I don’t know about you, but I find myself stuck inside a lot—especially at night. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a partier—definitely more of a homebody—but I do miss date nights out. You might be wondering why I’m under house arrest, and the answer is simple: I have a three-year-old. While I could get a babysitter, she’s really not ready for that unless it’s a night with Nana and Grampy. So for the moment, my husband and I are staying in more. It’s fine. It’s a phase. But that doesn’t mean we don’t get to have fun!
There are lots of reasons you might want to stay in. Like me, you may have kids and want to avoid the cost and headache of finding childcare. Or it could be as simple as needing to tighten your belt with the cost of living fluctuating as it is. It may even be that you’re just more comfortable in your own space—and that’s okay too! Whatever your reason, I’m here to help make your time at home a blast. (Spoiler alert: I’m sharing some of my favorite culinary ideas—with links!)
Chess and a grazing board
I’ve only started playing chess in the last few years at the request of my husband. He played with his father growing up and is, admittedly, much better at thinking a few moves ahead. Still, I’ve managed to beat him a handful of times—and I’m pretty proud of that!
Chess takes concentration, but it still leaves space for conversation. When I’m having a tough week, playing together at our kitchen table helps us reconnect. We like to pair our games with “girl dinner”—though I’m not sure why we call it that, since my husband (a boy) definitely eats his half.
There’s no right or wrong way to make a charcuterie board, but we have our go-to items. Most of them come from Trader Joe’s, and they’re all low-stress, high-flavor options I’m happy to share.
Gillian’s grazing board go-to’s:
Grapes–I personally love the champagne or cotton candy varieties. They are just…perfection.
Clementines–Those little oranges are zesty and satisfying.
Quick pickled veggies–While this does take a bit of planning, quick pickled vegetables are well worth the short time investment. The Cook’s Cook has a helpful recipe from Ben Hasty that you can use, but feel free to get creative with the brine. I personally prefer mine a little spicy. Quick pickles are even better during farmer’s market season as you get the freshest tastes into the jar and ultimately, on your plate.
Horseradish cheddar cheese–This isn’t always available, but if you haven’t tried horseradish cheddar, you are missing out. Go get it immediately.
Sesame crusted ahi tuna–But really, this screams delicious and with the horseradish cheese you’ll swear someone knows what your belly dreams about.
Fig and olive crisps–Why are these crackers so addicting? I honestly can’t tell you. I can tell you that I can eat a whole box if someone doesn’t demand to share.
Shrimp cocktail–A ring of shrimp cocktail is a stellar addition to the board and will never go untouched. I don’t tend to use cocktail sauce, but if it’s your thing, you do you!
Garlic or butter crackers–This is a general pick, but there are lots of flavors proposed in this board, so I like to get a pack of crackers that can act as a bit of a tabula rasa. These can be any brand you want because they’re going to be a vehicle for whatever you put on top of them.
Ginger beer in the glass bottle (not the can)–Like the horseradish cheese, this isn’t always available, but when it is, scoop it up. It’s sensational. You can use it as part of a Dark and Stormy or on its own.
Sauvignon blanc–I suppose this is where I expose myself as a bit of a wine fan, but if I am not going non-alcoholic or doing a mixed drink, I tend to choose a Malborough-based sauvignon blanc to go with my charcuterie treats. Some of my current moderately-priced likes are Little Sheep and Whitehaven. Those aren’t specific to Trader Joe’s. You can grab a bottle most anywhere, including at Market Basket.
This may sound like an expensive spread, but imagine what this would cost if you went out! And remember—you’re not doing this every night and not every item has to be included in every board. It’s okay to spoil yourself now and then.
Open-air movies and cider tasting
Two of our close friends are getting married this fall, and to celebrate (besides the wedding itself), we’re planning an outdoor movie night with a cider tasting. The bride loves cider, so we’re gathering a dozen or so varieties (you can buy singles at smaller beverage shops) and serving little sips in disposable cups for an intimate group of friends.
We bought an economical projector (around $50) that we can reuse for years. At their request, we’ll be screening a kung fu double feature, but you can choose whatever suits your group.
A night under the stars, a good film, and cider with friends—what’s better? Plus, no one talking over the movie like at the theater.
Are you a cider fan? Here are some brands you may want to check out.
North Country Hard Cider–I’ve enjoyed their Fire Starter variety, but there are tons to choose from, even non-alcoholic types!
Downeast Cider–I’m always impressed with this brand, whether I’m sampling it in Boston or in my house. You can find it all over.
Cider Hill Cellars–If you’re from New Hampshire or the North Shore of Massachusetts, you may count Cider Hill as a yearly tradition. I know my family picks apples, peaches, and berries there! However, they also make some fabulous hard cider.
Rotating cooking classes
Do you have a signature dish that blows minds? Most people do. If you want to spend more time inside, one group date idea that’s sure to be a big hit is a monthly cooking class.
Pick a friend’s house and either let them supply ingredients for the group or tell them what they need to bring ahead of time. One friend will be the lead chef while the others will get to learn something and then you’ll all end the evening by sharing a meal!
Make your own
Again, this can be just for two or for a few! Pick foods like mini pizzas, tacos, or other things that you can prep toppings or fillings for in advance to make this easier. To elevate it, consider making your own dough or other vessels to fill. Making something by hand is engaging–plus, it’s always interesting to see what combinations each person makes.
Bonus! You can swap if someone comes up with a good one you didn’t make!
Book club and literary eats
Many years ago my husband and I spent a memorable evening at a party themed around Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist. You don’t have to use this one, but books (not just cookbooks) can be exciting sources of inspiration for little parties. Period pieces, fiction or non often mention foods you may or may not be familiar with. Why not try to cook them and share them with friends?
You could even dress up if that’s of interest. Plenty of people enjoy dinner theater–you can make your own happen!
Curry swap
I think I’ve been watching too much Bluey, but the idea of a culinary swap is just plain awesome. Cookie, chili, curry–your choice! However, instead of sending home the samples, have everyone come over and have little bowls together.
Feeling competitive? Offer a modest prize for the winner by popular vote or circulate a silly bragging rights trophy. Everyone likes to eat and everyone likes to win. Even if someone doesn’t win, they get to eat some delightful food with friends.
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Dates and little get-togethers, whether inside or out, are essential for keeping bonds strong. I hope these ideas help you strengthen yours.
Happy culinary dating, all!