Decorate your home for Valentine's Day
Lifestyle

Ideas to Celebrate Valentine's Day at Home

ByEssex

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to celebrate the ones we hold near and dear to our hearts. Whether it's a romantic date night with that special someone, a fun afternoon with friends, priceless family time with your kids, or simply pampering our pets, there's no wrong way to say I love you.

With the big day just around the corner, we've come up with a few ideas to help you celebrate your loved ones in the warmth and comfort of your home.

With Your Significant Other

Order take-out from your favorite restaurant and pair it with an exclusive bottle of wine. Or cook a romantic dinner together while setting the mood with a custom Valentine's Day playlist. For an extra special touch, share a handwritten love letter or thoughtful Valentine's Day gift and card, and recall the wonderful things that first brought you together!

If you live in an apartment community with a dreamy rooftop deck like Essex communities Annaliese in Seattle, WA, and Patina at Midtown in San Jose, CA, you can cap your romantic home date by snuggling under a blanket on the rooftop terrace and stargazing while enjoying the night sky.

Family enjoying Valentine's Day at home.

With Your Family

Have young children in your family? Put together a DIY arts and crafts station to help them get in the spirit, cutting out hearts, making Valentine's Day cards with stickers, or 'love bugs' with colorful pipe cleaners. Get your whole family involved for loving memories that will last a lifetime.

Don't forget the sweet treats! Kids love making and decorating sugar cookies and cupcakes, and these baked goods make excellent Valentine's gifts! If your community has fire pits like Fountain Park in Playa Vista, CA, another fun idea is to make fresh s'mores to enjoy together. Try adding sliced strawberry 'hearts' for a Valentine's treat! Want a bit more inspiration? Check out these 60 fun s'mores recipes from Delish or make up your own family version with a toppings bar!

With Your Friends

Are you flying solo this holiday? Call up your girlfriends and invite them over for a full spa afternoon or an evening with face masks, wine, cocktails, gossip, and a rom-com movie marathon on Netflix! It's time for the single ladies to celebrate their shine together on Galentine's Day!

Were you looking for something higher energy? Invite friends over for an action-packed game night. Break out the board games and brews in your living room for an at-home holiday that's sure to warm your heart. Exchange fun Valentine's cards and gifts, or have each guest bring cheap gifts for a white elephant Valentine's exchange.

If you have a lot of single friends, why not throw an intimate singles’ mixer for a select few. You can decorate your apartment with V-Day items from Amazon, play games, enjoy a Valentine's Day themed charcuterie board, drink, and maybe even make a match!

Pets enjoy Valentine's Day too.

With Your Four-Legged Valentine Friends (Cats & Dogs)

They may be small, but they own our hearts in a way that's bigger than life. Make it the best Valentine's Day ever by including your furry friends in the fun with gifts and treats.

Gift Fido a new leash for long trail walks or a stylish collar for a trip to the dog park. Check out our list of Best Gifts For Pets In A Small Apartment for more fun ideas.

Make your own special surprises your four-legged friend will flip for! In the dog treats department, consider trying your hand at baking dog-friendly cupcakes or any of these 20 Delicious DIY Dog Treats You Can Make at Home. Feline friends will purr for homemade Carrot and Catnip Kitty Cat Treats and Three-Ingredient Salmon Treats.

Whether you're simply enjoying the company of your significant other, getting savage during game night, or spoiling your favorite companion, you're sure to have a day that will bring a smile to your face. Happy Valentine's Day!

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Explore our nearly 250 apartments, such as Forestview or Fairwood Pond in Renton, WA, and learn more about current leasing or move-in specials and pricing.