Valentine’s Day: it tends to happen this time of year.
We strongly advise against ignoring it. Instead, play the hero. But even heroes need a blueprint.
Thusly: three step-by-step St. Valentine’s Day itineraries for the stumped but willing lothario.
Where to take her. What to buy her (besides fancy underpants). What to do.
One in the home, one in the city and one long weekend nearby. Mix and match, or follow one in its entirety.
Godspeed.
THE HOUSE CALL
Step 1: The Massage
The Uber of “Ahhh,” Soothe makes massage-on-demand simple. Couples massages delivered to your door. Deep tissue recommended. Set the mood with an Oribe Black Currant candle. Follow the sessions up with a round of Truth or Dare with a little help from the I Dare You game kit.
Step 2: The Dinner
Soho’s Costata is trés romantic. Everything Chef Michael White touches is gold. Matters not. You won’t be going. Dinner is coming to you, since they’re now delivering via Caviar. The recommend: Costata for Two, including a dry-aged 40 oz. tomahawk ribeye with marrow in a red wine reduction served with bordelaise and béarnaise sauce. Post-dinner fresh-baked cookies from Insomnia are also a must.
Step 3: The Gifts
The staying-in-for-the-night survival kit: one Ralph Lauren Gabrielle Shearling Blanket, one Heart Held Bracelet and one Polaroid camera.
THE NIGHT ON THE TOWN
Step 1: The Local Holiday
Take her to tango. First-timers welcome, all set to a live orchestra. And then take advantage of the long weekend with a staycation. Try the W Hotel’s Threeway Package, as in a three night stay, or the Viceroy’s Paint the Sky Red package, complete with actual painting of your partner (not the Titanic kind), a private string quartet, a pajama party and topped off with a helicopter ride.
Step 2: The Dinner
The Standard Grill’s serving up Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado, Long Island Duck with a Bourbon Glaze, Foie Gras Dirty Rice and a Black Forest Sundae with a surprise. The evening will continue with “Be Mine: Not Your Standard Bingo” starting at midnight.
Step 3: All the Gifts
You’re goin’ out. She’s going to want to shine. Easily done with the Want Les Essentiels Shoulder Bag, Venus Fur Gloves for warm paws and the Hoorsenbuhs rose gold Dame Tri-link Ring and Lock Necklace for keeping her very happy. Available in-store at Material Good.
THE GETAWAY: VERMONT
Step 1: Check-in
The powder is here. Go enjoy it. Hotel Vermont offers a Ski and Stay package that doesn’t skimp on the romance. Lift passes, flights of beer and massages: all in there.
Step 2: The Dinner
A rite of passage for anyone passing through, Hen of the Wood is the cornerstone of dining in the area. The fare is vibrant, the atmosphere intimate. Aphrodisiac out with oyster starters followed with Maine Lobster and Ham-wrapped Rabbit Loin with kohlrabi and créme fraîche.
Step 3: The Gifts
Just a few things to hit the road. Some Illesteva shades and a Virginie Furfelt Hat for escaping the city under the radar. And the Swarovski Charm Bracelet embedded with her choice of Laura Hoffman perfume. That’s like a two-for-one.
Nota bene: Gifts? You need more gifts, you say? Right this way to our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide, courtesy of our National bureau.
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