When people talk about being Gothic, we picture the heavy black makeup, the solid black clothes, the raggedy black hair, chains, snakes, thick jewelry, and pale white skin. When we think of gothic side of the Victorian times, we think of handsome men killing others to drink their blood, fancy lacy gowns, dark castles of grey stone and gargoyles. What we have lost in translation over the years is how romantic the Victorian Gothic era really was. This year for Valentine’s Day, give it a try. Incorporate the very romantic gothic theme and see how you connect with your partner.
Invite Your Partner
- Leave a special invitation for your partner asking them to join you for a night of romance as you embrace that primal, powerful side that we all possess. Be creative by writing on a lacy handkerchief, using lipstick on the mirror, or kissing a notecard and scrawling a note. Make it fun, alluring and even a little sexy!
- Drop no hints before the evening and keep your shopping or ideas hidden.
- Make it clear to your partner to arrive in character! Get in touch with that smooth, sensual vampiric side of yourselves!
Decide Your Color Scheme and Décor
- The classic colors associated with the Gothic times are red, black, white, gray, and purple…The deep colors that are full of feeling. They strike emotions inside of you when they are grouped together.
- A staple activity of Valentine’s Day is the ever romantic dinner for two. Decide whether or not you will decorate the bedroom and even the bath as well. However, the dinner adds something to the night. A time for flirting and dancing.
- Black tapers in a candelabra, red candles in jars, and even tealights add to the drama of the evening. Burn your tapers ahead of time for a drippy effect. Lights should be out except for your candles or maybe even some rope lights for effect. Skin appears flawless and glowing in the candlelight. Be sure, though, that you can see where you are going. No one wants to trip and fall in the darkness.
- A fog machine can lend a spooky feel to your night with a vampire. It doesn’t take much, mind you, so if you have a machine just turn it on for a few minutes to ensure you don’t smoke your partner out!
- Feathers have that soft and timeless romance associated with them. Use red or black boas as décor or groups of feathers in floral arrangements with black or burgundy roses.
- Items like solid tablecloths and bold patterned plates can be accented by metallic accessories such as keys.
- Set the table formally. When was the last time you both had a fancy dinner out together?
- Play music in the background. Classical pieces that prompt dancing are the best for the mood. Perhaps make a CD or a playlist of songs that relate to your relationship. Nostalgia is a powerful tool.
The Menu
- The most romantic dinner to share with a partner is fondue. There are different kinds of fondue you can enjoy together, but the most common is cheese for dipping and breads, fruit, and meat to eat. For dessert, melted chocolate frosting makes a wonderful dip for fruit, angel food cake, and marshmallows.
- Spontaneously feed your partner from your own fork. That can be a most romantic way to spend the evening together.
- Choose a red drink, whether it is fruit juice or wine, to be the blood. It just sets the mood!
- Prepare your meal ahead of time so you don’t have to spend all of your time in the kitchen. You can just grab and go.
- Red Velvet cake is delicious and fits the theme very well. Perhaps tiny cupcakes to graze on later if you are doing fondue!
The Dress Code
- Have fun with this! You can do a full vampire costume or something as simple as a corset and skirt. Men can wear a dress shirt and tie. Whatever you choose, feel beautiful in it! Let go of your inhibitions and surrender to your vampire.
- Be functional, you will still need to move around and if you decide to go to a movie, you don’t want mothers to have to shield their children’s eyes from you.
- Leave something to the imagination. There is usually more to come on the most romantic day of the year. Make your partner wonder a little…
- Vampires are sensual, romantic, and possess powers to attract any being they choose. Play the part and cast your spell.
The Agenda
- Decide ahead of time what you want to do. Stay at home and watch Dracula movies? Go out and see a romance? What about the soon to be released, “Warm Bodies”?
- Perhaps a warm dip in a bubble bath is more your thing. Don’t spend that time rehashing your day. Spend it reminiscing about some awesome times you have shared. Big bubbles, music, and flickering candles will enhance the mood.
- Before the night is over, be certain your partner doesn’t get away without a nibble on the neck!
There are so many possibilities in bringing a little Halloween into your home throughout the year! Step out of your normal routine and create a very special atmosphere with minimal effort.
