The ultimate date night checklist

Whether you’re planning an intimate night in or splashing out at your favourite restaurant, Sjaan van der Ploeg has put together a fool-proof checklist that ticks all the right boxes.   

Long-distance love?
Bridge the gap like this…  

1. Order flowers, cake, a card or special gift to be delivered to where they are staying.  

2. Rope in family members. Ask a sibling or parent to help you surprise your partner and make them feel special despite the distance.  

3. For the hopeless romantics, book a flight to surprise your partner on the day, just make sure they aren’t doing the same thing!  

Date night out?
Don’t forget to run through these key points:  

BEFORE
– Make a restaurant reservation at least a week before to get that scenic seat.
– Make it official. Send your partner a formal invite to them to this special dinner date.
– If you’re giving a gift, sneak into your bedroom before you head out and place it on your partner’s pillow to surprise them when you get home.  

DURING
– Order a few dishes to share between the two of you so your experience can be interactive.
Turn your phone on silent to be fully present for your dinner.  

AFTER
– Find somewhere different to go for dessert, and take a walk together in a park or along a promenade.  

Date night in? 
Follow these top tips:  
– Set up the table beautifully (take a look at Kitchen 101 on page 10 of the February issue for tips!)
– Add a picture frame, candle, vase of flowers, box of chocolates or a special trinket to finish off the table.
– Make sure all the food prep and clean-up is done before the night so that you can focus on your partner and be present.
– If your partner’s love language is quality time: rope them into helping you with dinner — make it a fun and interactive experience and enjoy the process of creating delicious food together.  

Love on the brain  

Love languages in the limelight
The five different love languages developed by author Gary Chapman have been embraced around their world as a tool for improving the way in which we prefer to show and receive affection. Here are a few gift ideas that cater to each type:  

Words of affirmation
You communicate your love and affection towards your partner through talking. A few compliments and words of encouragement will go a long way.  
Try This 
Write a well thought-out love letter about your favourite memories together, what you love about them, and your hopes for your future.  

Physical touch

Physical touch says it all; your partner feels comforted by your touch, they feel connected to you and reassured in the relationship by simply feeling your touch or presence.  
Try This 
Set up a super special at-home massage with candles, essential oils, dimmed lights and calm music. Or cosy up together under a blanket to watch your favourite TV show or a movie.
 

Gift giving  
It’s not only the material aspect behind this gift that creates joy, it’s also the fact that there was thought, effort and time that went into the gift. 
Try This 
Order a few of their favourite food-related things. Splurge on an expensive olive oil or treat them to a set of fancy wine glasses, a rare bottle of gin or a kitchen tool that’s a have-to-have.  

Acts of service
This goes beyond the task being done. It’s also about the time and effort put into the process. This does not always have to be geared towards your partner, but can include community service or charity work. 
Try This 
Book a holiday, but handle all the admin. Deal directly with the venue, make any necessary payments and do the shopping if it’s a self-catering vibe.  

Quality time
Quality time is also how people feel connected to their significant other. Leave the phone behind or company laptop switched off.  
Try This 
Enjoy a scenic picnic, drive to a viewpoint or cook together.  

One last thing 
You might not have the same love language as your partner. The special task behind this exercise is to push yourself to do the things your partner loves, despite the difference in the ways you show love and care. 

 Photography: Getty, Fresh Living Magazine, Courtesy Images

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