Last-Minute Valentine’s Ideas for the Underprepared

When you’re in love, it’s easy to lose track of time and Valentine’s Day can soon creep up on you. And because love lasts all year round, it can be easy to forget. We’re all familiar with the excuses but this year you can avoid having to defend yourself and instead, put a smile on your loved one’s face with these last minute Valentine’s ideas.

It may be too late in the day to book their favourite restaurant or spell out their name in roses in the garden, but there’s still plenty of time to treat them to a romantic Valentine’s night in. We’ll show you some delicious and quick Valentine’s meals, provide some last-minute Valentine’s gift ideas and suggest some other charming gestures that will help you avoid any conflict on Cupid’s day.

Fill the Lounge with Love: Last-Minute Valentines Ideas for a Night In

No crowds, no inflated prices, just the two of you in your own little love nest. Valentine’s day is about appreciating time spent with each other, and there’s no better setting for quality time than in the house you’ve made your home. But this is not a cop out! You will need to go to a spot of effort to make them feel special. Here are a few last minute Valentine’s ideas to get you started:

Subtle lighting: It’s amazing how a few candles can set a romantic tone. You don’t need to create a potential fire hazard, just a few strategically placed lights around the room to make sure that the spotlight falls on the two of you and nothing else. These are easy to pick up on your way home from work, and you may even have a few left over from Christmas!

Bring out the memories:Thanks to social media, there’s a good chance that many of your favourite pictures together are all stored in one convenient place. So print off your favourites or bring out the family album and demonstrate your love with some pictures of your favourite memories together. You don’t need to invest in expensive frames or anything like that, just print them off and scatter them around the room, or tape them to the front door before they get home. You could even just sit and look through the album together by candle light.

Indoor picnic: The traditional Valentine’s supper is usually at the table, but that puts a barrier between you both. Instead, increase the intimacy by throwing a blanket or your duvet on the lounge floor and enjoy an indoor picnic full of easy Valentine's dinner recipes. If the weather is playing ball, you could even enjoy the dining part of the evening out on the lawn looking up at the stars. Although this is February we’re talking about…

Offer a massage: You don’t need to invest in expensive oils or a home visit from a trained professional. Do some quick research online and let your partner unwind with a neck and shoulder rub – it’s both intimate and caring and they’ll love you for it. But if you’re feeling a bit self-conscious, you can always just run them a nice bath.

Dance on the carpet: After dinner or before, move the sofas back, clear a space (it doesn’t have to be huge as the closer you have to get, the better) put on a spot of Barry White or their favourite track and gently sway the evening away.

Watch a film: It doesn’t necessarily have to be Love Actually, you could even watch the first movie you saw together, or a mutual favourite. This is handy for a last minute Valentine’s idea as you can probably find the movie you want on a streaming service rather than having to go and pick up the DVD.

A Meal for Two That’s Ready in Ten: Quick and Easy Valentine’s Dinners

What’s that old saying… The quickest way to their heart is through their stomach? Take the haste in this statement more literally by whipping up a tasty Valentine’s meal in minutes that you can enjoy together. Alternatively, if you’ve got more time, explore these other Valentine's meals ideas – they’re bound to impress.

Couples Carbonara: Any pasta dish makes for a delicious, quick and easy Valentine’s dinner that is ideal to share from the same bowl – and why not recreate the iconic Lady & The Tramp scene with your spaghetti? You can pick up a ready-made pasta sauce from your local convenience store for a simple solution, but this easy Carbonara recipe is ready in just ten minutes.

You’ll need one crushed garlic clove, 150ml of double cream, two eggs and some pre-grated parmesan cheese. Soften your garlic in a pan with some butter, then add to a bowl with the other ingredients and mix well. Once your pasta is ready, drain and return to the pan and pour your sauce over. Leave on the heat for a few minutes until it thickens and serve with a few sprinkles of chives to garnish.

Seductive Steak and Stilton: This dish has all the colours of Valentine’s Day and is really quick to prepare. You’ll need two sirloin steaks, 50g of stilton cheese, a bunch of red grapes, a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette dressing and two spring onions.

Toss your crumbled cheese, 8-10 halved red grapes and diced onions. Grill your steak to your liking (we’d recommend rare for this dish, predominantly for the colour, but it’s up to you), slice thinly and lay on a plate, topping with your cheese and grape mixture. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve.

Me, You and Fondue: This is a great sharer that’s easy to make and even more delicious. Your toughest choice will be deciding what to dip – crusty bread, cooked sliced sausage, apple slices? The choice is yours!

In a large saucepan, heat ½ tsp of Dijon mustard, 340ml of light beer, ½ tsp of Worcester sauce, a crushed garlic clove and 500g of grated cheddar cheese – whisking constantly. Once thick and gooey, add to a large bowl and serve with your choice of dippers.

Hazelnut Heart Sandwiches: For afters, there’s plenty of choice – ice cream from the tub, refreshing fruit or go all out and pick up their favourite cake. But for maximum praise that fits in perfectly with the indoor picnic theme, try these sweet and simple Hazelnut Heart Sandwiches.

Take four slices of white bread – brioche is even better but don’t worry if time is tight! Thickly spread two slices with hazelnut spread, and then add the other pieces on top to make sandwiches. In a bowl, whisk a large egg with 75ml of whole milk, a tsp of vanilla extract and a tbsp of caster sugar. Cut your sandwiches into heart shapes using a cutter (or your best knife skills) and dunk the sandwiches into the mix. Fry each side in a little butter for a couple of minutes per side and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Just in Time For You to Shine: Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

You’ve got the setting and the food sorted, now you just need to decide what gift you’re going to give them to mark this special occasion.

There are plenty of last-minute Valentine’s ideas and deals at your local SPAR that you can take advantage of on your way home from work. From chocolates and sweets to bottles of wine that you can enjoy together as you watch a movie. The perfect gift and the cherry on top of a wonderful evening of romance.

Other potential last minute Valentine’s Day gifts include:

• Gifts Cards
• Experience Vouchers
• Flowers
• Alcohol
• Jewellery
• Subscriptions
• Cuddly toys

Of course, your choice largely depends on budget and timings. The beauty of gifts like experience vouchers, such as spa days or activity days, don’t have to be booked there and then and can be in your possession instantly. Simply purchase the voucher online and print off ready to wow your partner and book it at a future date.

Find Last Minute Valentine’s Ideas and Deals at SPAR

We hope these last minute Valentine’s ideas have left you with no excuse not to treat your loved one this year! Find everything you need for an easy Valentines dinner, last minute Valentine’s Day gifts and more at your local convenience store. And sign up to our E-newsletter to receive regular seasonal updates on recipes, competitions, deals and more!

 Happy Valentine’s Day from SPAR.