Does the thought of making reservations for a crowded restaurant, rushing to get home from work, and fussing to getting ready sound less than romantic? And if you have kids, don’t forget the added wrinkle of finding and shelling out money for a babysitter. If Valentine’s Day stirs up feelings of dread, take a step back and plan a relaxing and romantic date-night at home. From cooking a meal together in your open concept kitchen, to cuddling on the couch for a movie, here are some of our favorite reasons to love celebrating Valentine’s Day in the comfort of your home.

You can heat things up in the kitchen.

Everyone knows the way to the heart is through the stomach. And while the food at a fancy restaurant is nice, it isn’t nearly as impressive and thoughtful as a home cooked meal made with love. Better yet, cook together and show what a perfect pair you really are! Since it’s a special occasion, don’t stick with your usual fare — try something new and exciting. Even if you’re not a natural cook, there are many recipes that offer simple instructions and ingredients, like steak and broiled lobster tail, or spicy Pasta Fra Diavolo. A quick Internet search of “simple gourmet meals” or “easy fancy recipes” should give a wealth of ideas. And don’t forget to whip up a delightful dessert! May we suggest Chocolate Mousse or decadent 3-Step Cheesecake topped with berry compote?

The couch is the coziest place to cuddle.

What could be more cozy than cuddling on the couch with someone you love? Add in a crackling fireplace and a good movie, and you have the recipe for romance. After the kids go to bed, dim the lights, pop some microwave popcorn, grab a warm blanket, and chill in front of your TV room cabinetry. Whether you love a tearjerker or a rom-com, here are some movie suggestions perfect for Valentine’s Day streaming:

• Amazon Prime: The Big Sick, An Officer and a Gentleman, Jane Eyre, Hitch, Bull Durham, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Just Wright, Dirty Dancing, Love Story, Date Night, Sleepless In Seattle

• Hulu: Sense and Sensibility, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Amelie, Moonstruck, Sabrina, Serendipity, Jerry Maguire, Chocolat

• Netflix: How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days, Love Actually, Must Love Dogs, Silver Linings Playbook, The Notebook, Beauty and the Beast

• HBO GO: You’ve Got Mail, La La Land, Wonder Woman, The Princess Bride, The Shape of Water, Bridgette Jones’s Diary

There’s no place like home.

There’s a reason they say, “Home is where the heart is.” Buying a house is a commitment. It’s the place where you live with the people you love most. So why shouldn’t it be a special place to celebrate Valentine’s Day? After dinner in your very own open concept kitchen and a movie in your TV room, you can relax and retreat to your love nest in the home that you built together. Happy Valentine’s Day from The RTA Store!

At The RTA Store we help make your dream home a reality with RTA (Ready To Assemble) and Pre-Assembled cabinets and accessories. Whether it’s your kitchen bathroom, laundry room, home office, bar room or TV room, we offer the same (if not better) quality you would find at any retail store, but for a fraction of the price. Stop by our website or give us a call and let us make your dreams come true with the help of our free room design tool!