Sometimes it’s fun to plan an elaborate night out. Maybe you and your partner enjoy exploring the restaurants around your New York, NY apartment, finding new activities near your Tucson, AZ rental house, or simply grabbing a drink from the bar near your Cincinnati, OH home. But in today’s busy world, date-night can often feel like just another thing to tack onto your schedule.
Regardless of the amount of time and resources you have to plan an evening, there are a number of ways to spend quality time with your partner at home, no matter how packed your planner might feel.
Why quality time with your partner at home matters
“You don’t have to go out to strengthen your bond—you can create meaningful moments together right at home,” shares Elizabeth, licensed clinical mental health counselor and founder of Well Roots Counseling. “Spending quality time with your partner at home is a chance to slow down and reconnect without the stress of planning, spending, or finding childcare. It reminds you that intimacy isn’t just about where you go, but how you show up for each other. Creating space for laughter, deep conversations, or even just quietness together strengthens your relationship.”
“A date night doesn’t have to be elaborate; it just has to be intentional,” shares Carolyn Sharp, relationship expert at Secure Connections and author of Fire It Up: Four Secrets to Reigniting Intimacy and Joy in Your Relationship. “In Fire It Up, I talk about the power of small rituals to keep connection alive. A little intention goes a long way in turning a night at home into something special. One of my favorite tricks? Change the setting – even if it’s just moving dinner to the living room floor for a picnic night.”
So how does intentional quality time at home, whether for a date night or a routine evening, differ from going out?
Intimate, meaningful connection
“An evening in creates a special bond,” shares Amy from Emma G Candle Co, a handcrafted candle company based in Northwest Kansas. “Lighting a candle and dimming the lights sets an intimate mood you won’t find on a night out.”
Carey Gaynes, matchmaker, dating coach, and creator of the YouTube channel Coffee with Carey, agrees that adding candlelight to dinner is a great idea. “I’m always looking for the romance, and this is one of my favorite ways to add that into a routine. Follow it by dancing in your living room. There’s something magical about dancing barefoot at home. It feels intimate, spontaneous, and unforgettable – no reservations required.”
Stress less
“Spending quality time at home keeps things relaxed and personal,” adds Brittney, owner of Hamilton Wax Co, a handmade candle company in Lancaster, PA. “Light a candle, make dinner together, and do something relaxing. No reservations and no rushing, just an easygoing night. Bonus points for sweatpants, easy snack breaks, and never having to wait in line for the bathroom.”
Cheaper on finances, but not on quality
You don’t have to break the bank for quality time. “Staying in is a cozy and cost effective way to spend time with your significant other,” shares Danica, writer of travel and mindfulness blog By Nica Lina. “No need to rush to make a reservation or wait in line. Plus, you can choose all your favorites, from the food down to the music.”
Get creative
“You can even set the mood with a fun theme without spending a fortune,” adds Katie, budget blogger of Budgeting on a Dime. “It could be an Italian bistro night, or a cozy cabin retreat. Get creative with everything from the food to the activities you do.”
“Creativity is key to creating an inexpensive and fun night to spend some quality time with your partner,” affirms Madalaine of the Lakeside Table food blog. “Don’t be afraid to be silly, like wearing a bright-colored wig or feeding each other dinner while blindfolded.”
Spend time, not money
“Skip the pricey drinks at the bar and enjoy a hands-on experience making your own cocktails at home,” add Sean and Lisa, founders of Casual Mixologist. “Try crafting this espresso martini recipe together. It’s intimate, budget-friendly, and perfect for a post-dinner treat. Experiment with different espresso blends to make it uniquely yours.”
“It’s all about the quality time you spend together, not about how much you spend on that time,” shares Zakiya Brown, proposal planner, romance concierge, and owner of Romantic Essentials. Here are some of her favorite cheap ways to make quality time at home memorable:
- No-Tech Night: “Unplug, light candles, and enjoy old-school board games or a DIY wine and paint session,” Brown says.
- Cook-Off Challenge: “Make a dish using ingredients you already have at home.”
