In the mood for love… Sassy’s Perfect Valentine’s Day, part 2!

V-Day is drawing ever closer… but don’t worry, we’re here to provide you with our Valentine’s wish-lists, best-laid plans and a last-minute dose of inspiration Sassy-style!

So without further ado (apart from a note to tell you to check out Part 1 if you haven’t already!), here’s the second part of Sassy’s Perfect Valentine’s.

Call me cynical but I am one of those people who believe that Valentine’s Day is a sham, whipped up by the greetings card and restaurant business to encourage us to spend money… That said, and cynicism put to one side, I’m an old romantic at heart and having one day a year that makes us stop and really appreciate the ones we love does have a certain charm to it. So in all honesty, Valentine’s Scrooge vented and quietened, this is my ideal Valentine’s!

What I’m getting him
Valentine’s gifts are all about small but meaningful items that enhance you as a couple and stay clear of all the tat that finds its way onto shelves. Functionality will reign this year and my gift of choice is a set of wireless headphones. He loves all things electrical but this also means he can play Playstation to his heart’s content, whilst I peacefully curl up and read a book without the sound of rally car racing. The secret to many years of future happiness!

What I want him to get me
Following Christmas overload, my demands are quite reasonable, as I would prefer a super tasty dinner out than an unnecessary gift. However, I am hankering after a new pair of slippers to replace my decaying set from last Christmas (these ones from Muji will do nicely) and some Jo Malone scent diffusers to envelop my home in a blanket of delicious whiffs!

What we’re going to eat
I have long been a critic of PDAs (public displays of affection). The thought of dining out, surrounded by other lovesick couples, competing for who can be the most mushy is almost enough to make me faint. Our system is simple. On Valentine’s night itself stay in, cook a delicious meal and then curl up on the sofa with a glass or two of wine in front of a good movie – this year I’m thinking of cooking a wintery feast of Beef Wellington.

Then, in the weeks surrounding Valentine’s, we will appreciate its importance in ensuring that in this fast paced, sociable city, we make some alone time. Ideally we’ll get a table somewhere fancy, ideally 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana if I’m lucky and really get to indulge. Plus this would be the perfect end to my January detox!

Fave Valentine’s film
My current movie of choice is anything with Ryan Gosling! [Thank me for the picture later, Jaime!]

I can’t pretend we’re the most romantic couple in the world; since we had our daughter, romance can be something as simple as curling up watching a movie together on the sofa, or heading out for an early dinner on a Saturday night somewhere nice (we’re usually home and in bed by 10pm!).

What I’m getting him
My husband doesn’t really like shopping for himself, so I usually pick him up an item of clothing – a nice tie from Dunhill or Ferragamo. This year, I might head to Jac5 in Sheung Wan to get him some nice undies; ignore the gimmicky “barking mad” styles and they have some really lovely boxers.

What I want him to get me
I’ve got my eye on a necklace from Evelyn Artwear in Noho on Aberdeen Street – they have the best statement pieces that are also reasonably priced… I’ll be dropping hints!

What we’re going to do
Lie-ins are the ultimate treat if you have a lively toddler, so I’d love a night away either at a Hong Kong hotel or in Macau; we stayed at The Ritz-Carlton last year for our anniversary and it was the ultimate treat. To be honest, I’d very happily give up on the gift exchanging in order to splurge on a stay-cation instead! The Upper House is definitely on my list to try… or you could never go wrong with the Mandarin Oriental, could you?

What we’re going to eat
Room service!

Fave Valentine’s film
Eek, am I going to sound pretentious if I say something arty now?! It would have to be In the Mood for Love… Most gorgeous film ever.

What I’m getting him
To be honest, I actually have no idea. I made him a Valentine’s Day piñata once… That was a creative high!

[Emma’s Valentine’s piñata… probably looked absolutely nothing like this!]

I’ll try to think of something quirky and fun.

What I want him to get me
A new orchid would be cool. I’ve been meaning to replace the dead one I have sitting in our apartment for a while – it’s not a good look. [For fab fresh flowers at the best prices, try checking out Flower Market in Prince Edward – just follow the signs from the MTR station.]

What we’re going to eat
A glass of vino at Amo Eno in IFC would make for a nice first stop before dinner, which will be at Tuk Tuk Thai (cheap, cheerful and deliciously amazing Tom Kha Gai).

Fave Valentine’s film
Love Actually. Makes me cry… every single time!