Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you haven’t made plans yet, chances are reservations at your favorite eatery are probably booked up and fighting crowds may not be the most romantic gesture for your loved one. Over the past two years, we’ve really begun to enjoy the simple pleasure of staying indoors and making our own fun at home. If you want to keep things simple this Valentine’s Day (or let’s be honest, you forgot to make that reservation), Made in Pittsburgh has gathered some great ideas for an fun and intimate at-home date night.
At Home Picnic with Charcuterie Boxes from Brie Mine Charcuterie
Lay out a blanket, dim the lights, start up the fire and get ready for an indoor picnic. Brie Mine Charcuterie will take your date night to the next level with her signature 6×6 to-go box that includes 2 cheese, one meat and an assortment of rotating accompaniments like crackers, nuts, olives, pickles, jam, honey, fresh, dried fruit. These boxes are $35 a piece and include a palm board and bamboo silverware. Willing to share? Brie Mine also offers a 10×7 box that feeds 2-3 individuals with a larger variety of meat and cheeses for $50. Pair your charcuterie with some delicious bubbly and you have yourself and romantic date night.
Movie Night with Pittsburgh Popcorn Company and AychoMelange Macarons
Image via Pittsburgh Popcorn Company Instagram
What’s better than a movie night? With the varying streaming services now available, having a movie night at home is easier than ever. Watch a classic Valentine’s Day movie like The Notebook, Pretty Woman, or Crazy, Stupid, Love and purchase some delicious snacks from Pittsburgh Popcorn Company and AychoMelange Macarons. Pittsburgh Popcorn Company has six locations throughout the Pittsburgh area and each week they announce new specialty flavors available for purchase, in addition to their standard options. Macarons by AychoMelange will be available this weekend at HillTop Coffee, in Pittsburgh’s South Side Slopes area from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Swing by and get your sweetie some special Valentine’s day macarons.
Make your own Pizza and pair it with your favorite Wine
Image via Pizzaria Davide Instagram
There’s something romantic about cooking an at home meal together. Stop at the PA Market’s Wine Library, which has specially ordered wine from around the world, and pick up a few bottles to-go. They offer over 150 different varieties which can be purchased by the bottle at their Strip District location. Then head down to Pizzeria Davide, located in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, or Carnegie and Robinson neighborhoods, and purchase one of their Pizza Kits. For $20 you get two 12 oz. dough balls, sauce, provolone and parmesan cheeses and oregano for garnishing. Sip on your new wine and attempt to make some heart shaped pizzas with the one you love!
Chocolate and Tea pairings from Blue Monkey Tea Pittsburgh
Image via Blue Monkey Tea Facebook
On Saturday, February 12th, Blue Tea Monkey is putting on a complimentary virtual event with curated chocolate and tea pairings. The Valentine’s Day special starts at 6:00 pm and you can learn about different tea and chocolate pairings that will create a new, indulgent multi-sensory experience. You can purchase a tea and chocolate tasting kit via their website which includes three different chocolate bars, along with several teas for $34.99.
Painting with a Twist at Home
Image via Painting with a Twist Facebook
Feeling crafty? Order a take-home kit from Painting with a Twist. With several locations throughout Pittsburgh, Painting with a Twist now offers their kits for $35 (canvas) or $44 (Wood Board) a piece and it comes with everything you need to create a beautiful piece of artwork with your Valentine. They make creating your artwork super easy by providing all of the items you need, along with a video with step-by-step instructions.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.