Let’s be honest: when you ask your new girlfriend over for a date chez toi, you’re probably thinking of “Netflix and Chillin’”. Well, bud, if that’s your go-to move, you’re bound to end up Netflix and Chillin’ alone in the most literal sense of the term. Stay-at-home dates needn’t be lazy and unromantic; actually, they can be awesome, and with the upcoming cold and bleak autumn nights, an at-home date is a great way of connecting with each other one-on-one in a comfortable and intimate—not to mention, warm—setting. So, tidy up your bachelor pad and make a note of these five at-home date ideas to impress your lady friend; you might not even want to leave the house again! You can thank me later.
Game Night
Nothing is more revealing of your partner than when you break out a traditional (or non) board game. Is she a friendly competitor, or does she go for the jugular? Either way, the results can be pretty hot. Invite another couple over, or leave it at a game for two. Throw in a friendly wager (like, whoever loses has to treat you to a fave sex move) and really up the sexy stakes. Skip the boring games like chess and checkers, and opt for a lively game of Scrabble or Pictionary instead. Just don’t guess Baby Fish Mouth.
DIY Photo Shoot
It’s a selfie world out there. If you can’t beat ‘em, you might as well join ‘em. Arrange a few different scenarios around the house—a sexy boudoir shot, some fun cooking scenes in the kitchen—and don different outfits and accessories. Really play it up. Then, set up a tripod or use Photo Booth on your Mac and get ready to snap some memories. Who knows—your photo shoot might even turn into a fun sex tape.
Try a Tasting Night
Get nice and lubricated within the confines of your own home. Pick your poison—whisky and red wine are great choices for the cooler weather—and buy a few varieties at the liquor store. You’ll also need the appropriate glassware (you want to be professional, after all) as well as some tasty, and tasteful, snacks. To get you started, you can Google how to set up a tasting night, so you can help better understand terms like “nosing” and “fruit forward.” Invite a couple over, or get sweetly inebriated together.
Cook Together
Cooking is one of the most sensual, non-sexual activities a couple can do together. It’s also hella fun. For the adventurous, you might want to find something you’ve never cooked before. If you’re not quite Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen, then opt for something simpler, like chocolate chip cookies (no, not the ones from the tube). Turn up your fave tunes, crack open a bottle a wine, and you might find yourself in the middle of kitchen dance party—which is always a good time.
Try a Movie Marathon
I have recently discovered there are a large number of people who have yet to watch “The Godfather” trilogy. If that includes you or your girlfriend, I’m not judging (okay, I totally am). However, this travesty provides a unique opportunity to put a twist on the “dinner and a movie” date. Sit down to watch the first two flicks (the third sucks) and trade your typical take-out for an Italian meal that matches the movie. Think spaghetti, a nice bottle of Sangiovese, and of course, some cannoli. It’s like “Netflix and Chillin” except you’re actually watching something together, which is nice.
Brianne Hogan is a freelance writer based in Toronto, something of a humorist, and considers herself more Bridget Jones than Samantha Jones. Though she won’t reveal which parts, she will admit to liking emotionally unavailable men and drinking lots of wine. You can follow her on Twitter @briannehogan.
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