Romantic Bargain Valentines

crazy_guy

In true money saving style me and the gf have decided not to go to a restaurant for a meal but infact save our money and have something cooked at home. The job of cooking and preparing is up to me though :think:

I was thinking to get one of those meals you throw in the oven from m&s or tesco finest. Any recommendations for fine foods that are reasonably priced but easy to cook that is perfect for valentines?

Secondly, i want the room looking nice for her return from work, we share the kitchen/dining room with other flatmates so i'm thinking we can eat in the bedroom but i'm going to borrow a table from somewhere, table cloth, candles, balloons... any other suggestions?

Live in central Manchester so if there's any bargains out there that you know of then please post!

:smileyhea

gixxerchick_2

Get to your local market, they should have a card stall so get the balloons from there, plain pink/red ones, the prices will be higher for printed valentines balloons.
Is there a pound shop anywhere you? You can get candles from there, maybe even a tablecloth but i'm not sure though.
Would your flatmates not give you a couple of hours on your own?

Scooby_Saver_2

Dont at tesco they have £1-00 off tecsco finest range/ready meals - There meals are yum even microwaved and as good as any resturant and as long you removing the offending packaging it could lead to an evening of heavy romance ;-)

JenniO

Just a suggestion, but I'm a girl and I think it is almost more romantic to do a 'carpet picnic' instead of a borrowing a table. You can still do the candles, nice music and all that for 'mood'. But just lay a nice blanket on the floor and have the chilled wine or whatever, the glasses set out, little plates etc. I think that is very romantic and more laid back than a formal table with a tablecloth.

Not sure about M&S and tesco finest, but a very romantic meal is the standard 'various' cheeses, biscuits and/or a baguette, some grapes, little chocolates. Maybe even some crudites like cut up carrots, celery, red pepper with sour cream and chives dip. Finger food is very romantic and you can even feed each other a bit if you know what I mean. Hope this helps. :kisses2:

crazy_guy

Hi thanks for all the suggestions! Would kick the flatmates out for the evening but they're all planning things with their bf's/gf's coming round here before hand and then going out or what have you.

Like the idea about the picnic thing aswell! Think i'm going to go rooting in the pound shops for the candles balloons etc. More suggestions the better!

spankymonkey_2

poundland have loads of valentines day stuff, candles,underwear,cards the lot! :smileyhea

smartie1976

Our tescos had some gorgeous 'chestnut' candles for about 15p reduced. They smell like cinammon and are gorgeous. and little glass holders for them are about 24p.
Bargain..

I am cooking for my other half. I don't normally so it looks like i'm making some effort. I went onto BBC food website, put in some food suggestions and it gives you tonnes of recipes.

crazy_guy

...madly jotting all these bits down

julybride

As another girl i vote picnic!!!! and nibbles, if you can splash out a little smoked salmon (Tesco do off cuts that could be minxed with cream cheese and made into little bite sized sandwiches) chocolate moose (sp?) olives,

If you have an aldi near you you may be able to pick up a reasonably priced set of canape's. Alternatively if you want to cook but still want to do a picnic how about fajita's simple and can be eaten with fingers.

Hope you have a lovely evening

Scooby_Saver_2

I think the carpet picnic seems the best idea and pherhps a tub hagendaz / ben jerrys at the end - or make your own "just desserts" ;-)

smartie1976

oh, also Tesco are selling Cart d'or ice cream at half price £1.27 tub.
get some and share it....