The best way to skip the crowds and reserve the best table in the house on February 14th is to spend Valentine’s Day at home. Here’s how to transform your humble (or not so humble) abode into a romantic paradise with the help of some of Reno’s most beloved businesses.


8 Steps To The Creating The Perfect Valentine’s Day At Home


1. Start with a clean palette

No matter how delicious the food or thoughtful the gift, a messy environment will distract from even the grandest of gestures. So, invest some time or money in cleaning your space to make it a fitting backdrop for the rest of the evening.


2. Find the right card

Whether your approach to affection is humorous, heartfelt, or somewhere in between, there’s a card out there to match your sentiments. To find the perfect one, check out the diverse and plentiful selection at Sundance Bookstore.


3. Purchase a thoughtful gift

To find a gift that’s just as unique as your relationship, check out the selection of design-focused products and artisan pieces at the Nevada Museum of Art’s Shop. It stocks unique items and books related to the Museum’s feature exhibitions and collections, as well as hand-made jewelry. The store also features a unique selection of cards, so you could even cross off two items from your list here!


4. Set the table

Next, set the scene for a romantic evening by lining up a lovely tablescape. For ideas and décor, visit the experts at GJ Rhodes Gift and Home in the Southcreek Shopping Center, The Freckled Frog at The Summit, or The Niche in the Costco shopping center on East Plumb Lane. For some vintage flair, go see Tessa Dee Miller and her team at The Nest on Dickerson Road, Aaryn Walker at Red Chair in Lakeside Crossing, or Jessica Schneider at Junkee’s antique side in Midtown.


5. Bouquet away

What’s Valentine’s Day without flowers? Pretty unimaginable! Don’t limit your blooms to roses. Instead, head over to some of Northern Nevada’s long-time florists to cultivate the right floral display. We suggest one of Moana Nursery or Sparks Florist’s locations.


6. Dish up the love

Now that the card, gift, flowers, and setting are covered, it’s on to the main event—the meal. To stock up on the necessary supplies and skills to cook a gourmet feast at home, head over to Nothing To It! Or, if the kitchen isn’t your forte, order in from one of your favorite restaurants.


7. Plan the perfect pairing

Get a libation to pair with your meal with the help of the connoisseurs at one of Northern Nevada’s boutique bottle shops. Visit any of Whispering Vine’s Reno locations, head to Craft Wine and Beer in Midtown, or check out Engine 8’s Urban Winery in Sparks.


8. A sweet finale

Valentine’s Day and chocolate go together like … well, Valentine’s Day and chocolate. Buy a box of Reno’s best at Dorinda’s Chocolates or Sugar Love Chocolates.


No matter how you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, there’s a locally owned business in Northern Nevada that wants to help you do it.


At Dickson Realty, we’re in love with Northern Nevada on Valentine’s Day and every other day of the year. If you want to learn more about the area and fall in love too, contact one of our community experts.