Does the weather feel like that song now? Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. I totally feel that way now. As much as I love a date night with my husband, I don't feel like going out in this cold weather. So I came up with these 5 stay at home date nights ideas. The best part about them is that they are frugal.
When my son was younger we would get some time by putting him to bed a bit early. Now I can set him up with a movie or just let him play on the computer. I recommend making sure the kiddos have been well fed and fix them a snack and drinks.
Wine and Cheese Dinner
This is one of our favorites. We love to pick out a nice bottle of wine from our favorite winery. Aldi has a great selection of specialty cheeses, meats, and crackers. We just put everything on a plate and eat. It makes a great romantic dinner and its easy to talk and eat.
Game Night
I am a competitive person, so I love playing games. We like playing games like Jenga, Mancala, and darts. You can also buy games on your phone and play against each other. Yahtzee and Ticket to Ride are great games you can get on a phone or tablet. We like to play for back rubs!
Make S'mores by the Fire
I think a fire makes everything seem more romantic. Fix a glass of wine or eggnog and make some s'mores by the fire. It's easy to do after the kids go to bed, and doesn't take a lot of time. You can just relax and talk.
Cook Together
This is one of my favorite stay at home date night ideas. We pick out a meal that we can make together and cook it. It is so much fun to try a new recipe. Plus, it is always nice to have an extra set of hands in the kitchen.
Dinner and a Movie
Grab some carryout and a movie from Redbox. Sometimes its fun to watch a movie that isn't G rated. I love doing this on a Friday night if we don't feel like going out to eat. It's a great under $20 date night.
Dates don't always have to be expensive or out of the house. It is just about setting aside some time to spend together. What is your favorite date nights when it's cold outside?
Laura says
Great ideas, thanks for sharing! I especially like the wine/cheese one though it will have to be sparkling cider for me until this baby arrives in March. 🙂
Julie says
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Jenny says
Sounds like fun! We love our at-home date nights! We like to "splurge" by getting goodies from the olive bar at the grocery store. These days it's mostly been dinner and a movie (via Amazon Instant Video promotional credits!).
Julie says
My husband loves olives, I will have to remember some next time we have a date night. Great idea!
Rose @ Walnut Acre says
These are wonderful ideas. I love games and think that would be a really fun way to enjoy a date night.
Julie says
We love them, hope you enjoy!
Lindsey Loo says
Simple yet effective ideas! Thanks for sharing.
Julie says
thanks for stopping by!
Izzy says
We love pulling out the sleeper sofa and sleeping in the living room, lol! We have a policy of "no TVs in bedrooms" so it is so fun to watch movies in "bed" as a treat. I don't know what it is, we both just think it's a lot of fun for some reason. And our kids love seeing the bed pulled out the next morning because the tradition had become that they are allowed to watch a cartoon in the sofa-bed while mommy and daddy make breakfast. Oh, the simple things!
Julie says
I love it! That sounds like so much fun. Thanks for sharing.
Paula says
OMG we have the same policy of no tv in the bedrooms. Sleeping in the family room is an awesome idea. We could act like we are in a hotel somewhere. It's the little things...thanks for sharing Izzy.
Paula
ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
I just adore all these suggestions! Wine and cheese?! You're speaking my kind of love language!
I'm pinning this to my Deliberate Love board.
Thanks for sharing and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
Julie says
Thanks so much for hosting and stopping by.
Sammi says
Date nights at home are the best! We have never done a cheese and wine night though. That will be a great one to try next 🙂 Can't wait to explore your blog more. Sammi | Grounded and Surrounded
Julie says
Thanks for stopping by.
Petrish @ Debt Free Martini says
I have always believed that you don't have to go out of the house to make an evening special. Set the mood, light some candles, throw a couple of table clothes over a table topped with flowers, and boom....romantic night. Doesn't even matter if the food is good or not.
Julie says
Your right, just spending time together is the important thing. Love your blog name by the way! 🙂
Paula says
I love all of your ideas because we are such home bodies. We are older parents with young kids so getting a baby sitter and going out does not appeal to us. These are perfect for us. I would love for you to share this inspirational post at our WIW party. Hope you can join us!
Paula
ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Julie says
I linked up. Thanks so much for hosting.
Judy says
Thanks for coming and linking up at The Weekend Social. Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST @Kitchen Dreaming
Judy
Maria says
Great suggestions! My husband and I have a one year old daughter, so she takes up most of our time during the week. But on Friday or Saturdays we set aside a specific time for our "date night." We play games and even do dinner and a movie in our den downstairs. Aside the time we spend with our daughter, it's the best time we have with each other 🙂