This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
What if the feast of love gave us a pretext to celebrate the talent of local artisans? Here are ten not trivial suggestions to celebrate Valentine’s Day without (too much) falling into clichés. Lovers of pretty things made with love will be served!
1. A Nordic package
To celebrate the reopening of the spas, why not offer a package of pure relaxation in one of the four Strom Nordic Spas? A great opportunity to discover the boreal menu created by the chef Raphaël Podlasiewicz or the brand new signature treatment of the place, the wrap with wild rose and shea butter.
Various packages are offered in the spas of L’Île-des-Sœurs, Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Sherbrooke and Quebec.
2. Seasonal flowers
This year, we’re replacing the usual dozen roses with a floral subscription signed Prune les fleurs. The promise ? A succession of floral compositions inspired by seasonal arrivals. We love a little, a lot, passionately, madly!
Several options starting at $50 per month, including delivery in the Montreal, Laval and Quebec regions.
3. A classic bracelet
This refined jewel adorned with two freshwater pearls is immediately seductive. How can you resist the minimalist aesthetic of this pretty Montreal brand? A stylish and modern gift, expertly handcrafted by brother and sister Andrew and Laura Floyd.
Free Cuff Bracelet in Sterling Silver with Pearls, from Atelier LAF ($295)
4. A gourmet one-on-one
Now that restaurants have been given the green light to reopen their dining rooms, there is no shortage of good deals. Latecomers who weren’t quick enough to reserve one of the coveted tables at their favorite establishment can still fall back on delicious take-out meals. Perfect for enjoying one-on-one! Our suggestions: Sharkcootery’s Valentine’s Day Brunch Box — for an indulgent breakfast in bed — India Rosa’s Valentine’s Day Lunch Box — a feast of tandoori vegetables, butter chicken, malai kofta and lamb korma, among others — or even the discovery menu of a Quebec institution, the Saint-Amour: a six-course meal created by chef Jean-Luc Boulay to be enjoyed as a couple.
5. An urban stay
No need to go far to escape from everyday life as a couple. Opened last spring in the heart of downtown Montreal, the Humaniti boutique hotel offers a sophisticated setting for a relaxing getaway for two.
Hotel Humaniti Montreal Autograph Collection by Marriott, 340 de la Gauchetière West, Montreal
6. Funny espresso cups
A coffee for two is better! Fine porcelain, a touch of real gold: these mini cups with a fun, but no less ergonomic handle, are lovingly crafted by Montreal ceramist Camille Zurini. This is sure to please the ristretto or macchiato lover.
Charolais Espresso Cup Duo, by Lola Cera ($55)
7. A strand of blue flower earrings
Delicate, but no less original, these daisy-shaped stud earrings designed by fashion designer Noémie Vaillancourt, whose work has also been recognized by the Etsy platform, are set with colored zirconia. To offer flowers otherwise, we can not find cuter!
Dorothée Earrings, by Noémiah ($52)
8. A chocolate heart
This deliciously patterned chocolate treat artsy will make many hearts beat on February 14: Belgian dark chocolate filled with crispy hazelnut and raspberry praline… Unless you prefer milk chocolate filled with crispy speculoos praline. Yum !
Hazelnut and raspberry praline heart, from Juliette et Chocolat ($10.75)
9. Fragrant touches
A relaxing evening on the program? It’s time to pull out all the stops: scented candle, bubble bath, bath milk and massage oil. You can find it all in the special set launched just in time for Valentine’s Day by local small business Soja & Co. With fragrances like rose and champagne, eucalyptus and rose or mint and rosemary, it’s hard to be mistaken !
Valentine’s Box, from Soja & Co. ($69)
10. A minimalist vase
Very simple, but versatile, this bottle signed Victor Saliba can also be used perfectly as a soliflore. All that’s missing is the flower and you’ll be done!
Stoneware vase, from Poterie Victor ($60)