< Back to Main Blog Posted: Jan 2026
Make a Meal of Valentine’s Day
Pondering over meal ideas for Valentine’s? It’s worth remembering that it doesn’t really matter what’s on the plate. The simple act of sharing a meal is a form of connection all on its own. Eating together has long been linked to closeness and harmony. Chinese philosophers were talking about it centuries ago. Even the word ‘mate’ originally meant someone you shared food with. There’s something deeply human about sitting down together, eating the same thing, and giving each other a bit of time.
A healthy relationship is built on moments like that. A shared meal creates space to chat, laugh, unwind and just be. Ideally not in front of a laptop or scrolling on phones - though let’s be honest, sometimes a bowl of pasta in front of The Traitors is exactly what the evening needs. The important thing is feeling relaxed together. That’s worth keeping in mind when thinking about Valentine’s meal ideas. What makes a meal special isn’t just the food, but everything that surrounds it … how it makes you feel, how present you are, and whether you’re enjoying the moment rather than trying to perfect it.
If the thought of a busy restaurant, fixed menus, taxis and reservations fills you with mild dread, a dinner at home can be a lovely alternative. You can eat when you want, wear what you like, and settle in afterwards without rushing anywhere. Cosy clothes are very much welcome. A relaxed evening, a full tummy, and nowhere else to be can be a pretty romantic combination.
Everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day differently. Some people love cooking something ambitious from scratch. Others would rather keep things simple. Confidence in the kitchen, time, energy and food preferences all play a part - and none of them are right or wrong. The best Valentine’s Day meal ideas are the ones that fit your life, not someone else’s Instagram feed.
If you do want to make a bit more of an occasion, having more than one course can make a meal feel special without adding stress. A starter gives you a gentle beginning. A main brings you together at the table. And pudding? That’s the happily-ever-after. First impressions last, so starting with something you’re genuinely excited about is always a good idea. Choosing a couple of options can take the pressure off too - one of the quiet joys of a well-stocked freezer is that nothing needs to be wasted or rushed. For the main event, go with something that feels celebratory to you. It doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. And unless you genuinely enjoy juggling timings and washing up, this probably isn’t the night to attempt something wildly over-engineered. As for pudding, follow your heart. Hot or cold. Chocolaty or fruity. And if you can’t decide? There’s no rule against both.
If decision-making really isn’t your greatest strength (we all have plenty of others), it can be nice to have a bit of help. Some people like to take the thinking out of the evening altogether and let someone else join the dots. That’s where our Valentine’s Meal Boxes can quietly come into their own. A starter to begin, a main with sides to share, and a pudding to finish … all hand-prepared by our chefs, so it feels thoughtful and complete without stealing your evening.
A little bit of Luxury
If you’re after a bit of inspiration for your Valentine’s Day main course, you can’t beat a wellington. But cooking a wellington from scratch is a bold move. In our Luxury Food Boxes you’ve got the option of either a Beef Wellington or a Salmon Wellington for two. Our chefs have done all the hard work in our kitchens to save you any trouble in yours. Just make sure you get the oven and baking tray up to temperature before cooking to avoid a ‘soggy bottom’ (not a good look when you’re trying to impress).
Dauphinoise Potatoes go beautifully with a wellington along with a couple of sides of veg. As for pud, we suggest Sticky Toffee Pudding with the beef, and a slightly lighter Mango Cheesecake with the salmon.
Hearty and Homey
If you’re looking for a menu that’s delicious but also cosy and comforting, with a real homemade feel, our Valentine’s Dinner for Two is perfect. Roasted Vegetable Tarte Tatins to start, followed by Roasted Chicken Breasts in a Port & Merlot Jus with a Trio of Greens, Creamed Spinach and Creamy Mash on the side. For pud? A Mango & Passion Fruit Cheesecake each. Every good love story has a beginning, middle and end and the same is true of a good meal.
For the Veggie-Table
Sticking with a wellington for the main course as it’s such a treat, there’s the option of a Portobello Mushroom Wellington in our Luxury Vegetarian Valentine’s Dinner for Two or a Butternut Squash, Leek & Beetroot Wellington in our Valentine’s Vegan Dinner for Two.
Whichever box you choose, the appeal is that there are no long shopping lists, no juggling timings, just a delicious meal that’s been thought through and prepared for you, that flows nicely from start to finish. In many ways, the hardest choice has already been made: out of eight billion people, you’ve picked who you’d like to sit down with. Everything else can be kept reassuringly simple.
At the end of the day, a truly memorable meal doesn’t come from showing off. It comes from care. From choosing to sit down together, put distractions aside, and enjoy a shared moment.
So this Valentine’s Day, eat something nice with someone you love. Take your time. Don’t try too hard.
Make love, not dinner.