Intentional ways to add quality time with your partner into your daily life
Whether it’s taking some time to plan an at-home date night or simply spending five extra minutes together, there are many ways you can add intentional quality time with your partner into your daily routine.
The power of spontaneity
“Be spontaneous,” says David, beverage consultant from Just Bartending catering service. “Catch your partner off guard and immerse yourself in the moment. Surprising them with something they are comfortable with yet truly excites them shows your partner how much you care.”
Small gestures can go a long way
“It’s all about the little touches,” shares The Printed Smile Shop, a personalized gift certificate template company where you can find printable date night certificates to help set the tone for a fun night at home. “Adding a date night gift certificate can make even the simplest night-in feel intentional and exciting. It’s a small gesture that shows you put thought into planning.”
Settling in together after the big move
If you’re cohabitating with your partner for the first time, it’s especially important to carve out some quality time together once you’ve finished the moving process. Treat yourself and your partner to a Housewarming Gift Basket from DC Wine & Spirits. Moving can be stressful and tiring, but making intentional time to recharge with your partner will help you both begin your new journey on the right foot.
It’s more than just dinner every night
Meal times are one of the most consistent times you and your partner end up in the same room after a busy day. Bringing more intentionality to connecting with your partner at dinner is a great way to infuse more quality time into a hectic schedule. “We love cooking new recipes together,” shares B from the vegan recipe blog Plant Power Couple. “You need to work as a team and communicate effectively, which always lends itself well to lots of laughter and learning new things about each other. One of our favorite ways to do this is by veganizing a nostalgic meal we loved growing up, like our Vegan Chicken Parmesan.”
Break your everyday routine
“The key to making this quality time special and intentional is making sure it’s not like every other night,” says Dr. Rachel Orleck, licensed psychologist of Meaningful Journey Counseling in North Seattle. “When you’re trying that new recipe, have fun, get a little messy, and make sure to leave the dishes for tomorrow. Getting out of your usual routine and having fun working together will help you see each other in a new way and enhance your connection.”
Enjoy a home-cooked gourmet meal
“My husband and I love to visit a local butcher shop and dream up a menu together,” shares Michelle, professionally trained chef, cookbook author, and writer of the Blackberry Babe recipe blog. “Cooking at home allows us to enjoy traditionally expensive foods like filet mignon at a much better price than restaurants.”
Build a personalized charcuterie board together
“My favorite way to make it fun is creating a charcuterie board together,” adds home baking blogger Sarah from That Lemonade Life. “Charcuterie boards are great because the sky is the limit. You can make them as fancy or as simple as you like, use your favorite foods, and add themed garnishes like pepperoni hearts.”
Transform your kitchen
You can make your quality time with your partner in the kitchen extra fun and memorable, too. “Take a little extra time to turn your kitchen into a cozy restaurant,” suggests Sandra, founder of Sandra’s Easy Cooking recipe blog. “Pick a theme, like a homemade Italian dinner or a sushi-making night and cook it together. It’s a fun, interactive way to bond over food without leaving home.”
An excuse to indulge on your favorites
Sometimes, all you need is a quick grocery trip to kick off your quality time at home. “My husband and I went shopping to pick out three chocolates and three wines we’d like to try, and I picked up what we needed to make our favorite comfort food meal: my hearty vegetarian lasagna,” says Anjali, board certified health coach and food writer behind The Picky Eater, a plant-based recipe blog. “We played music in the kitchen and ate dinner together while answering some fun questions we found online. Afterwards, we did a chocolate and wine tasting and tried to guess the brands. It was a really fun and relaxing evening.”
If you have a little extra time, add something sweet to finish off your evening. “The best way to really make dinner unforgettable is to serve dessert,” adds Faith, writer and recipe developer behind An Edible Mosaic. “For an easy, elegant treat with a big wow factor that whips up in just 10 minutes, try my Tiramisu Cups.”
Let Crumb do all the planning
If you’re looking for something easy to make with things you already have in your fridge, try Crumb, a unique digital recipe generator. Come up with the perfect meal for any situation, or check out their bookmarked recipes for special occasions.
