I can’t believe I’m writing this. When we went into our first Lockdown in March 2020, I honestly and naively thought we’d be 
back to normal life within a few weeks – a month at a push! And now its February and here we are – another lockdown on another occasion that we usually go out to celebrate! I’m really crossing my fingers that this is the last occasion we do have to celebrate indoors!!
We’ve compiled a list of ideas on how to celebrate Valentines day at home, things that you can include all the family in too!
Don’t forget to check out our Lockdown Resources for Families too!
Cards – with people out shopping less, why not make your own card this year? Don’t worry if you’re not creative – we’ve got some here you can download – either download and colour them in yourself or downloaded them already done!
Valentine’s Cards 2021 (black & white)
Valentine’s Cards 2021 (colour)
Order a take away – It’s lovely when you become a family to celebrate Valentine’s day all together, but somethings we’d like to 
enjoy without little ones! Although we probably wouldn’t usually go out for dinner on Valentine’s night in times gone by, I think this year we will definitely mark the occasion with a take away once the kids are in bed! Set the table, light some candles and go all out. As a parent, this has been a highlight of lockdown for me – I love eating out, but not with kids, and going out without them these days is almost impossible (I’m talking before the pandemic here!). So to be able to eat food from some of favourite restaurants that I haven’t been able to visit in ages has been just wonderful! We have an extensive list of all local eateries offering take aways, as well as lots of sweet treat deliveries right here.
The fabulous Langthorpe Farm Shop Presents Valentines dinner for two to cook at home for £50! A two course meal for two including canapes all prepared and ready for you to look amazing in the kitchen this Valentine’s night. Main Course: Fillet of beef wellington, crispy potato & truffle terrine, roasted honey carrots, mushroom & tomato, red wine jus/peppercorn sauce.Dessert is Dark chocolate & salted caramel ganache, cherries & vanilla set cream
Talking of sweet treats, if baking isn’t for you, then fear not – Brownie Bouquet Harrogate are on hand! Home baked, fresh to order, by our very own fully qualified Chef, we will deliver locally straight to your door in a contactless COVID safe manor. Their Valentine’s Bouquets are:
Bouquet of 6 – £16
Bouquet of 8 – £19
Bouquet of 10- £22
All prices include delivery, a personal message and of course your choice of gooey delights.
Valentine’s Bouquet includes an extra special gift wrap + super stunning Valentine’s confetti.
Support Local – There are so many local businesses that have an online presence that we can support even on lockdown! We’ve got a list right here and here, and here are some of our favourites:
Canvas Republic – Canvas Republic is a Harrogate based company who help capture your memories by creating canvas prints in any size or shape. With prices starting from just £1 plus P&P, canvas prints are a perfect personalised gift for friends and family. You can choose from a selection of different sizes and finishes, you can even have your canvas framed!
Bested Dressed Events – Best Dressed by name and best dressed by nature. We are here to meet all your event décor needs, from simple birthday numbers to full venue décor, whatever your event requires we can work with you to design an event to remember. Perhaps send your loved one a Valentine’s themed display? 10% off your first order when you mention Harrogate Mumbler!
Treasure Hunt – I know, i know, how many of these have we done in the last year? But once again, its something you can 
involve the kids in – and if you’re lucky will give them something to do for half an hour or so – even more if you get them involved in making it! We’re doing one where all the clues relate to Mummy and Daddy and the kids have to find the answers – when we got married etc – with some love heart chocolates at the end for a little treat! Games have been a big part of lockdown for us – I mean, who hasn’t taken part in at least one zoom quiz over the last year? A game like Mr and Mrs could easily be played at home and the kids would find it hilarious!
Baking – my husband always says I won him over with my sausage rolls! Baking is great on so many levels, I absolutely love it – it brings me so much joy making something people enjoy to eat. So not only is it good for your mental health, its something that you can do with the kids. It’s one of the only things that keeps my little girl engaged! And at the end you’ve got something delicious to eat! Here is our favourite romantic bake which are so easy to make – you can get the little ones involved too!Lots more baking ideas right here too!
Millionaire Shortbread
A real show stopper! Believe me I am no baker, but these are so easy to make and look sooo good!
Ingredients
4oz butter
2oz caster sugar
6oz plain flour
1 tin of carnation caramel
1 large bar of chocolate
Method
Home made gifts – how about making a keep sake? Get the kids involved – even if it’s just making a card, it’ll certainly keep the kids entertained for half an hour – and at this stage we’ll take anything right?! I made a homemade lemon scrub for a friend whose birthday it was back at the start of the first lockdown (i can just about remember that long ago), and she loved it!
Ingredients
• ½ cup Coconut Oil
• ½ cup white Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Extract
• Zest of 1 Lemon
• 5-10 drops Lemon Essential Oil
• 2-4 drops yellow food colouring
All you need to do is put the coconut oil in the microwave until it’s melted. Then add the rest of the ingredients, stir until the mixture is well blended and store in an airtight glass jar in the fridge until ready to use.
If you’re thinking of popping the question this Valentine’s day, or have a wedding to organise or reorganise then this blog could be useful!
Happy Valentine’s Day Mumblers!
