bar Tonic's Cocktail Masterclasses, what better way to spend Valentine's than learning something new with your partner. Some companies even offer live tastings with your very own host, such as Edinburgh Gin.
9.
This is a year for getting crafty and our favourite local stationers Paper Tiger and Paper Parade are here to help you adding a personal touch. My favourite gift wrap tricks are wrapping brown paper over red sparkly paper and cutting out random hearts and a word search wrapping paper with romantic phrases. For a clan love effect we think those cut outs should be tartan!
10.
And last but not least how about a subscription to show you really know your partner well? A great way to get through lockdown with a surprise delivered every month, whether it's a magazine or something tasty to eat or drink there is nothing quite like a little treat dropping through the letterbox. Dunnet Bay Distillers send you a refill pouch of delicious Rock Rose Gin every month along with accompanying mixers and a few tasty snacks to enjoy. I know what I am hoping my husband buys me instead of roses!
We wish you a very special Valentine's Day wherever you are in the world and however you decide to spend it! If you need some Scottish gift inspiration then we are always here to help.
