Fatties, here’s our Valentine’s Day dinner plan: fondue for two, at your place. To be fair this can become fondue for all the singles if you’d prefer. It’s a fun idea as a party or a sexy night in. Mood lighting, check. Food that’s not too heavy, check. Proximity to your bed, CHECK.
Here’s our guide to creating the perfect night in for you and your boo:
1. Set your living room coffee table up like a fancy picnic: nice tablecloth, crystal candle holders, maybe some flowers. Go as all out as you want. Have spare candles on the ready, don’t let them burn out before you’re off to bed. Bow chica wow wow.

image: theyesgirls.com
2. Butt pillows: you’re going to sit people on the ground so give them the option of a few cushions. This’ll also add to the general atmosphere of the room. If you’re a couple, this’ll be exceptionally handy when you finish eating and start, well.. you know. If it’s a group, it’ll be comfy for when people start passing out.

image: blog.cottonandflax.com
3. Turn the lights down low: they’re song lyrics for a reason. Even if it’s a random group you’ve got over, mood lighting is nice. And if it’s a Valentine’s Day date, let those lights make it all the more sultry, sexy and intriguing. In this one instance we’re telling you to take a page from The Bachelorette playbook.

image: themediawitches.blogspot.com
4. All the booze: have a signature cocktail or drink champs all night. We know budget dictates what you’ll be buying here, just don’t be too cheap or you’re going to get headaches before 10:00 pm and never make it to the bow chicka wow wow, a travesty.

image: winemag.com
4. Fondue time: pick a relatively neutral tasting cheese. Use a wide variety of foods to dip into the melty goodness. Blackberries, apples and strawberries are surprisingly delicious in cheese fondue, plus some of your favourite veg and of course some delicious crusty bread.

image: thefrenchtable.ca
5. Dessert: we’d suggest a small pot of chocolate fondue or chocolate pot de creme. It sounds fancy, it tastes fancy, it’s appallingly easy to make. Added bonus: if you have to lick it off of someone, you’ll lick all the more vigorously because it’s so damn tastey.
The idea of chocolate fondue may come across your mind but trust us, this is the less messy option.

image: recipes.cooksillustrated.com
6. Set the mood: put something on the TV that’s visually appealing, has a great soundtrack and is great to watch if you want but easy to talk through if you prefer to chat. This is especially important for a group. Don’t let it be too mushy or too sad, think Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby without the tragic death. Or just play a great soundtrack in the background and forgo the visuals.

image: giphy.com
7. This final step is up to you in all your smooth talking glory. We helped you set the mood. The rest is up to you. Good luck. And if you’re a bunch of singles, celebrate being surrounded by people you love in the most platonic, heartbreak averse way possible.
Happy love day!