Valentine’s Day can have a way of dividing people. And I am not referring to the way it can leave otherwise confident and happily single people feeling a bit like lepers for not being part of a collective “us, we, our…”. I am talking instead about the way it draws quite a harsh line between those of us who become giddy and excited at the thought of a dozen red roses, a day of heart-shaped everythings and personalised cards, and those who suffer mild bouts of nausea at the thought.
It’s not that the latter are unromantic killjoys. It’s just that the marketing frenzy and consumerism that surrounds V-day can sometimes have the opposite effect: it can suck all of the romance out of a day that was intended for the display of sincere affection. Why? Because romance is, by its very definition, supposed to be surprising, spontaneous and original. A white teddy clutching a red heart, a hastily scribbled stock-standard card and set-course deal in a restaurant are the exact opposite. It’s almost obligatory, and that is distinctly unromantic.
The way I see it, you have two options. You could either retreat from the world and scowl at everything that’s pink and heart-shaped, or you could do Valentine’s Day on your own terms. So steer clear from the mass-produced, cookie-cutter gifts and treats and indulge in a little unique and local luxury instead. For some inspiration, here are some ideas from Beyond Bespoke’s “little black book of luxury”, a curated selection of the finest in British designers, products and produce.
Ditch the bubbly for something a little different.
Yes, champagne is supposed to be an aphrodisiac and let’s face it, what’s not to love about all the tiny bubbles? But why not broaden your repertoire of sexy drinks by exploring some locally distilled spirits or curling up with a bottle of fine wine?
This is a great time to learn how to shake that a famously sexy martini, using artisanal gin. Just add olives.
Be blooming different.
Red roses may be the poster child of Valentine’s Day, but they’re not exactly the party animal of the cut flower world. There are countless other wonderfully fragrant and colourful blooms, many of local origin, that have plenty more personality.
So give the mail-order bouquets a miss and mosey on over to your neighbourhood florist to select a few flowers that really reflect your taste. Then inform your significant other. Or just buy a bunch. No one should have to wait for someone else to give them flowers.
You don’t have to say it with chocolate. But you can.
There are so many creative alternatives to a box of chocolates. Like a hamper of local gourmet cheese and comforting home-style preserves or a selection of little cakes, hand-picked by a master patissier. But let’s the honest, chocolate really should be a compulsory staple to any indulgent experience. You don’t have to settle for milk tray though. Think artisan chocolate truffles, liquid salt caramels and chocolate covered honeycomb.
However you decided to spend today, and however you choose to share your affection with your partner or if you decide just to spoil yourself, let it reflect some of your own unique, quirky self. It’s the most romantic thing you can do.