Love beyond coffee dates: Couples get creative this Valentine’s day | Mumbai News – The Times of India
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Ditch the clichés this Valentine’s Week and create lasting memories with your partner. Instead of the usual coffee shop or movie date, you can explore something creative together. Many Mumbaikars are opting for engaging workshops where they can bond, express their love and craft something special together. Here are some ideas that promise romance, fun and creativity.
‘Resin art helps create a timeless keepsake, a symbol of love’
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A popular option among couples this season is resin art workshops where they can preserve their favourite photo or thumb prints in the form of keychains, wooden coasters, photo table décor and much more.
Nehal Thakkar, who will be conducting several resin art workshops in Vile Parle, says, “Couples can cherish their memories through these hands-on art experiences while creating something unique together. Creating resin art not only gives them much needed time together, but also shows their teamwork.”
‘Shake a leg to impress’
Brush up your dance moves together this Valentine’s Day. You can learn Pachanga, Mambo, Salsa and Afro-Cuban forms of dance. Elvis Mascarenhas and Namrata Wittke, who conduct workshops for couples in Santacruz, say many of them opt for Salsa. Namrata says, “These international dance forms are perfect for couples, being sensuous, romantic and fun.”
For couples who prefer dancing to Bollywood beats there are workshops focussing on this too.
‘Put together a memorable meal with your partner’
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As the saying goes, the way to your partner’s heart is through their stomach, so cooking your favourite meal together makes for the perfect date idea. Sajida Khan, founder of a culinary studio in Powai that is conducting workshops throughout February says, “Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a newbie, we guide you through crafting a memorable meal while deepening the connection with your partner. Options include making desserts like brownies, Turkish desserts and even snacks like burgers or whatever your partner loves.”
There are options for those looking to experiment with Italian, Japanese and Mexican cuisines along with cookie and chocolate making. Manpreet Dhody, who conducts these workshops in Khar, says, “Along with preparing something exotic, it’s also about the process — the laughter, the little mistakes, the shared moments, and, of course, the joy of taking home something you made yourself.”
‘Create a bouquet that resonates with your relationship’
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For those who choose to express their love through flowers, how about creating your own bouquet to gift your partner? Saima Khan, who is conducting floral arrangement workshops in Bandra, says, “Roses are often the go-to flower for Valentine’s Day, but there are so many other beautiful blooms that express different aspects of love. Lilies symbolise purity and commitment, while tulips represent perfect love and elegance. Red roses are classic symbols of passionate love, while pink ones are perfect for friendship or admiration. Orange flowers represent attraction and desire, and white flowers are associated with new beginnings or purity. You can even get creative by mixing different flowers and colours to create a bouquet that resonates with your relationship.”
The idea behind resin art workshops is to give couples a fun and intimate experience, while creating a timeless keepsake
– Mansi Rathi, who conducts resin art workshops in Khar