How To Set the Mood for Valentine's Day

Let’s face it — Valentine’s Day can come with a lot of pressure to create the perfect day for yourself and your partner (or your friends), to the point that it can distract from what the holiday is really all about: loving each other.

Instead of scrambling to make a last-minute restaurant reservation, celebrate from the comfort of your home. We’ve got tips and tricks to help you set the perfect mood.

How To Set the V-Day Mood

If you’re spending V-Day at home, setting the mood is key. Transforming your space into a romantic haven can take a little elbow grease, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.

Here are seven ways to take your Valentine’s celebration up a notch. 

1. Mood Lighting

Switching up the lighting in your home is an easy and effective way to create a cozy setting for you and your loved one. Harsh lighting and shadows are a no-no, so get started by dimming the lights.

Better yet, turn off the overhead lighting altogether and rely on table lamps or string lights instead. Investing in some simple fairy lights can transform the room from ordinary to enchanting.

Some lights even come with color customization, and the colors you choose can have a psychological effect on how you and your partner feel throughout the night. 

To create a peaceful, calming environment, stick to warm-toned white lighting. Or, if you want things to feel more sweet and love-filled, try some pink. 

2. Candles

To really achieve romantic lighting and ambiance, you’re going to want some scented candles. Familiar aromas can stimulate the senses and elicit emotional responses. Scents like vanilla, chocolate, rose, and strawberry are all associated with love and can subconsciously put you in a romantic mood.

Plus, the steady flame is often used as a symbol of enduring love and passion. No date night is complete without them. The gentle flicker will create a low-lit environment that encourages you to get up close and personal with one another.

Check out our candle collection to get your hands on Valentine’s-worthy fragrances, like Big Flirt and Guilty Pleasure.

Big Flirt is a chocolate strawberry candle that blends ripe wild strawberries with chocolate ganache, vanilla milk, and champagne for a sultry scent that’s almost better than the real dessert. 

Guilty Pleasure is a melt-in-your-mouth macaron scent that’s whipped to perfection with fresh raspberry, fluffy meringue, almond cake, cherry blossom, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean butter. The ultimate V-Day treat.

Can’t decide? Big Flirt and Guilty Pleasure are also available in a votive set so you can enjoy the best of both worlds! 

3. Cozy Blankets and Pillows

Having cozy blankets and pillows accessible will give you the perfect excuse to cuddle up. Plush pillows, soft blankets, and the smell of freshly washed sheets can help you and your partner relax. A comfortable environment encourages bonding and is the perfect space for physical and emotional connection.

Pick some blankets and pillows that match the rest of your Valentine’s Day decor — a little color coordination can tie everything together. Try finding blankets in romantic colors like red and pink. Grab some snacks and drinks and enjoy your night together.

4. Floral Accents

Similar to candles, flowers are almost always used in romantic settings. Whether it's a wedding or an anniversary, no romantic moment is picture-perfect without a few floral accents, and V-Day is no different!

If you ask us, roses are the quintessential date night flower. Make or purchase a bouquet of red or pink roses and arrange them in a vase for decor. Use rose petals to further fill the space — scatter them on the dining table, around your candles, and even in the bedroom.

Want to do something extra special? Ask your florist if they can create a heart-shaped floral arrangement. Red roses are always a safe bet, but feel free to incorporate your partner’s favorite flowers and colors.

5. Music

No romantic evening is complete without the perfect playlist. 

A popular choice is to play romantic classics like “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole or “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra. The pacing of these songs is especially nice for some slow dancing and intimate eye contact. 

Not that into oldies? Try playing modern love songs and serenades instead. Anything from John Legend’s “All of Me” to Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love” is sure to put you both in a lovey-dovey mood.

Make your significant other feel extra special by putting together a playlist with all their favorite songs. It's little things like this that show your loved one you’re a caring, thoughtful partner.

6. Food, Drinks, and Snacks

No date night is complete without delicious food and drinks, and there are several different ways to approach your Valentine's Day cuisine depending on your plans for the evening.

If you want to keep things luxurious and sophisticated, consider splurging on seafood, steak, or pasta. All of these pair nicely with a warm, rich red wine or a more celebratory sparkling champagne or sparkling cider.

Want something that will put you and your significant other in a romantic mood? Consider serving aphrodisiac foods, which are believed to increase your libido.

Though it's largely debated whether the effects of aphrodisiacs are scientifically proven or simply a placebo, there’s no harm in trying them out for yourself! Some of the most popular aphrodisiac foods include oysters, chili peppers, chocolate, saffron, and strawberries.

7. Clean and Organize

Tidying up before treating your loved one to a V-Day celebration is important for creating an aesthetically pleasing environment. Plus, it shows that you took the time to create a space you knew your loved one would enjoy and feel comfortable in. 

Keep things organized and know exactly where everything is to make sure you have a stress-free night. Putting unnecessary items away will help highlight your candles, flowers, and additional decor, and minimizing distractions allows you to focus on each other.

Feel the Love

Thoughtful gestures, like lighting up some candles and playing your partner’s favorite song, can turn Valentine’s Day into a truly heartfelt experience. 

By incorporating our simple tips, you can create a romantic atmosphere that boosts your emotional and physical connection. 

Sources:

What Is Color Psychology? | WebMD

How scent, emotion, and memory are intertwined — and exploited | Harvard Gazette

Love songs and serenades: a theoretical review of music and romantic relationships | PMC

Common Aphrodisiacs: Are They Worth the Hype? | ClevelandClinic