Don’t forget the drinks
Genevieve, founder of The Bitter Housewife carefully crafted cocktail bitters, suggests making a batch of cocktails for the evening. “Making a batch of low-proof cocktails you can keep in your fridge allows you to focus more on the quality time you’re spending with your partner rather than time spent making drinks. My go-to is either a Session Manhattan or a Reverse Martini because they’re both simple yet sophisticated.”
If you’re looking to elevate a romantic evening at home, a gift set from Wine and Champagne Gifts makes a great option for setting the perfect, cozy ambiance.
A blind tasting challenge adds a fun twist
The Mixologer, a company specializing in at-home cocktail kits, suggests adding a little friendly competition with a blind cocktail tasting. “Both of you create a drink for the other without revealing the ingredients. Use what you have at home, or add a twist with our craft mixers for a flavor surprise. Once you’ve both sipped and guessed, reveal the ingredients and vote on the winner.”
Kai from Cocktail Club adds some nostalgic fun to this idea: “When you make your drinks for a cocktail challenge, come up with a fun background story related to something about your partner or your relationship. Make sure to be objective when judging, and may the best home bartender win.”
Whether or not the kids are away, you can still play
Kids add a whole new dimension to spending quality time with your partner. “Between our jobs and children, my husband and I are often pretty busy,” shares Britney, mom of three and creator of lifestyle blog All Day Britney. “Planning and scheduling a night out can feel overwhelming or even impossible. Date nights at home are a low-key way for us to spend quality time together without all the extra pressure. Plus, it saves money if we start our evenings after the kiddos are in bed. No sitter necessary.”
And who says the toys are just for the kids? “If you’re a parent, like me,” says Michelle, founder of recipe blog Coffee and Champagne, “commandeer your kid’s video game console and queue up a game that’s perfect for two–something fun, lighthearted, and maybe even a little competitive. I love It Takes Two, Unravel Two, and nostalgic classics like Mario or Donkey Kong. Pair your gaming with a grazing-style dinner where everything comes in small bites, like my Truffle Honey & Ricotta Crostinis or Pappardelle Pizza Pinwheels, so you can snack, sip, and play without missing a beat. No babysitter needed, just a great, playful way to spend quality time with your partner.”
When there’s time to go above and beyond
It’s still fun to plan an exciting night every once in a while. When you do find yourselves with some extra time on hand, consider some of these fun ideas to elevate your quality time with your partner at home from a night on the couch into a night to remember.
Make the restaurants jealous
“I think a fancy meal paired with nice cocktails is always a winner,” suggests Shawn, home cook, cocktail book author, and creator of Kitchen Swagger.
For a restaurant-worthy dish, try these Pan-Seared Sea Scallops elevated with a drizzle of luxurious lemon beurre blanc from Ari, founder of Well Seasoned Studio. “It’s a quick recipe that can be made for someone you love–or even better, prepare it together. Since I believe in the magic of perfect pairings, I suggest complimenting this dish with a crisp, chilled French Chardonnay. There’s no better way to enjoy a romantic evening at home.”
Create a unique theme and set the mood
“Themes are a fantastic way to set the mood, establish a scene, and provide a unique experience for you and your partner,” adds Jimmy of Jimmy Allen Coaching. “Consider themes like French Café or Tropical Island, or merge something you love with something your partner enjoys to create a mash-up theme. For example, if you love R&B music and your partner enjoys cooking Italian food, try designing an entire experience around both themes.”
