Keys to planning a great date Night.

1. Talk to your partner and get an idea of what they would like to do. Do they want a night out on the town or a cozy night in?

Whether you are planning a date night for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or just because, there are some key things to keep in mind to make sure the evening is extra special. Below we'll share our top tips for creating a fun and romantic date night at home.

A) Set the mood with lighting: Candles always create a romantic ambiance, but you can also get creative with string lights, fairy lights, or even lanterns.

B) Create a special menu: Whether you cook together or take turns making dishes, put some extra effort into your date night meal. Make something you don't usually have time for or try a new recipe. Don't forget the dessert!

C) Pick a fun activity: A movie night is always classic, but you could also try a board game, karaoke, or even a scavenger hunt. Whatever you choose, make sure it's something you'll both enjoy.

D) Get dressed up: Just because you're staying in doesn't mean you cannot get dressed up and look your best.

2. Once you have an idea of what you both want to do, start planning!

A) A little bit of planning can go a long way. Plus it shows your spouse that you are thinking about them during the week. Do you have kids and need to confirm a babysitter ahead of time. If so take the initiative to take care of that logistic.

B)If planning a date night away from the house, make decisions like where you are going to eat and if needed get a reservation. Nothing like sitting in the lobby of a restaurant for an hour because a reservation wasn't made. Plus, it is a great feeling to have a reservation, walk into a crowded restaurant and be seated right away :).

C) If surprising your spouse make sure to think through if they need something they would not naturally have and bring/pack it for them.

3. Don't forget the little details! Small things can make a big difference on a date night.

A) Create a romantic playlist with some of your favorite songs. These could be all time popular favorites, but mix in song that have special meaning for you. This could be a wedding song, song from your first dance. Popular songs from your dating days can be fun and bring up past memories.

B) Gentlemen, I suggest you open the car and restaurant doors for your wife. This signals you are thinking about her and are going to protect and serve her. Another simple but powerful addition is to hold hands while walking. This can create intimacy and unity through out the night.

C) Don't talk about work, or kids. Keep the conversation focused on each other. The day to day business of life wont go any where and you can figure it out later. Let the date be about enjoying and learning more about each other.

D) Ask each other questions. Find out how your spouse is doing really. What are they excited about. Anything they are nervous about or wish they were doing. These type of exploring questions create open dialogue. People grow and change over time, it is important we continue to learn about our partner.

4. Enjoy yourselves! The most important thing is that you both have a good time. Laugh, listen, learn, and love one another. date night should be fun. This is why activities or new experiences can make for great date night ideas. New experiences have a higher likelihood of creating memories, stories, and generating laughter when compared to redoing the same thing from a prior date night.

Check out other Date Night Ideas.