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Lockdown may mean no meals out, no romantic weekends away… and you can’t even send the kids to their grandparents for the evening… but you can still make time to show someone you love them, at home.
Even if you don’t usually do much to celebrate Valentine’s, this year might be a good year to make an exception. It’s been a tough 12 months and after being stuck at home all winter, February 14 can be a day to look forward to.
If you don’t have a partner, you might want to do something nice for a friend or relative, instead. And if there’s somebody you’ve been admiring from afar… well, Cupid’s telling you to send them a sign!
Here’s our essential guide to having a great Valentine’s Day at home in Newton-le-Willows.
Choose a beautiful card
This cute card is by Newton-le-Willows based Finbo Designs
This charming card is handmade by Finbo Illustrations, based in Newton-le-Willows.
All Finbo’s Valentine’s cards are inspired by wildlife, and are priced just £2.90. See the full range.
Say it with flowers…
You can’t go wrong with Newton based Funky Bunch to create a floral gift with the wow factor.
Have another favourite local florist? Let us know in the comments below.
Add some ballooons?
Add the element of surprise with some romantic balloons – decorate the house, or have them delivered to your loved one direct! The Party and Balloon shop can make you something extra special.
Give a thoughtful gift
Why not choose something like these beautiful pendants and charms, hand made in Lowton by the lovely Paula Roberts, from Forget Me Not Ashes Jewellery?
These pendants and charms come in a choice of 16 colours from Forget Me Not Ashes Jewellery.
These stunning pieces are made using opals and you can also choose to incorporate some of the ashes, or hair, of a loved ones, or a beloved pet, into the coloured resin. It makes each one extra special.
Choose from a gift-wrapped sterling silver Pandora charm filled with ashes & crushed opal, with a certificate, from £50, or a sterling silver solid back heart pendant with a free 18” curb chain, filled with ashes & crushed opal for £55. Visit the Forget Me Not Ashes Jewellery website to see the full range.
And for Newton-le-Willows News readers, Paula’s offering a 10% discount on any of her heart-shaped jewellery when you order before February 14 and tell her you saw it here!
If you’re looking for something to put a smile on your other half’s face – how about a personalised Valentine’s lockdown t-shirt from Willow Printing?
Adult sizes are £9 and children’s sizes £7. Order from the Willow Printing website.
Pampering at home
You may not be able to go on a Spa break right now, or enjoy a his and hers massage… and you can’t even go out and get your hair and makeup done for your big date.
But you can fill your home with relaxing fragrances to create just the right atmosphere for romance!
Try these beautiful Passion candles by local maker The Butterfly In Me. They combine a blend of essential oils including cedarwood, lavendar, orange, patchouli and ylang ylang to help diffuse love into the air! It also comes with rose quartz crystals within the candle – which can be kept once it has been burned. The candles are £11.50 each.
Valentine's gift box from The Butterfly in Me
This Passion candle by The Butterfly in Me is perfect for romance.
You can complete the look with one of their Valentine’s gift boxes – containing rose petals and a rose quartz bracelet as lasting gift. You’ll also get one of their special edition ‘Lover’ bath bombs, which combines fruity and floral scents with pear, freesia, rose, patchouli, amber and white musk. Find out more about The Butterfly in Me.
Valentine’s gift from Six Seven Twenty
This gorgeous set of handpoured soy wax candles and botanical wax melts makes a lovely gift for Valentine’s. It’s made by Six Seven Twenty, whose products are all vegan, cruelty free and plastic free. Valentine’s Day gifts from Six Seven Twenty start at just £10. Browse their website for more ideas.
Another great gift idea would be treating your partner to some vouchers for a local beauty business – such as Love Lee Beauty – so you can book a treatment when lockdown ends.
Enjoy a romantic meal
One major difference this year is that you won’t be able to wine and dine at your favourite restaurant.
But that doesn’t mean a romantic meal for two is out of the question – oh no!
Dress your table with candles and lay out the best cutlery, then order a delivery or collection from one of our local pubs and restaurants, many of whom are doing special menus for Valentine’s.
Why not try Italian inspired dishes from Ariete Restaurant, or Verona Kitchen? Spice things up with an Indian from Amans or Samerah Balti – or a tempting Thai dish from Goya Bistro?
Ariete Restaurant are offering special menus for Valentine’s Day – available on both 13 and 14 Feb. Choose from one of their tempting set menus for two including dishes like Fileto Pepper, Carbonara and luxury Chocolate Fudge Cake. You can view their menu on Facebook.
The Oak Tree in Newton-le-Willows have a three course set menu for two, including Prosecco or a bottle of house wine, which can be delivered to your door for just £60. You’ll find the menu on their Facebook page.
Take a look at our Local Directory for lots more restaurants and eateries offering takeaway and delivery this Valentine’s.
Take some time for each other
With so much going on right now, when was the last time you put your phones down and really spent some time enjoying each other’s company?
Eat your Valentine’s meal at the table and instead of settling down to watch the telly afterwards, why not play a card game or something else that’ll keep you talking? It may sound a bit silly but you’ll probably have a lot of fun.
Once you do snuggle down for the evening, bring the cinema to your living room. Dim the lights, grab the popcorn, and cuddle up under a blanket together.
Sweets for your sweet
Enjoy some tempting nibbles with your loved one this Valentine’s. This Lockdown Lovers 2021 box by Graze Cheshire has it all!
Try this gorgeous Valentine’s box from Graze Cheshire
Local shortbread, gorgeous macaroons, handmade chocolate, raspberries and strawberries… divine! Prices start from £12. Find out how to order.
How about having a bespoke cake made to show your loved one just how delicious you think they are?
A bouquet of Valentine’s cupcakes from Becky’s Bakehouse
This Valentine’s Day bouquet looks almost too good to eat… but you’ll definitely enjoy doing so! This beautiful cupcake bouquet is £22 from Becky’s Bakehouse.
A Kinder Brownie version is also available for £15, whilst you might also choose a Valentine’s cake from just £18.
With so many talented cake makers in Newton-le-Willows, you’re spoilt for choice! Take a look in our directory to find your perfect Valentine’s baker.
You can even try baking your way into someone’s heart
If you’ve left it too late to order a Valentine’s cake – or you would prefer to do it yourself, our friends at Lowton based Tasty Tee Cakes are here to help.
They have several Valentine’s cupcake tutorials – like the one below – on their YouTube Channel to make it easy – and just think how impressed your other half will be when you reveal them on the day!
What are your romantic top tips for Valentine’s Day at home?
Please let us know in the comments below!