Your Ultimate Guide to Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you know what that means! You better have all your dinner reservations in place, presents bought and wrapped, and the dream date planned out. Let’s be honest though: chances are you’re probably running a little behind on that checklist. Don’t worry, we’re here to make sure your Valentine’s Day goes off without a hitch. Whether you’re spending the day with your husband, wife, partner, family, or friends, there’s plenty to do to celebrate this day of love. Here’s everything you need to make the perfect day, from cocktails and gifts to the romantic dinner. You’ll be more than prepared.

Your Ultimate Guide to Valentine’s Day

Do Men Outspend Women on Valentine’s Day Gifts?

A rose on top of a light brown card for Valentine's Day
- Advertisement -

Yes, it’s true! Men really do outspend women on Valentine’s Day. It’s the only holiday where men go all-out to ensure only the best for their beloved. Check out our article to learn all about how this can be from shopkeepers and researchers alike.

Romantic Dinner Recipes for Valentine’s Day

a black table with a round metal pan with clams, scallops, crab legs, lobster, and shrimp

- Advertisement -

Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade dinner, cooked from scratch. Instead of spending tons of money on a night out, stay in this Valentine’s Day and surprise your date with an extravagant meal made with your own hands. Many of our recipes use simple steps which help you all along the way, so even if you’re a beginner-level chef, we have the perfect recipe for you. 

Pick Up a Bottle From These Pittsburgh Distilleries

Two bottles from Maggie's Farm Distillery in Pittsburgh sit on a table beside a tall cocktail.

When you go to mix up a Valentine’s Day cocktail this year, don’t skimp out on the cheap stuff. Instead, head to a Pittsburgh distillery that crafts their liquor with the utmost care. Spirits like gin, whiskey, or vodka meet creative makers who master recipes and even infuse their bottles with specialty flavors. You’ll notice the difference in texture and flavor as you support local and add a shot to your evening.

Valentine’s Day Cocktails and Mocktails

Two small cocktail classes hold a valentine's day cocktail in a red color with a foam on top and edible flowers as a garnish.
- Advertisement -

This year, instead of turning to a bottle of wine, spice things up with complex, flavorful cocktail and mocktail creations. Not only are the results delicious, you’ll have some bonding time in the kitchen while you shake up these sensual sips.

11 Romantic Wines for a Sensual, Decadent Valentine’s Day

A romantic glass of sparkling rosé wine on a black background

But, if your lover is attached to their wine, shop for a special bottle that makes the day more romantic. Whether you prefer reds, whites, or rosés, we have options that show you care and leave your evening with a relaxing atmosphere.

Aphrodisiac Board for Two

An aphrodisiac board for 2 with several aphrodisiac ingredients like, berries, nuts, cheese, honey, oyster shooters and pickled asparagus on a black counter in a black kitchen with two glasses of champagne, a champagne bottle, and a dish of oysters on the half shell in the background.

If the sensuality of Valentine’s Day doesn’t get you in the mood then our Aphrodisiac Board for Two sure will. Our board is made up of all the ingredients that boost your sexual health and add a bit of romance to any date night. From Pickled Asparagus to Oyster Shooters, who knows if you’ll even make it to the main course.

Aphrodisiac Foods for Love

An overhead photo of aphrodisiac foods like cherries, chocolate, asparagus, walnuts, honey, strawberries, chilies, saffron, and pomegranate in small bowls and on little dishes on a textured white surface with rose petals.

In case the above does not satisfy your intimate cravings, maybe a couple more choices for aphrodisiacs will. Infuse these delights into your dinner, cocktails, or even dessert to make sure your love shows. Plus, some of these ingredients burst with color making everything a little brighter on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day Hotel Packages

A couple stands in a Valentine's Day Hotel package suite at Nemacolin with a fireplace in the distance as they look out the long windows.
Photo courtesy of Nemacolin

Spice up Valentine’s Day with a lovely staycation! Valentine’s Day hotel packages are ready to sweep you off your feet for the evening and take care of all the hard work for you with top-notch room service. Take this holiday as an opportunity to go all out and try something new.

The Finest Chocolatiers in Pittsburgh

A table full of various small chocolates in different shapes.

If you want to get your loved one a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day, we recommend you go all-out and visit a Pittsburgh chocolatier. From creamy milk chocolate to more bitter dark and even subtle white, these chocolatiers fill their shops with an assortment of confections. Look for fun shapes, decadent truffles, pretzel clusters, and so much more.

Chocolate Tarts Recipe

An overhead photograph of chocolate tarts and individual chocolates on a textured white surface with white sprinkles and lavender.

What could be better for dessert than a decadent, chocolate heaven of a tart. A smooth chocolate filling and ganache topping flow over a crumbly crust. We recommend using local chocolate if you are able to, it makes all the difference.

CBD Valentine’s Day Candies and Chocolates

A variety of iced cookies, cupcakes and candies all in white, pink and red for Valentine's Day, on a textured white surface with white sprinkles.

Finish off the best Valentine’s Day ever with special candies and chocolates for your darling. These CBD recipes will help take away any stresses and allow for the rest of your evening to be a relaxing one. Just pop a chocolate in your mouth and cuddle up to a rom-com on the couch.

Rom-Com Cocktails for Spicing Up Your Valentine’s Day

In a tall glass sits a red Sweet Home Alabama Slammer garnished with a heart formed orange peel and surrounded by pink roses on the table.

Staying at home this year? If you’re alone or even if you have a girlfriend or two over, you should shake up a passionate cocktail to match your favorite rom-com. We’ve collected all your favorites like Say Anything then craft each a recipe that embodies the movie such as a Boozy Orange Creamsicle Shake.

Story by Kylie Thomas

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

Subscribe to TABLE's email newsletter

We respect your privacy.

spot_img

Related Articles

Your Recipe Guide to Dietary Health in 2026

We're here to make dieting a breeze.

Host the Ultimate Steelers Game Day Party

Just make sure your plate and glass are full before kick-off!

Save Your Dollars in 2026 with These Easy Canned Fish Recipes

We're ready to change tinned fish's reputation.