No matter how you feel about Valentine’s Day, there’s a way to celebrate.  Whether you want to snuggle up with your sweetie, host a Palentine’s party or you’d rather take an anti-Valentine’s approach, we’ve got you covered.  Here’s our best ideas for hosting Valentine’s Day in your apartment.

With Your Sweetheart

There’s nothing quite like the love we have for good food.  What better way to celebrate that love than by sharing it with your significant other (because we love them too, just not quite as much).

Eat

For the Experienced Cook:

If you or your partner fancy yourself a Master Chef, now is the time to show off those culinary skills!  Here’s a few super romantic dishes that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night:

Warm Salad of Spinach, White Beans and Parmesan
Tomato Walnut Basil Pasta
Raw Coconut Cream and Berry Pie

For the New-ish Cook:

If you’re still getting comfortable in the kitchen, make your night even simpler by using a service like Blue Apron that delivers fresh and pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to your door.  You’ll (hopefully) end up with a gourmet quality meal with half the effort!

For the Novice

If you’re a Carrie Bradshaw type that uses your kitchen as an extended closet, then this option is for you.  You can skip the crowded, clichéd restaurant meal while still avoiding greasy pizza or Chinese delivery, just order through a site like Seamless.  Seamless is a third party service that allows you to order from local restaurants and have your meal delivered to your door (for a small fee, of course).

Drink

It’s just the two of you, so now is the time to treat yourself with a specialty cocktail!  Splurge on a couple of ingredients you might not normally spring for and take the time to carefully craft one these libations:

The Goldenrod
Raspberry Rosewater Gin Ricky
Ginger Grapefruit Fizz
The Clover Club
The Sherlock and Watson

Be Merry

Tickle Your Tastebuds

What could be more romantic than being fed chocolate while blindfolded?  Pick up some specialty chocolates from a local shop and pick ones with unique flavors like chile, earl grey and cardamom.  Take turns trying to guess which flavor you’re tasting… you can decide on your own what the winner’s prize will be.

Kick it Old School

If you’re looking for an atypically romantic bonding experience, dig out that Nintendo 64, put on your pajamas and go head to head in a serious Mario Kart or 007 battle.  Again, prizes TBD.

Take it to the Floor

Calm down, Mom.  We’re talking about building a good old fashioned fort!  Gather all of the blankets and pillows you can find then go to town constructing a grown-up, adult-sized version of a childhood favorite.  When it’s done, huddle up inside with your laptop and let the Netflix marathon begin!

With Your Besties

Who says celebrating Valentine’s Day can’t be a group activity?  If you prefer to really spread the love around, invite some couples or your single friends over for some fun.

Eat

These playful and festive finger foods are just the thing to set the mood:

Mozzarella Cheese Filled Hearts with Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
Cherry Tomato Hearts
Artichoke Heart and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Balsamic Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini
Gummy Wine Hearts
Fruit Leather Fortune Cookies

Drink

Don’t forget to show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day: Whip up a big batch cocktail before guests arrive so you won’t be playing bartender all night.

Amaretto Bourbon Punch 
Grilled Citrus and Grape Sangria
 Pineapple Mint Punch
Maple Bourbon Apple Cider
Cranberry Margaritas

Be Merry

Where there’s a group of people involved, games and activities are great for avoiding any lulls in conversation.  Pick a couple of these Valentine themed options to keep the mood light and festive.

DIY Valentine Arrow Game
Valentine’s Minute to Win It
Valentine’s Jenga
DIY Edible Love Shacks
DIY Heart Tote Bag

With Your Non-Believers

So what do you do when Valentine’s Day is just not on your “favorite things” list?  Whether you truly hate the holiday or just don’t ever give it much though, have a little fun of your own with an Anti-Valentine’s Day get-together.

Eat

Keep the workload light and the theme heavy-hearted with these nibbles:

I’m Nacho Valentine
Shot Through the Heart Skewers
Broken Hearts Salad
Grumpy Love Bug Strawberries
Voodoo Doll Cookies

Drink

These moody cocktails will have you feeling lovey-dovey in no time, whether you want them to or not.

Cupid’s Broken Arrow
Love on the Rocks
Black Rose
Bleeding Heart Martini
Single White Female

 Be Merry

Even if you hate the holiday, you can still have a great time making fun of it:

Rom Com Mustache Game

A Down-With-Love Mix Tape

DIY Anti-Valentine’s Day Cards