Sure, it’s fun to dress up and head out with your spouse for a night on the town. However, childcare issues, financial restraints or health concerns might leave you feeling stuck at home.

Even if you can’t go out, date night doesn’t have to be a thing of the past. Instead, bring date night to you with these seven fun ideas for a romantic evening in the comfort of your own home.

Cook with Creativity

For date night, take your regular cooking up a notch by incorporating interesting elements. Work together to try a recipe you’ve never made or use an ingredient with which you’re unfamiliar. You could even select three random foods and challenge yourselves to incorporate them in one dish. Hopefully, you’ll end up with a tasty meal that you can be proud of. If not, there’s always takeout, and you’ll at least be left with the humorous memory of your disastrous creation.

Hold a Board Game Competition

If you have a taste for competition, a game night can be a feisty way to spend an evening. Play several rounds of one game, or try a line-up of several favorites. Or, in advance of your game night, order a new game that receives good reviews online. As for the reward for the evening’s winner, that’s up to you!

Light a Backyard Fire

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained … Psalms 8:3

There’s nothing like an evening under the stars, and a backyard fire pit is a modest investment that can be used again and again. Roast marshmallows for s’mores or try a twist on this classic campfire treat with shutter-uppers, made from marshmallows, warmed caramel squares and saltine crackers. Afterward, lingering around the fire provides a romantic setting for heart-to-heart conversation and stolen kisses.

Enjoy a Movie Marathon

Take your movie-watching evening from every day to something special by making it a themed movie marathon. Watch a movie and its sequel, or dive in for a whole trilogy. For a different approach, choose two or three movies with a common theme, such as films set in Paris, a lineup of black-and-white classics or the greatest works of a favorite actor. Snuggle up on the couch together with snacks and a blanket to enjoy the marathon. The worst that can happen is that you fall asleep in each other’s arms before the credits roll on the final film.

Spread a Blanket for an Indoor Picnic

A picnic at the park is a pleasant way to spend a day, but getting it all packed up and ready to go can be a lot of work. Forgo the picnic basket and spread your tablecloth right on the living room floor. Keep the menu simple with crackers, cheese, fruits and veggies, or make grown-up sandwiches with fancier fillings than your kids might enjoy. For an extra dose of romance, swap out your regular lighting for lightly scented candles.

Walk down Memory Lane

For a low-cost date at home, pull out the old albums and videos. Show one another pictures from your childhood and share the funny or sentimental stories that go along with them. Watching the video of your wedding day or looking through photos of your dating days will bring back romantic memories from early in your relationship. You can even make this a “working date,” organizing the photos in albums as you sort through them.

Dip Some Fondue

Some people spend big money for a romantic fondue experience in a restaurant, but you can have your own fondue-for-two right at home. Sweet or savory, fondue can be made with a few quality ingredients and an assortment of dippers. This meal is perfect for a romantic evening, not only because it’s a break from the ordinary, but also because it’s the ideal opportunity for feeding one another.

At-home dates are a fun way to bring new life and romance to your marriage relationship. With just a little bit of advance planning and a touch of creativity, you’ll be on your way to romantic evenings at home together.

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