As the nights draw in and the air cools, I hanker down by wrapping up in a fleecy throw, sipping hot chocolate and snuggling up with my lover. I love a cozy night in with Netflix and popcorn, but it’s also fun to chat and do things together.

So, turn off the box and check out my ultimate cozy date night guide for fall.

Pumpkin pie bake-off

Apron at the ready and wooden spoons primed. Nothing says fall like a sweet and juicy pumpkin pie. If Pumpkin pie isn’t your thing, pick another autumnal recipe (something straightforward works best) such as apple crumble, spiced cookies or cinnamon rolls.

When we tried this date night, I enjoyed working side-by-side with my man, as we couldn’t resist teasing one another.

We put on some good tunes and opened a bottle of red. As we stirred and kneaded, I couldn’t resist flicking a spoonful of cream at him (I did get to lick it off too as an added bonus)!

The date felt tactile, warm and flirty and we had fun finding out who could bake the tastiest treat. My favourite part was snuggling up afterwards and sharing our pies - mine was definitely the best, but I’m sure my guy would disagree.

Stories by candlelight

Simple but romantic, we had a cozy date night a couple of months ago that was surprisingly good. We turned off the bright lights, lit a few candles and got comfy amid a mass of cushions and furry blankets.

Instead of drifting into sleep or jumping each other for sex we did something a little different - we told stories.

We shared tales from our past, and we spoke of our time together - from the moment we first noticed one another to our hopes and dreams for the future. It made us pause for a moment (we’re often running around, busy with life), and appreciate each other.

Cocktail & mocktail mixing

I’m partial to a Mojito, and my guy never turns down an Old Fashioned, so a cocktail night proved to be a winner. But why step out into the cold and gloomy evening when you can grab a shaker and stirrer, and get mixing in the comfort of your own home?

Crafting a mocktail or cocktail together can be fun and intimate, and you can even try creating one of your own - a couples mix masterpiece.

As you’re celebrating Fall it’s fitting to pick something with an autumnal feel such as The Autumn Ricky (a take on the Bourbon Rickey) - a satisfying mix of bourbon, lime juice, soda and maple syrup. Or maybe try a delicious Spiced Rum Manhattan - spiced rum, red vermouth, orange bitters, and ice with an orange twist.

If you’re not a drinker opt for an alcohol free mocktail, such as cinnamon- orange spritz or apple-ginger cooler.

what to make and what to shake infographic

Game night

Get competitive, and get out a few board games for a night of romantic rivalry. Keep it fun and light - this isn’t about winning; it’s about spending quality time with your other half.

You can stick to the tried and tested faves such as Monopoly and Jenga, or you can go high-brow with a game of Chess.

There are plenty of games specifically suited to couples too. If you’re feeling sexy try out bedroom bingo. You get to retire to the comfort of your bedroom, along with a bingo card full of sensual tasks. You can cross them off as they’re done, and the first one to get a line wins a prize.

Truth or dare can be fun too, and can lead to some lively chats as you share secrets and giggle at the naughtiness of it all.

Pamper party

Create a fall twilight spa date at home for an evening of relaxation and pampering. Wrap yourselves up in fluffy bathrobes, light a few candles and set the tone with chilled tunes.

Take it in turns to massage one another, rubbing and stroking with scented massage oil to remove the stress of daily life.

This intimate date night feels ritualistic, and allows you to get hands on with your lover.

There are plenty of ways to please from foot rubs to head massages, face masks, to simply lying side by side, hand in hand, soaking up the zen-like vibes. I like to round things off with a shared, soapy shower - bliss.

skip this try this instead infographic

Creative crafts

If you’re artistic types, a date night based on crafting could be your thing. Choose a simple fall themed project that you can work on together. You could try your hand at making a fall inspired wreath, or an acorn photo frame (take a dollar store frame and decorate it with pretty painted acorns for an autumnal twist).

Alternatively, buy a ready-made kit such as a seasonal painting by numbers canvas or a pumpkin painting set. When I’m focused and relaxed, I fall into an easy companionship with my lover, which feels comforting and cozy.

Music and dance

Pressed up against each other, the music playing softly, you move to the beat. Dancing together improves communication, and you get to wrap your arms around one another.

You can simply snog and sway your way through a few love songs or go one further and challenge yourselves to learn a racy rhumba or torrid tango.

If you’re feeling brave you could even perform a sexy striptease for one another. Get your partner to sit down and rub yourselves against them suggestively while you unbutton your shirt, and tug down your skirt or pants.

Once you’re in your undies you can gyrate suggestively and even give them a lap dance to turn up the heat.

Get cozy and ready for fall

Fall is the season of slowing down. It’s the perfect time to reconnect with your lover as you get comfy and cozy.

Whether you choose to sip a lovingly crafted cocktail, share intimate stories or whip up a storm with your own bake-off, relish the moments you share.