10 Ways to Make Weeknights Feel More Special
Enjoy drinks or dinner outside, take a stroll, have a movie night or soak away the stress
It’s easy to get in the habit of trying to speed through the week just to get to the big “reward” of a weekend off. But aren’t we missing out if we’re not making the most of the free time we do have on those weeknights? Here are 10 ideas for beginning to reclaim some of that time, even on a too-tired-to-cook Wednesday.
1. Bring home dessert. A night with dessert to look forward to after dinner is pretty much guaranteed to be a better-than-average weeknight. Drop by your local market or favorite bakery on the way home and pick up a little something to share with your family.
2. Make your own mini-bouquets. Fresh flowers, whether plucked from your own garden or picked up at the grocery store, make any table feel more special. Instead of fussing with a big arrangement, I like to divvy up a single bundle of flowers into little bud vases, and scatter these around the house. Place a row down the center of your dining table and one beside your bed.
3. Take a sip and a snack outside. Pour yourself a special drink, load up a tray with little nibbles and head outside to enjoy some pre-dinner R&R. Better yet, invite over a neighbor or friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with for some low-key hangout time.
See trends from the popular home bars on Houzz
See trends from the popular home bars on Houzz
4. Do something a little bit different for dinner. Whether it’s cooking dinner on the grill and eating outside or carrying a feast to your nearest park to enjoy on a big blanket on the lawn, all it takes is a little twist to make a weeknight dinner more exciting. Here are a few more ideas:
- Make your favorite breakfast for dinner.
- Light candles and turn on some music. Bonus points if the music comes from the same country as what you’re serving for dinner.
- Ask the youngest child to create a centerpiece. It’s always fun to see what they come up with!
5. Take an after-dinner stroll. Once the plates have been cleared, resist the urge to immediately cue up that show you’ve been binge watching and take a walk instead. Even a short, leisurely walk in the fresh air can help slow the pace, giving you extra breathing room to think through a problem that’s been bothering you or catch up with your partner.
6. Cozy up on the couch for a movie night (but make it extra-special). If you want to watch a TV show or movie, no one’s stopping you! But there’s a difference between intentionally choosing what (and how long) you’re going to watch and mindlessly zoning out with whatever happens to be on. So pop some popcorn, get into your coziest PJs and curl up for some (intentional) screen time.
7. Light up the fire pit. Gas fire bowls in particular are easy to flick on at a moment’s notice, so there’s no reason to save them just for special occasions. And isn’t gathering around the fire pit reason enough to celebrate an average Wednesday night?
Find a fire pit for your yard
Find a fire pit for your yard
8. Light candles around the house. When you’re ready to begin winding down, why not make the atmosphere reflect the mood you want to create? Light some candles, turn down the lights and perhaps put on a bit of soft music. If you’ve still been checking email or doing any work, now is the time to put it away.
9. Pick up a craft, sketchbook or journal. If you’re still not quite ready to turn in, choose a tactile, creative activity like sketching, knitting or writing in a journal. Take this quiet time to reflect on your day and consider what you would like to accomplish or experience tomorrow.
10. Soak the stress away in a fragrant bath or shower. An evening soak is much different than a quick morning shower. It’s a chance to unwind and let go of any lingering stress from your day. And if you have any special aromatherapy oils or bath products you’ve been saving, this is the perfect time to put them to use.
Tell us: What’s your favorite way to make a weeknight feel special? Share your ideas in the Comments.
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Tell us: What’s your favorite way to make a weeknight feel special? Share your ideas in the Comments.
More
10 Reasons to Cook and Eat Outdoors This Summer
Beyond the Book Club: 10 Creative Groups to Start With Friends
10 Essentials for Enjoying a Spa-Like Experience at Home