Valentine’s for… couch potatoes

Valentine’s Day. The mere mention brings most people out in a lather of panic, likely humiliation and low, low depression. What’s to be done when just about everyone you know abandons the shackles of sanity and
dutifully dolls up, over-deodorises and drags the ‘other half’ out to some over-priced restaurant for an evening of strained silence, obsequious waiters and some idiot wandering around selling expensive roses.
But there is another way – the gentle art of A Quiet Night In. Here, the true spirit of the day – skilfully and suavely reminding your partner why they like you – can be celebrated to the hilt, and you won’t bust the delicate mood by having to endure a passion-killing taxi journey home.

To fully enjoy your evening indoors, planning is essential. Obviously, the key here is maximum impact for minimum effort. OK, you can pop a few fish fingers under the grill, but when Biscotti at the Grand Hyatt Doha (448 1282) can put together a hamper for you for QR500 and even deliver it to you, there’s no need for such fishy antics. Choose from their extensive selection of Swiss, Italian and home-made chocolates and chocolate products, including decorated cakes. Once you’ve placed your order, you merely have to get your plates ready and light a candle. Almost as brilliantly, get online and order some flowers and a few other gifts from Oasina Roses (www.oasinaroses.com), who even promise to deliver anywhere in Doha on the same day (might be an idea to give them extra notice if it’s Valentine’s Day, though).

Maybe pop into Virgin Megastore at Villaggio Mall (413 5823) and pick up a few DVDs to watch after your meal. Think soft, fluffy romcoms, a comedy (tip: avoid anything with Adam Sandler and/or Olsen or Duff siblings), or a good old-fashioned weepie. If you’re really determined to do this thing properly, various Time Out staffers can personally attest to the beneficial properties brought on by viewings of any (but not necessarily all) of the following: Love Story, Love Actually, When Harry Met Sally, Annie Hall or Fatal Attraction. While you’re there, you could get a CD or two to help set the mood for the evening – or maybe get online and start downloading (legally, of course) a selection of music to make your other half their own 21st century ‘mix tape’.

But at the end of the night, as the candles burn low (you did remember to get the candles in, right? No? You idiot! Get them in now) and the mood grows fuzzily amorous, just remember – it may be Valentine’s Day today, but when you and your special little pamplemousse are curled up cosily at home together, basking in each other’s renewed admiration and adoration, who needs to be told to celebrate being together?