Sarah's Winter Dating Guide
It's easy to feel uninspired when it comes to dating during the winter months. The world is cold and dark, the streets are wet with rain and anything that involves being outdoors for more than five minutes is a direct route to shivery misery. Or is it? Read on for some ideas to get you through the chilly season.
What to wear
Basically, layers. We don't mean 2 woolly jumpers and a puffa jacket (the Michelin Man look is not a good one), but a selection of less bulky, more flattering garments that can be removed or added as necessary. You don't want to go from the cold outdoors into a warm restaurant and feel the need to strip down to your underwear because you left the house just wearing a thermal vest and a fur coat.
Wear some colour. It's tempting to hide in blues and blacks and browns but if you want to stand out in the winter murk then colour is key. If you don't feel you can cope with a big block of colour then go for some subtle touches; a belt, a bag, some jewellery.
Winter clothes are brilliant. You might feel at your loveliest floating around in a cotton shirt and sandals showing off your tan, but there's a lot to be said for muffling up. A stylish coat and scarf combo is simple to assemble, a winter boot for the ladies or cool brogue for the guys is easy to come by and, frankly, who can resist someone in a nice pair of mittens?
Be prepared. If it's inclement out there, take a brolly. Even if you're date is indoors you'll have to arrive via the outside world and if the rain flattens your beehive/quiff and you arrive all bedraggled and sodden you'll feel uncomfortable throughout your date.
What to do
Go to a cosy pub. If it's a really good one they'll have an open fire, which is a double whammy of atmosphere and warmth. Good pubs equal good food too.
Cinema or theatre. It's indoors and therefore nice and warm. The downside is you won't be able to talk to each other much, unless you find that incurring the wrath of other members of the public is a hobby you have in common.
If it's snowy, then utilise the great outdoors. Whether you're a town or country dweller there will always be a handy slope for sledging nearby. Lots of fun and a good reason to retire to the aforementioned cosy pub afterwards.
Outdoor ice skating. It's novel, it's entertaining and, if you're feeling the spark, it will provide ample opportunity for the holding of hands/arms/feet/whichever bit you can grab to avoid falling over. There are loads of outdoor rinks around, some of them open till March. For information click here.
For something truly special, try a trip to an observatory. Winter is the best time to star gaze as there's less humidity than in the summer, leaving the stars more visible. Though London is the most obvious location there are others round the country including Edinburgh, Dorset, Cornwall and the New Forest. It will mean that little extra bit of effort but you'll look pretty cool and it will make for a memorable date.
Eating and drinking
If you're a bit of a foody, you'll enjoy winter eating. No fiddling around with a bit of limp salad and a splash of vinaigrette, this is the season of proper food. A good pub can serve up all sorts of hearty fare, think pies, stews, soups and mash.
As the key theme to winter dating is warmth, you might want something a bit spicy. Every town in the country will have a good, if not excellent, Indian restaurant and you'll be in travelling distance of Thai or Caribbean or Mexican or Chinese food wherever you are. And always remember, winter or summer, if you're on a date, spaghetti is not your friend.
Winter brings an abundance of delicious tipples and tastes. Hot chocolate and cocoa are perfect when you've stepped in from the cold and there's a large selection of cockle warming cocktails too. We recommend a Winter Wonderland, a Hot Toddy or an Irish Coffee. Failing that, a good old Baileys or mulled wine will do the job too.
So wrap up warm, get out there and enjoy yourself. For further dating tips and advice, click here.