HGTV
Since Valentine’s Day is just a couple of weeks away, and my goal this month is to bring more ambience into our home, I want to share a few practical ideas for creating romance at home. Are you blushing or cringing?
Life gets busy — kids, work, errands, pets — and it’s easy for romance to take a back seat. The fairy-tale fantasies of young love often give way to diapers, dust and dishes. Still, small intentional changes can help bring back warmth and connection between partners, not just in the bedroom but throughout the house.
For me, ambience is the foundation of a romantic mood. Little touches around the home make evenings feel special. Below are simple, achievable tips I use (or plan to use) to set a more romantic tone in the evenings. My husband will be pleased I wrote this — blush.
*Use the pretty dishes
(yes, it matters)
Are you eating off disposable plates or in front of the TV? Bring out the pretty dishes and set the table. I collect white plates from discount shops so I don’t worry about breaking them; they don’t all have to match. A simple table setting with nice plates and a couple of candles instantly elevates a meal and makes the evening feel intentional and romantic.
*Freshen up the bedroom & bathroom
If laundry has taken over the bed, kids’ clothes are scattered on the floor, or a cereal bowl remains on the bathroom counter, take a few minutes to tidy. Visible clutter and reminders of a long day quickly kill the mood. A clean, calm bedroom and bathroom make it easier to relax and be present with each other.
Coastal Living
*End the day earlier
If evenings leave you drained, eat earlier. Having “supper” instead of a late dinner gives you more unhurried time afterward to relax together. If possible, shift kids’ bedtimes to create a couple of child-free hours. When our children were small, we’d sometimes feed them earlier so we could have a quiet dinner together later — an easy at-home date.
*Scents
If lingering odors from dinner remain, air the house out and introduce pleasant scents. Use a diffuser with a favorite essential oil or bake something aromatic to replace unwanted smells. Fresh, inviting scents make any evening more welcoming.
*Turn on the mood lighting
As daylight fades, switch off harsh overhead lights and use lamps instead. Lamps and candles create a softer, more intimate glow. Once the kids are asleep, a few strategically placed candles can change the whole atmosphere.
*Light a fire
If you have a fireplace, use it. A gas fireplace offers instant warmth and ambience; if a real fire isn’t possible, arrange a cluster of candles for similar warmth and sparkle. Always keep safety in mind and wait until little ones are in bed.
*Get creative
Does your evening routine feel predictable? If you always clean, tuck the kids in and watch television, try mixing things up. Play a board game by the fire, read aloud to each other on the couch, or revisit old love letters and memories from your early dating days. It may feel a bit corny at first, but breaking routine keeps connection fresh — and dull is not romantic.
House Beautiful
*Music to your ears
Instead of turning on the TV to fill quiet moments, play soft, romantic music in the background. A curated playlist sets a mood without demanding attention and keeps conversation and connection flowing.
*Attitude check
At the end of a long day I’m often tired and still in “task mode.” Beyond changing the environment, it’s important to shift mentally from work and chores to relaxation and closeness. Don’t let a grumpy or distracted attitude undo the evening you created. Pause, breathe, and choose to be present — the small effort pays off in a more loving home.