There’s absolutely no denying it, Valentine’s Day is still very much a thing and over the last year we’ve all come to realise that love really does endure & help get us through the toughest of times. With most future plans still on hold, I feel like the majority of us are keen to celebrate and enjoy even the smallest of things and are now finding joy in simple moments from daily walks to opening a fresh bag of coffee beans.

Having said that, for those of us who live with their other half and have been in lockdown for what seems like forever, I'm sure the idea of spending even more time together for Valentine’s isn’t exactly the most thrilling.

Regardless of your stance on the holiday or how you plan to spend it, it’s definitely going to be different this year and after completing Netflix, learning Italian, mastering home DIY and walking the legs off the dog, we’re starting to run out of things to do…

I've been thinking up some fun ways to spend the day and mix things up a little:

1. Cook together

This may sound like a stressful nightmare to some, especially if you like to be in control of the kitchen, but by agreeing a plan of attack in advance, putting on some great music and perhaps adding in a glass of fizz to the equation, you can make a standard daily task into a fun activity. Why not up the ante and choose something neither of you have tried before!

2. Blindfold Tasting Roulette Game

What you’ll need: Six things to try, a single dice, and something to act as a blindfold.

Blindfold your partner and set out six plates with your chosen tasters in front of them. Ask them to roll the dice and whichever number it lands on is the plate they taste from. You can then switch roles and taster plates and go again. You can choose to be kind with your tasters in this game, but where’s the fun in that!

3. Get creative

Whether it’s in the form of painting, photography, or even wreath making, getting creative together is a lovely thing to share. You can then gift each other your final creation!

4. Cocktail Making

(maybe try this one after cooking dinner)

Some of my best times were spent working behind a bar in Australia and although I can’t say I picked up the art of mixology over there, I did discover a love for Whiskey Sours & Old Fashioned cocktails. Do a little research on what’s to your taste, set up your kitchen table like your favourite bar and get out your best glassware. This is also great way to use up the weird stuff gifted at Christmas.

5. DIY Spa Day

This needs a little preparation beforehand, but can result in a very relaxing way to spend the day. Think facemasks, bath salts, massages and candles. Hotel style slippers optional.

6. Video Call Party with Friends

Why not treat your nearest and dearest to a delivery of a bottle of something, chocolates, flowers (I had to mention flowers somewhere!) or a takeaway and have a good old catch up via video call – you can dress up, dress down or stick on your PJs!

7. Virtual Gig or Museum Tour

Be transported to a virtual play, gig or guided museum tour from the comfort of your living room. I haven’t actually tried this out yet, but I love the idea of supporting creative industries during this lockdown and it sounds exciting. There’s a serious number of options for this, so snuggle up, have a google and choose your destination.

As for us florists, we’ll be looking forward to putting down the secateurs and swapping flowers for chocolates!