Great ways to celebrate your anniversary at home (or in the garden)

Candlelit cocktails and romantic retreats might be out of the question. But that doesn’t mean you can’t mark your anniversary in style.

Set the ambience and transform your home

With so much time at home at the moment, it can be hard to get excited about another night in. But you can easily transform your space from a makeshift office and streaming parlour to a heavenly hideaway. This Candle Making and Decorating Online Workshop will teach you how to use a range of waxes and scents in just two hours. What’s more, you can craft these candles using recycled materials – perfect for when the shops are closed. 

Next, illuminate the bathroom with your new candles and share a relaxing soak together. In this handy two-hour Soap and Bath Bomb Making Online Workshop, you’ll learn how to make a variety of soaps and bath bombs – all from organic ingredients. So open the champagne and soak your cares away in aromatic luxury. Bliss. 

Struggling to get hold of their favourite scent? Relax, you can mix together something even better yourself. This online course from The Perfume Studio enables you to design a bespoke fragrance from home. Sign up and you’ll receive a box with six perfume blends and an online tutorial which will show you what to do. So whether it’s an anniversary gift for them or a little something special for yourself, this one will leave both parties pleased. After all, there’s nothing more thoughtful than a homemade present.

Something special for them (and for you)

There are lots of romantic ways to show your partner you care that are a treat for you too.

Open up the cocktail lounge

The pubs and bars may be closed but you can still share some decadent drinks together at home. In fact, there are plenty of easy recipes online that don’t require Cruise ala’ Cocktail levels of craftsmanship. But if you’re not feeling confident – or you don’t have the accessories and ingredients you need to shake up a storm – don’t worry. 

MAP Lab has put together this stylish cocktail set that can be sent straight to your door. And, importantly, these are bottled – so no mixing required. Just pour and serve these elegant cocktails at home over ice and enjoy with the perfect garnish. And if you are interested to learn more about the MAP Manhattan, Vesper Martini or Japanese-style Manhattan, check out the accompanying video tutorials. Maybe watch those before your start pouring the cocktails though. Just a suggestion. 

Is your someone special a chocoholic? Or perhaps it’s you that’s got the sweet tooth. Either way, this mouthwatering course from master chocolatier Paul A. Young is a great way to get those taste buds tingling. In a series of four lessons, you or someone special will learn every tasty trick; from the art of tempering to the tricks of truffle making. Young will also share the secret recipe for his multi-award-winning sea salted caramel truffle. Just don’t tell anyone.

Picnic in style this anniversary

Fortunately, the weather’s taken a turn just in time for lockdown measures to be loosened. With that in mind, your anniversary is the perfect excuse to pack a hamper and enjoy a beautiful picnic together. Beaches, parks and other green spaces are likely to be busy and not the best for a little seclusion. So, if you can, why not camp out in the garden or on your balcony? Here’s how to go al fresco in style.

The hamper

This is a special occasion and, consequently, it deserves a bit more than a carrier or cooler bag. Why not treat your partner to this personalised willow picnic basket from The Colourful Garden Company? You can also add your initials, making it the perfect gift for many anniversaries to come. But if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of other affordable options available. For example, the Tyburn Luxury Personalised Picnic Hamper is a great option for couples who want to celebrate in style – a little less extragently.

The contents

Picnics don’t have to mean soggy sandwiches and stringy salads. In fact, you can avoid shop-bought coleslaw and scotch eggs and rustle up a feast that’s truly fit for the occasion. Jamie Oliver’s put together the components and recipes for a number of themed picnics. So whether it’s British, American, meat-free or family-friendly (for the picky eaters) – he’s got you covered. Just don’t forget to pack the fizz. 

Looking to avoid the kitchen this anniversary? Well, treat you and your partner to this Traditional Afternoon Tea for Two at Home from Piglet’s Pantry instead. The award-winning food producer has included everything you need for a delicious al fresco feast: cheese and chive quiches, Scotch eggs, mini sausage rolls, mini sausage rolls with cheese and pickle, fruit scones with clotted cream and strawberry conserve and a selection of four cakes. Fill up a flask and remember your tea pot; they’ve even included the Earl Grey.

Creative ways to spend your anniversary together

When you can’t take someone special out for dinner, the next best thing is restaurant-quality food at home. And beyond the normal rotation of takeaways, there are some special options available; ones befitting an anniversary. For example, why not open a bottle of red and enjoy a romantic dinner from Pasta Evangelists? You can even claim that you’ve cooked – for about 5 minutes anyway. 

While that’s being delivered, try an impromptu sketch session. Now, we’re not suggesting Titanic levels of “draw me like one of your French girls” – but it is a great way to bond and have a little fun. You’ll also create a couple of keepsakes from an anniversary that was completely unlike any other. Afterwards, how about a night in at the theatre? There are lots of great shows online and it’s something different from the standard evening scroll through Netflix. It also gives you an excuse to get your gladrags on. 

Surprising anniversary gifts and experiences

You or your partner might be feeling physically disconnected from loved ones at the minute. But thanks to technology, we really are living in some of the most connected times. Why not create a bespoke anniversary video message using Tribute. Easy to set up, it’s a great way for all of your partner’s family and friends to send their love. Plus, there’s no editing involved. Or instead of the usual flower delivery, how about a celebrity surprise through cameo? Whether it’s comedians, musicians, actors or drag queens, there’s an abundance of stars to choose from. Because you saying “happy anniversary” will always be special but from their favourite celebrity? You’ll be a star in their eyes forever. 

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