HGTV
Since Valentine’s Day is only a couple of weeks away and my goal for the month is to create more ambience at home, I want to focus on bringing a little more romance into everyday life. Are you blushing or cringing?
When life gets busy with kids, housework, jobs, carpools and pets, romance can easily slip down the list. The fairy-tale expectations we held as teenagers about married life often give way to diapers, dust bunnies and sinks full of dishes.
I often get lost in the daily routine of keeping the household running. Setting a romantic mood is usually one of the last things on my mind. For me, ambience is the key—not just in the bedroom but throughout the home.
Below are practical tips I use (or plan to try this month) to create ambience and set a more romantic tone in the evenings. My husband will be pleased to hear this!
*Use the pretty dishes
(yes, it matters)
Are you eating on plastic plates or in front of the TV every night? Bring out the pretty dishes and set the table. I collect simple white plates from bargain stores, and I don’t worry about mixing patterns or breaking them. When the table looks cared for, even a simple dinner feels special. Add a couple of candles and the mood shifts—meals become more intimate and less routine.
*Freshen up the bedroom & bathroom
If laundry ended up on the bed, kids left clothes on the floor, or a cereal bowl is still on the counter, take a few minutes to tidy up. Visible reminders of a hectic day will quickly kill any romantic ambience. A quick pickup and a fluffed pillow make a big difference.
Coastal Living
*End the day earlier
If evenings leave you exhausted, try eating earlier—have “supper” rather than a late dinner. The sooner you eat and tidy up, the more evening time you’ll have to relax. If possible, shift kids’ bedtimes to gain a couple of child-free hours. When our kids were little, my husband and I sometimes fed them early and then had our own dinner later after putting them to bed—an inexpensive at-home date night.
*Scents
If your home smells like last night’s dinner, open windows or use a diffuser with a favorite scent to freshen the air. Baking something simple can also replace lingering odors and add a welcoming aroma that feels cozy and romantic.
*Turn on the mood lighting
As daylight fades, dim bright overhead lights and use lamps instead. Soft lighting creates warmth and makes rooms feel more intimate. Once children are in bed, add candles on end tables to introduce a gentle glow.
*Light a fire
If you have a fireplace, use it. A gas fireplace is convenient for instant warmth and ambience, but if you don’t have one, cluster candles in safe spots to mimic a fire’s flicker. Only use open flames when it’s safe—after kids are asleep is best.
*Get creative
Do your evenings feel predictable? If your routine is always the same—clean up, put the kids to bed, then TV—try something different. Play a board game by the fireplace, read aloud to each other, revisit old love letters, or reminisce about early dates. It may feel a little corny at first, but changing the routine keeps things fresh. Dull routines are the opposite of romantic.
House Beautiful
*Music to your ears
Instead of turning on the TV every night to fill the silence, play soft, romantic music on your phone or stereo. Background music sets a tone without demanding attention and can transform ordinary moments.
*Attitude check
By day’s end I’m often tired and still focused on chores. Beyond ending the workday earlier, I try to consciously shift my mindset from tasks to togetherness. It’s important not to ruin a nicely set atmosphere with a stressed or negative attitude. A small mental reset—taking a breath, smiling, and choosing warmth—can preserve the ambience you created and make the evening truly romantic.