5 Easy Date Night Ideas You Can Do During a Power Outage

A power outage is never something we look forward to. It could mean cold nights in winter or steamy days in summer, and it could also cause perishable food to go bad.

While this event is not fun, it often comes with a warning from your local utility company and news outlets, giving you time to prepare. Power outage preparation is always a good practice. For instance, you should have some essential items on hand in the unfortunate event of an outage, including the following:

• Flashlights and batteries
• Candles and matches
• Coolers and ice packs
• Extra blankets in colder climates
• Fully charged phones and laptops
• Shelf-stable foods and plenty of bottled water
• An outdoor grill or camp stove
• Prescription medications
• First aid kit
• A full tank of gas and propane for a generator
• A safe haven to go to, if necessary

Once you have your emergency essentials in place, here are 5 things you can do to make a fun date night or several during a power outage.

1. Candlelight Spa Night

Candles set the scene for a romantic evening, and scented candles are even better. Set up your bedroom for Partner massages. Then, fill your tub with very warm water before the water in the heater gets cold. Be sure to add bubbles or essential oils to the bath. Fill the bathroom with candles and enjoy a soothing and romantic soak.

2. Gourmet Picnic in the Living Room

Your fridge is likely full of food at risk of spoiling. Remove your fanciest cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, and vegetable sticks, such as carrots and celery. Raid the pantry for crackers, chips, and dips, such as salsa.

Lay a cozy blanket on the floor. Prepare stunning platters or boards and baskets of the food you have salvaged. Open a bottle of bubbly. Light a fire or some candles and enjoy your gourmet picnic and conversation.

3. Stargazing

If the storm has passed and the utility company has yet to restore power in your area, take advantage of the clear night sky and gaze at the constellations above. Wrap yourselves in blankets while sitting on lawn chairs in your yard or apartment building rooftop.

4. Play Fun Games

For laughs and friendly competition, dust off the shelved board games and have fun. Adult board games include Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Backgammon, and more. Or, get more intimate with Twister.

5. Watch a Rom-Com

As long as your laptop is charged, you can watch a movie together, provided the internet is available. Alternatively, be prepared with a movie you downloaded ahead of time. You can watch a movie outside with your feet up on a warm fire pit and some s’mores. The battery will run low, but you can quickly recharge using your car and a USB port.

A power outage is a true annoyance, but with a little prep and creativity, it doesn’t have to be overly stressful. Use this time to enjoy the company of your loved one without being plugged in. And keep reminding yourselves that your utility company is working hard to restore service with its crews and the help of a specialty company with an experienced workforce standing by.