If you and your significant other are anything like my husband and me, chances are date nights are few and far between. Whether it’s the kids, the full-time job, the lack of funds - dates are often the first thing couples put on the back burner. Hiring a babysitter, coordinating schedules, and making a reservation can feel like another daunting task. So my husband and I have become big fans of Date Night In. You don’t have to leave your home, which means no childcare and more drinks! Sure, it’s not quite the same as having someone wait on you, and you may still have some dishes to do. But it’s affordable and much easier to sneak into the schedule. Here are 5 tips to help you crush your next Date Night In.

1) Put the Kids to Bed Early

Okay, this may sound easier than it is. But if you plan ahead, hopefully you can move up that bedtime by at least a few minutes. Have a simple dinner set aside (Easy Mac, anyone?) and tag team the bedtime routine with your partner. If getting those munchkins down early isn’t possible, put your best foot forward and make sure they're at least in bed on time.

2) Set the "Date Night In" Mood

Turn on your favorite playlist, and bust out some of the oldies that are meaningful to the two of you. Think wedding song, favorites from when you were dating, or your college anthem. Once you’ve got the tunes, light a candle or diffuse some essential oils. If you really want to get fancy, set the table. Put out your nice glassware and real plates. You can even use actual cloth napkins!

3) Plan a Fun Activity

Is there something you enjoy doing together, but doesn’t happen often? Married couples with kids, get your minds out of the gutter! Save the frisky time for the end, and embrace who you were before becoming "Mom" and "Dad." Do you love wine tasting? Setup a pairing with your meal. Are you gamers? Play your favorite board or video game together. Movie buffs? Check out what’s available OnDemand or on Netflix, and watch an entire, non-animated film. You can even start a new show, which helps to secure the next Date Night In!

4) Dress it Up a Bit

I’m a big fan of comfy clothes, especially in the evenings. You can usually find me in my pajamas before 7 p.m. But one thing I love about Date Night In is the opportunity to get a little done up. Even though you won’t be leaving your house, this is still the perfect chance to style your hair, put on those black skinny jeans, and don your red lipstick.

5) Put Your Phones Away

This is an important one, and it can be challenging with the constant dings and notifications that we’ve all become so accustomed to. But the act of disconnecting will have a tremendous effect on your mind and your ability to truly be present. Don’t just silence the phone - put it away in another room. Forget about the world of social media, checking emails, and responding to text messages. Talk to your partner and enjoy the uninterrupted one-on-one time.

Time to plan Date Night In!

There are many ways to make the date night in fun and memorable. It doesn’t have to be fancy, and you certainly don’t have to put forth a lot of effort each time. Some nights, it may just be snuggling up on the couch and watching a movie together. The important thing is to make time for one another. Set aside a couple nights each month (or more if you’re able to), and commit to being present with your partner.