21 Anniversary Ideas at Home for an Unforgettable Night

Whether it is your first wedding anniversary or your 50th, your relationship is worth celebrating. Commemorating your anniversary at home can be just as decadent and memorable as going out for a night on the town. 

Here are some delicious recipes and quirky ideas for an unforgettable anniversary at home.

Making your anniversary special

It’s possible to create a magical night at home for your loved one! Start with the following tips:

• Set the scene with some mood lighting with candles and fairy lights. 
• Create a playlist of your favorite songs to drift into the background.
• Wear something that makes you feel good!
• Plan a menu you can whip up while enjoying each other’s company in the kitchen.
• Splurge on fresh, fancy ingredients.

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Anniversary appetizer ideas for a night in

Whether you’re seated together at the breakfast nook or lounging on a blanket in front of the fireplace, nothing says “I love you” like sharing a meal.

1. Sushi

Sushi is an ideal starter for sharing. Take the pressure off by ordering a selection of deli-prepared sushi. Or, if you and your spouse are both hands-on foodies, make an evening of it and make your own sushi from scratch.

2. Mezze-style

Another superb, shared starter, mezze-style foods are very sociable. Put together a mezze platter of olives, deli meats, cheeses, artichokes, grapes, and hummus for the two of you to share. Add freshly baked bread and you are all set.

3. Cheese-tortellini soup

A dish of convenience, cheese-tortellini soup is easy to prep and absolutely divine. When you’re ready to serve, just heat it up!

4. Chili poppers

Chili poppers are the perfect way to kick your night off with a little spice.

5. Three cheese soufflé

For a fine-dining feel, make individual soufflés. Add some extra glamor to your soufflé with 3 different kinds of cheese—Roquefort, Gruyere, and Parmesan.

6. Picnic-style supper

For a lazy, relaxed evening together, spread out blankets and pillows on the floor to enjoy an at-home picnic together. If the weather allows, you can even picnic in your backyard.

7. Oysters

Decadent and bougie, oysters are the ultimate date-night appetizer. Ask your fishmonger to shuck them for you so you don’t have to worry about wrestling with an oyster knife on your date night.

Anniversary main course ideas

To make your evening at home memorable, opt for a relaxed, decadent atmosphere. Set a table (or picnic blanket) with linen, napkins, polished glassware, flowers, and candles.

1. Rack of lamb

Preparing a roast rack of lamb adds a feeling of feasting and celebration. This recipe pairs roast lamb with creamy yogurt and fresh tomato dressing. Best served with your favorite red.

2. Pretzel-crusted pork cutlets

Kick your pork chop game up a notch with a crunchy and flavorful pretzels crumb breading.

3. Next-level steak and chips

If you are both meat lovers, splurge on a prime cut of steak and prepare 2 or 3 different sauces. Be careful with this one, you may get proposed to on the spot.

4. Lemon-ginger fish

Prepare your catch of the day with the simple, yet elegant, flavor combination of ginger and lemon.

5. Beef and vegetable stew

Slow cooker stew is a hearty meal that gives you more time to configure your set up. With little preparation and several hours of hands-off cooking, you’ll have plenty of time to spend with your partner.

Dessert ideas for your at-home anniversary

These anniversary dessert ideas will be just as sweet as the couple enjoying them.

1. S’mores

If you and your spouse love the outdoors, pitch your tent in your backyard and spend your anniversary under the stars. Stock up on Graham crackers and marshmallows and make your own S’mores for pudding! If you’re feeling extra bougie, commemorate the evening with fancy marshmallows and dark chocolate.

2. Chocolate fondue

Fondue is the quintessential rom-com dessert. Choose a cheese fondue as your main course and chocolate fondue for dessert. Dip strawberries, pineapple chunks, marshmallows, squares of pound cake, and your partner’s favorite treats!

3. Ice cream

Whether you buy your favorite flavors from the store or make it yourself, ice cream is the perfect dessert to enjoy curled up on the couch together.

4. Chocolate-coconut pudding

For fine-dining vibes, make these single-serving chocolate puddings. Prep these beforehand to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved one.

5. Molten-chocolate cakes

Little rivals the glee of digging your spoon into a chocolate cake and watching the chocolate center pour out. Pair with custard or vanilla ice cream for an anniversary pudding so good it just might become a tradition.

Anniversary beverage ideas

Elevate your anniversary at home with these beverage ideas.

1. Champagne

Just because you’re staying home doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with some bubbly! Break out the French champagne, or sip on prosecco to add a refreshing flair to your evening.

2. Anniversary cocktails

Perhaps you have a nostalgic cocktail from your first date or want to show off your mixologist mastery, either way, cocktails are a delicious addition to any celebration.

3. Wine

Pairing your meal with a nice bottle of wine will add a classic feel to your evening. For example, selecting a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon to pair with that rack of lamb or a mellow chardonnay with your lemon-ginger fish pleasantly enhances the flavor profile of each dish.

4. Coffee

End the evening Parisian-style with a shot of espresso and, if you’re feeling extra fancy, serve with chocolate covered biscotti.

Happy anniversary from Instacart

Your anniversary doesn’t have to be a source of stress. Thanks to Instacart, you can order all of your anniversary necessities online and have them delivered directly to your home, hotel room, vacation rental, or Airbnb. Just add everything you need to your cart and choose same-day delivery or pick up at check out. Less time shopping means more time making memories.

Instacart

Author

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