Valentine's Day: What's Your Favorite Way to Celebrate?

Valentine's Day falls on a Tuesday this year -- guys, take note! -- and some people have been orchestrating for the perfect romantic night far in advance.

Not everyone has an elaborate Ultimate Proposal in the works, of course, but there are still plenty of planners out there. According to a survey of 3,000 people by OpenTable.com, 53 percent of respondents make their reservations at least a week in advance, and some a saving spots and more than one romantic restaurant.

Related: Single? 5 ways to actually enjoy Valentine's Day

"About half of diners surveyed anticipate booking a romantic evening on the 14th, while another 26 percent are choosing to celebrate on Saturday night, February 11," Caroline Potter, Chief Dining Officer for OpenTable.com, said in a statement. "Regardless of which night diners plan to celebrate, Valentine's Day promises to be a bustling day for romantic hot spots."

Seventy-five percent of those surveyed say wine or champagne makes them feel more romantic, while just 13 percent say that chocolates put them in a Valentine's state of mind. Of course, a celebrity crush would make the night perfect: men were split between wishing they were dining with Angelina Jolie (29 percent) or Zooey Deschanel (22 percent), while women swooned over George Clooney (44 percent) or Ryan Gosling (24 percent).

Even people without celebrity dates said that they're planning on dropping a bunch of money on dinner. More than half of those surveyed said that they counted on spending $100 to $200, and 10 percent said they'd spend even more than that.

We'd like to keep things a little more affordable. So, Shine readers, what's your favorite, affordable Valentine's Day gift or not-necessarily-expensive way to celebrate?




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