7 Ways To Set The Mood For Valentine’s Day

The past year has been challenging for celebrations since we can’t be close to friends or attend group events. Celebrations (like everything else, it seems) have to be pretty DIY. So if you need a little inspiration, here are 7 simple and affordable ideas to help you to set the mood for Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or just a day for self-indulgence!

1. Wear A Pop Of Red

The color red evokes passion, adventure, and confidence, and regardless of our romantic status, we need a little of all of those things! If you live in the north where January is gray, cold, and wet, just seeing the color red is a treat!

I’m wearing Banana Republic’s Relaxed V-Neck Sweatshirt (which I think is more like a heavy t-shirt). It has an unusual shape; with fitted arms and a boxy body, but I like that it’s a little different from a basic t-shirt. On my 5’4″ frame, it’s also long enough to be worn with leggings and skinny jeans (hiding my chocolate-filled belly).

If you’re looking for cozy red gifts, faux fur sandals are having a moment, including these Ugg Fluff Yeah Genuine Shearling Slingback Sandal. I think they’re rather ugly (pun intended) but it seems like there are thousands of reviewers that disagree with me!

Looking for something red for your guy? This L.L. Bean Fullzip Fleece Jacket will keep him warm through a chilly February.

2. Eat And Give Chocolate!

You can’t set the mood for Valentine’s Day without chocolate, unless, of course, you are allergic, in which case, I’m so sorry. I really can’t even function without chocolate, so I’ve tried my fair share of brands and flavors!

My favorite Valentine’s treat is Trader Joes’ Mini Heart Cookies. They’re only available at this time of year, so I buy at least four at a time!

Merci chocolates are also popular in my household, and they’re really inexpensive and easy to find. (You can order a 7oz box of Merci on Amazon).

Our other favorite is Dove which you can find in a pretty Valentine’s Day tin.

These are some inexpensive but delicious options that make great gifts for teachers, co-workers, neighbors and friends.

3. Surprise Someone

Valentine’s Day doesn’t just have to be about your partner. It can also be a nice reminder to reach out to someone who could use a little extra love right now and will leave you feeling pretty good too.

Given the pandemic, we may not be able to smile at a stranger, hold a door open, or chat to someone on the train but there’s still plenty we can do:

1. Send a card or gift to someone who lives alone (there are some gorgeous pop-up ones on Amazon).
2. Donate to your local food bank.
3. Deliver Valentine’s Day dinner to a couple who has been isolated, or are essential workers.
4. Even a quick text, an e-mail, or phone call can change someone’s day.
5. Leave an extra tip for your barista, at your salon, or wherever it’s appropriate especially if you didn’t see them over the holidays.

If you can’t get it done by Valentine’s Day, plan it for February 17th which is Random Acts Of Kindness Day.

4. Send Flowers Or Buy Them For Yourself

My husband isn’t a flower-buying kinda guy, and it occurred to me just a few years ago that I didn’t really need him to buy them for me! Instead of ordering my usual latte at the grocery store, I started buying a small bunch of flowers. No coffee cups in the trash + a treat that lasted days instead of minutes = good mood!

Know someone who needs a mood boost? Leave some flowers at their door. Seriously, it may seem like a cliche but it works.

5. Decorate

I’m a minimalist when it comes to decorating for special occasions, but this year, since we’re spending so much time at home I’m making more of an effort.

To minimize cleanup, I choose one small area of the house; a table, shelf, or chair.

If you haven’t had enough of the gnome trend (we bought our first during Halloween and I’ve been obsessed with them since) then you’ll be happy to know there are Valentine’s Gnomes!

I’ve also saved some DIY Valentine’s gnome pins that I’ve found on Pinterest, on my Valentine’s Day board. If you do a search, you’ll find lots of other fun gnome tutorials.

6. Include Scents

One of the things I miss about the fall is the scent of the holidays, from pumpkin spice to cinnamon to peppermint. There are some theories out there about which scents in particular are romantic, but the way I see it, whatever you love will set the mood for Valentine’s Day for you. Like colors, scents are a powerful way to evoke emotions, so if you always get the warm fuzzies from the smell of roses, then that’s the scent for you!

7. Indulge In Self-Care

This year, Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday, so squeeze in a little self-care and relaxation if you can. (Take a look at my 7 Ways To Nurture Yourself While You Stay At Home post for even more ideas).

A self-care basket also makes a wonderful gift for a friend who needs a little pampering.

This is the time of year, that I usually pull out all of the face masks, lotions, and other goodies that I received during the holidays and never had the time to use! It’s also a good time to pull out those holiday red nail polishes – OPI has a lot of different shades of red!

Let me know how you’re planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. Will you stay at home, or do you have plans to go out?