Skip the restaurant rush this Valentine’s Day and create a magical evening with your loved one at home.
Rye’s local experts have plenty of ideas for crafting a memorable evening for two without leaving the house.
We’ve collected the best tips on wine pairings, floral arrangements, and sweet indulgences to set just the right mood.
A Decadent Wine
A decadent wine can add an element of luxury to a quiet evening in. To help, G. Griffin Wine & Spirits’ Brian Fray has curated a collection to match any taste and any palate:
For red wine lovers, Fray recommends Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat ($35). “Full bodied and rich Spanish Priorat, this wine is both daring and elegant.” says Fray. “Each sip reveals something new – raspberry, plum, cinnamon, anise and more. Pairs well with hearty meat and mushroom dishes.”
Alternatively, Kith & Kin Cellars’ Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($30) offers “endless pairing possibilities,” according to Fray. “It leaves you with a pleasing, earthy cocoa finish.”
If you’re looking to splurge on something with a little more sparkle, Fray recommends Veuve Clicquot Rosé ($65). “The familiar pale pink fizz with candied red fruits and a mineral finish,” Fray elaborates. “It offers all the same as the classic Veuve, but with notes of strawberry and a floral playfulness.”
A Simple Flower Arrangement
While a good wine sets the tone for your evening, the right visual elements enhance an atmosphere of love.
Fani Szterenbuch, longtime Rye resident and owner/floral Designer at Fani Flowers studio in Port Chester, believes there’s romance in simplicity.
“A Valentine’s Day celebration at home can be fun and affordable as well: order to-go food, or cook your favorite meal,” Szterenbuch said. “It is not about how much you will spend, it is about letting people know how much you love them, even with a single flower.”
Szterenbuch prefers a simple yet elegant approach to amorous decor. When it comes to your table, Szterenbuch coaches: “Arrange five to seven small vases with single long-stem flowers, surrounded by candles of varying heights. Sprinkle rose petals between the candles and vases, and voila, you’ve created a romantic tablescape.”
If you’re looking to buy some personalized blooms ($75-$350; price varies based on specifications), she suggests ordering early. Popular selections often sell out days in advance, and premium flowers can become harder to find. “We would love to help you customize your gift, but don’t forget to pre-order as soon as possible,” Szterenbuch said. “We stop taking orders as soon as we reach capacity.”
Cookies and Cupcakes
No Valentine’s Day celebration would be complete without something sweet.
Stop by Rye Country Store, where owner Claire Hassi and her team are stocked up on seasonal classics, like Conversation Hearts ($7.99) or chocolate drizzled popcorn ($7.95 to $22.95.)
The Country Store’s hottest items are homemade baked goods. “What we probably sell the most,” Hassi said, “are our iced heart-shaped cookies ($16.95 per pound) and decorated cupcakes ($3 each).”
And Candy, of Course
For an extra special touch, Purchase Street’s BobbyPop elevates the traditional boxed candy experience with personalized options ($20-$75). The store’s giftable gummies are topped with edible, customizable messages and are sure to bring some whimsy to your celebration.
“Our custom acrylic or paper boxes are a must-have. Some of our favorite and best-selling boxes are ‘XOXO’ and ‘LOVE YOU,’” said co-Founder Erin Murphy. Though the shop is physically closed for the winter months, orders can still be placed online at shopbobbypop.com and by appointment.
