Team Escentual’s Valentine’s Day Picks

A Valentine's Day Guide

St Valentine’s Day is upon us everyone (shame on you if you’d forgotten) so I decided I’d be a bit nosey and see what my colleagues had planned.

(Warning: Some answers may induce romance nausea and vomiting)

 

James

James
(Warehouse extraordinaire and Admin genius)

 

What would you like to be bought for Valentine’s Day?

Usually I am quite mercenary with any kind of gifts and go for money, however as the six nations is upon us, my jersey is in need of replacing and I would love a new England jersey (a gift that will undoubtedly go down well with our welsh staff members).

What have you bought for your partner?

My girlfriend is almost impossible to buy for. Not only do her tastes run to very expensive but she hates any kind of surprise gifts! This usually means that in order to avoid a repeat of the train wreck that was the first surprise present I bought her; I run any and all gifts past her before purchasing them. With all this in mind I will avoid a surprise gift and surprise her with a trip to her favourite restaurant where I, of course, will pay.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

Other than the meal stated above not a great deal really, although keeping the meal a surprise will take all of my considerable talents at subterfuge.

Who would be your perfect date on Valentine’s Day and where would you take them?

A date with Olivia Wilde would make Valentine’s Day far more than just a slightly forced romantic semi holiday. In so far as the actual date itself my tastes run to fairly simple things, good food followed by relaxing drinks or coffee in a nice environment. And as I am wishing here I would have to make the date occur in Rome, by far the best place I have visited on my travels. Perhaps dinner and drinks in one of the several restaurants around the Pantheon.

 

Rich C

Rich C
(Web developer and professional romance coach)

 

What would you like to be bought for Valentine’s Day?

Knowing full well that nobody will believe me, I’m going to say that I’ll appreciate the gesture more than/as much as any gift itself. My birthday’s only a couple of months away anyway, so I’m happy with a thoughtful card!

What have you bought for your partner?

I’ve bought her a cuddly bear and have arranged for some roses to be delivered to her at work and a thoughtful card.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

Our three year anniversary is actually on the 16th (a Saturday), so we’re taking the chance to go back to Bristol, where we first met. We’re going to have a coffee in the very same coffee shop, find the same pub we had lunch in and quite probably see Les Mis (because why not).

Who would be your perfect date on Valentine’s Day and where would you take them?

If I weren’t already a very lucky man, I’d agree with at least 87% of the male population and say Natalie Portman. Unarguably gorgeous, but packing a degree from Harvard with it, you’d be hard pressed to find a more memorable and interesting date. I think a day in central London, including a bout of childish fun at the Trocadero, a West End show and a meal at Ottolenghi to round things off. Then I’d ask for her autograph.

 

Emma

Emma
(Beauty editor and Kevin McCloud enthusiast)

 

What would you like to be bought for Valentine’s Day?

I would love something small and thoughtful, like a lipstick I had wanted for ages, or my favourite food for dinner. Although, if you’re a fan of a grand gesture, I wouldn’t say no!

What have you bought for your partner?

I’m afraid I don’t have much of an answer for this one (I’m single!), but if I were buying for a guy this Valentine’s Day, it would have to be something interesting like Etat Libre d’Orange Antiheros. Lavender smells amazing on male skin.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

I have no plans for Valentine’s Day this year (sob). Instead I’ll probably round up a friend, get a takeaway, and watch some films.

Who would be your perfect date on Valentine’s Day and where would you take them?

My perfect date would have to be Kevin McCloud. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there’s something magnetic about him (or his narration style on Grand Designs, I’m never sure which). Failing that, Joseph Gordon-Levitt will have to do! I’d take him somewhere that serves incredible dim sum and cocktails, and then we’d go to a gig.

 

Rich J

Rich J
(Warehouse comedian and admin supreme)

 

What would you like to be bought for Valentine’s Day?

This Valentine’s Day I would love a few comics to complete my collections, however I will probably be getting Davidoff The Game as my partner likes the guy in the promotion images for some reason.

What have you bought for your partner?

This year I have bought my partner a baby Rose to plant in the garden so that every year she will have Roses, some earrings so that she has something to show her friends and some Van Cleef & Arpels Féerie Eau de Parfum Spray as it is her favourite.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?
We will probably cook our favourite meal together and watch This Means War as it is on our ‘to watch’ list and apparently is quite the rom-com.

Who would be your perfect date on Valentine’s Day and where would you take them?

My perfect date for Valentines that would not be my partner would have to be Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and I would take her anywhere romantic that serves pizza by candlelight.

 

Ashley

Ashley
(Operations manager and part-time romance student)

 

What would you like to be bought for Valentine’s Day?

I would like to get something personal that showed that the person knew me well. However right now anything would do!

What have you bought for your partner?

I would buy my partner a huge bunch of flowers, a slap up meal and / or a ticket to a show, simple and effective. She might have to go halves on the meal though because we do live in modern times!

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

Doing something fun to forget my loneliness.

Who would be your perfect date on Valentine’s Day and where would you take them?

I think that my perfect date on Valentine’s Day would be Denise Van Outen. Funny, sexy and I will un-ashamedly admit that I would like her to teach me to dance like on Strictly Come Dancing. Maybe not with the sequins though…

 

Alan

Alan
(Digital marketing and begrudging romantic)

 

What would you like to be bought for Valentine’s Day?

I’d really like a new right ankle. After injuring myself over a year ago playing football, I’ve been constantly moaning and have only just had surgery. If this isn’t possible, Dior Homme Intense or a slap up meal with lots of meat please!

What have you bought for your partner?

I’d treat her to weekend away at a spa with a friend. I’d like to go too but white dressing gowns aren’t really my style. Oh and some yellow roses, because what is Valentine’s Day if you don’t treat your lady to their favourite flowers?!

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?
Pretend not to enjoy the evening off so she doesn’t get offended I’m not missing her! In all likelihood I’ll spend it with a mate watching The Sopranos.

Who would be your perfect date on Valentine’s Day and where would you take them?

Kate Beckinsale, I’d take her to the theatre and get all dressed up. Obviously we would be staying in London so I’d book a swanky hotel for after.

What are you doing this Valentine’s Day? Tell us below!