Need some inspiration for a fun theme? Here’s what our experts have to offer:
“Add a creative twist with an indoor picnic. Picnics are a summer favorite, but not as enjoyable in winery weather–especially if you’re in one of the coldest cities in the U.S. Instead of enjoying a meal at the dinner table, find a space to lay down a blanket, pillows, a charcuterie board, and even some flower petals to create a romantic indoor picnic for you and your partner.” – Marissa, Novo Life Counseling
“Does your apartment have a backyard? Great! Try a magical backyard. Turn it into a spellbinding and enthralling place to enjoy with your partner. Use decorations like fairy lights and colorful pillows to make the perfect ambiance for any backyard date: private theater, stargazing, Picasso night, or anything you can come up with.” – Ankur Khemani, Ankur’s Blog
“Create a fun and sensory-filled evening with a playful twist with a Sip & Scent night. Try a blindfolded scent challenge by lighting a few candles or using essential oils and take turns guessing what they are. Make it competitive–winner gets to pick the movie or gets a fun reward–or simply enjoy the laughter and connection. Don’t have candles or essential oils on hand? Use spices like cinnamon sticks, vanilla, or other simple things you already have in your kitchen.” – Trina, owner of LEWA Candle Company
Pick a card, any card
Crated With Love, a one-stop shop for date night games, suggests finding a unique couples card game to play. “There are so many fun options for two that are perfect for date night, including our Mix It Up Date Night Generator that gives you and your partner over 100,000 different dinner and movie challenges to complete together.”
If you’re looking for a fun way to connect while spending quality time together, use the Intimacy Deck from BestSelf. “Once you’ve set the mood in a cozy space where you can focus on each other, use the deck to spark deep, thought-provoking conversations that go beyond daily small talk, helping you rediscover what makes your connection special,” shares the BestSelf team. “By creating an intentional space for vulnerability and closeness, you’ll strengthen your bond and reignite the spark–without ever leaving home.”
Travel the world in the comfort of your living room
Why leave your dream space behind when you’ve finally finished setting up your perfect modern living room? Noris, gift expert, psychologist, and creator of The Joy Of Gifts blog has the perfect date ideas for an all inclusive trip to your dream destination from the comfort of your home:
“Pick a country you’d love to visit, then cook or order a dish inspired by that country’s cuisine, like homemade sushi for Japan or pasta for Italy. Set the mood with decorations and music from the region to create an immersive experience. After dinner, watch a movie or documentary set in that country. Add fun activities like learning a few phrases in the language, taking a virtual landmark tour, or using an online street view tool to virtually walk through your chosen destination while spending quality time together.”
Jamie, owner of the recipe blog So Happy You Liked It, suggests adding some spontaneity to this idea. “Each partner writes down two destinations you’ve always wanted to travel and puts them in a jar. A few days before date night, randomly select a location that will influence your menu. Then you can spend some time researching the region’s drinks and dishes, shop for ingredients, and cook together.”
Get crafty
If you and your partner are more hands-on, select a fun project or activity you can do while spending quality time together. “What’s more romantic than making your own candles together?” asks Lynn, founder of Love n Honey Candle Company. “This activity is fun, creative, and leaves you with a custom-made keepsake from your special evening. You can choose between our traditional candle kits for a classic scented candle, or our massage oil candle kits which double as warm, nourishing body oil ideal for a relaxing massage after the candles are lit.”
While your partner might love that you surprised them with a floral arrangement, it’s even more fun and romantic to create one together. In San Francisco, CA, let Fleur Luxe Social Club help you and your partner arrange the perfect evening. “Our newest Couples Kit includes three types of flowers, two vases, and two packets of flower food. You can create your own individual arrangements while working together on your stunning floral masterpieces.”
“For those that feel called to be productive, consider a household project or apartment renovation you’ve always thought would be fun,” suggests Natalie Post, coach, photographer, and founder of Post Productions. “Identify the tools you need, deep dive on YouTube, and make it happen.”
Set up an at-home spa
“Transform your home into a romantic escape with an at-home spa experience,” shares Danielle, romance planning expert of SOS Romance Planning Service. “Think massages, face masks, fuzzy socks, and cozy robes. Dim the lights, light candles, and add just a few thoughtful, elegant touches like rose petals to make the perfect setting for love and relaxation.”
Spending quality time at home together is a must
Whether you’re adding something completely new and fun to your week or just intentionally making time for each other at the dinner table, spending quality time with your partner comes in many forms. With this ultimate guide, you’re sure to find the perfect way to add quality time that works for both you and your partner.
