Date nights. I think this is something that all couples can appreciate. Whether you’re just starting out, have been dating for a while, recently married, or married for years… there is something special about dressing up and having quality 1:1 time together.

Life happens though… it’s different for everyone. Right now though, it’s the same for everyone. We’re all doing our part to “flatten the curve,” which means if we want a good, quality, date night, we have to get creative and make time for it at home.

When I asked (over on instagram) the type of content that would be helpful during this time, there was a decent response requesting a fully planned out date night… everything from ambiance, a menu, conversation starters, and outfits….

No matter your current situation, this is a stressful time, and being able to connect with your significant other is so important. So this was a post I was super excited to put together. I’ve included a check-list below (maybe something you can save to your phone and reference each time you want to create a date night) and broken everything down into categories. We picked a “Mexican” theme for this week’s date night…. I mean, tacos, margaritas, nothing wrong with that at all. I included conversation starters, a fun game for this week, and a few outfit ideas as well.

I know for me, no matter how chaotic life seems to be, having our weekly date nights is something I look forward to and I hope this helps in some way! Cheers friends!
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ATMOSPHERE

TABLE: Taco nights, for us, are best enjoyed outside under the twinkly lights. This isn’t always possible given the inconsistencies of spring weather, so inside is just as good of an option. I think you can get creative with whatever you have around your house. For a Mexican themed night you could use a brightly colored table runner or tablecloth, or dress up a plain white tablecloth/runner with fun plates. I have some cute terracotta planters that have succulents in them, and I think that would make a simple + festive centerpiece. I also own these outdoor plates in turquoise + white… they would be perfect for a Mexican themed evening. Anything seagrasss or raffia (love these glasses) would be great as well.

PLAYLIST: Instead of compiling a full playlist (since everyone has different taste in music) I’ll just share a few favorite “stations” that we love for our at home date nights: Coldplay, John Mayer,

CONVERSATION STARTERS: For this week’s date night I’m picking conversation starters based on everyone’s current life situation as well as ideas from the book “The Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work.” Use them as starting points and allow them to unfold and lead your conversation wherever it goes….

“If you could be ‘safe at home’ with 5 additional people who would they be?'”

“What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself during these past few weeks?”

“One thing that I really appreciate you doing this last week….”

Chat about how the two of you met, what your first impressions were of each other, and what made the other person stand out to you…..

Looking back over the years, which moments stand out as being particularly happy times for the both of you? What does “having a good time together as a couple” look like for each of you? Has this changed over the years?

Identify 3 things that you really value about your partner (i.e. loyal, funny, positive….).

GAMES: If you prefer to be more active and chat at the same time, an easy at home game for this week’s date night would be Head’s Up. You can download the app on your phone and it’s a super fun way to fall into a groove together….

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: I had a few people mention that they are quarantined separate from their significant other and asked for some suggestions. I think a Zoom date night could work as well. Maybe not with the food… but pour yourselves a cocktail, put on something cute, play the game, and ask the questions……..

FOOD

APPETIZERS: For a Mexican themed evening, I obviously recommend chips, salsa, and guacamole (if you don’t want chips, slice up some bell peppers + cucumbers for a lighter option). You could also make this simple cowboy salsa (always a favorite for us… and a very old blog post as well), these sweet potato nachos, + this refried bean dip.

MAIN COURSE: Here are a few of our favorite main course options… these stuffed bell peppers, salsa verde chicken (crockpot), shrimp tacos, shrimp enchiladas, pork carnitas (crock-pot… need to start these in the morning, but they’re delicious), carne asada steak salad (can be made into tacos as well), sweet potato + black bean tacos.

DRINKS: Margaritas… we love these spicy skinny margaritas or La Paloma grapefruit cocktails. Or skip the cocktails and sip on a great Malbec. One of our favorites is Catena.

ATTIRE

CASUAL/COMFORTABLE: Look around your closet and see if you have anything similar to these items… If you want to be super comfortable, and still little cute, I love oversized sweats and a crop tank (little peak of skin never hurt anyone). Or, you can do a cute little jumpsuit (another option, another option)… or a little romper and a long duster cardigan.

DRESSED UP + COMFORTABLE: I’d opt for a pair of stretchy jeans and a cute top if you want to dress things up a little bit. Or you could also toss on a casual, flowy, maxi dress. Not sure how dressed up people want to get at home, but those are two good options.