For some couples, staying in for Valentine’s Day is infinitely more romantic than fighting the crowds. And then there are some couples that just didn’t make a reservation early enough! Either way, they all appreciate effortless ways to create an intimate dining experience at home.

To meet this demand, and create opportunities to serve more people at once, craft premium takeout bundles that feel indulgent and personal.

The Ultimate Luxury

Offer a multi-course menu featuring luxurious ingredients, focusing on the classic dishes that are familiar, yet indulgent. Start with a seafood appetizer like Entice® Crab Cakes or clams casino, followed by an entrée such as filet mignon with herb butter (shaped into a heart) or a vegetarian mushroom risotto.

Cap the meal with decadent desserts like a Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake or Panna Cotta with Mixed Berries. Pair the dishes with a bottle of wine or a curated non-alcoholic sparkling beverage.

Packaging is key – the meals should look delicious and elegant. Carryout containers and recyclable paper bags from brands like First Mark® are great ways to package high-end meals meant to be eaten hot. Many of the elegant containers can also be used to reheat the meals, even better for the romantic couple who doesn’t want to waste time washing extra dishes. And don’t forget to include a set of disposable flatware, which can come packaged in meal kits, conveniently wrapped with a disposable napkin.

Galentine’s Day

Galentine’s Day — celebrated on February 13th — is all about friendship and fun. Appeal to this growing trend by offering playful, sharable bundles that can boost your bottom line the night before the big day.

• Charcuterie Bundles: Create curated charcuterie boards featuring artisanal cheeses, sliced meats, pickled vegetables, fresh fruit, and crackers. The Magellan® Wisconsin Cheese Wedge Variety Box offers versatile cheeses that showcase unique flavor profiles, perfect for upselling a drink to pair. Package the items in a stylish wooden tray or bamboo platter for easy access from home. Include extras like handwritten affirmations (“You’re amazing!”) or keepsake items like charm bracelets made by a local artisan.
• “Girl Dinner” Bundle: For a fun meme-inspired bundle, offer a sweet and savory assortment of shareable gourmet bites from Entice marketed as “Gal-Dinner.” These pre-made bites can be prepared with minimal labor in the kitchen, which is a bonus during a busy week. Market this package as a fun way to celebrate the holiday without breaking the bank. And with options like beef en croute and filo-wrapped asparagus, it still feels decadent.

Cozy Winter Favorites

For February’s chilly evenings, offer hearty, comforting options designed for home enjoyment. These menus feature seasonal favorites without relying too heavily on seafood, steaks, and chocolate. They’ll be popular on Valentine’s Day, as well as all month long.

• Comfort and Chill Bundle: Feature comforting dishes like truffle mac & cheese, braised short rib pot pies, or Thai Style Lobster Bisque with crusty bread. Package the meals in insulated containers and include a small, branded fleece blanket for added coziness.
• Winter Date Night Bundle: Highlight seasonal flavors with entrées like roasted duck or Butternut Squash Ravioli, paired with a winter salad and a mini loaf of sourdough bread. Add rustic charm to the packaging with kraft paper boxes adorned with rosemary sprigs.

Marketing Musts

Delicious food may be the most crucial part of this equation, but it’s not the only thing that matters when it comes to takeout bundles!

• Presentation Matters: Tie your boxes with a red satin ribbon, and include a single rose, or a handwritten note featuring a romantic quote. Love may be blind, but presentation goes a long way to selling the vision.
• Promote on Social: Make sure to take pics of the bundles to share on social media before the big day. For a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, people want to see exactly what they are getting, so they can easily recreate the experience at home.
• Update Your Website: Make sure to include the special takeout bundles on your website. You don’t want to give anyone an excuse to skip your venue.
• Include Heating and Serving Instructions: Set the lovers up for success! Take the guesswork out of how to reheat and plate the meals so their at-home experience is as enjoyable as it would be inside the restaurant. Plus, you’ll avoid any frantic phone calls during the dinner rush.

By offering creative, high-end bundles that go beyond the traditional takeout box, you have the opportunity to capture the hearts (and appetites) of your guests this February — and set a trend that carries your business into 2025 and beyond.