Love at First Subscribe

The Valentine's Day edition of guest check: romantic tables, thoughtful gifts, and a giveaway you won't want to miss.

Feb 03, 2025

Welcome back to guest check! If you missed last week’s newsletter, we covered NYC's hottest reservation, the perfect getting ready routine, and my go-to date night look. Catch up on Ring Ring, Don Angie is Calling if you haven’t yet — it’s one of my favorite newsletters to date.

Ring Ring, Don Angie is Calling

Laila Elnaggar

Jan 27

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If you’re here for the giveaway — welcome! Subscribe below, stick around, and let’s make this a long-term relationship 💌

If you’re thinking, “Laila, what giveaway?!” I’m hosting one on my IG Story today (12pm EST) with all my favorite goodies — trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

This week, we’re talking all things Valentine’s Day — think: my favorite cocktail bars in NYC, staying in vs. going out, and the ultimate gifts to get your partner. Grab your coffee (or martini) and let’s get into it.

The Most Romantic Tables in NYC

Let’s talk about the most romantic tables in NYC — and the reservations you still have time to snag. Personally, I prefer staying in on Valentine’s Day (I’m not a fan of overpriced prix fixe menus — sorry!) but I still love making the night special.

If you were to ask me about my ideal Valentine’s Day set-up, it would be drinks at a chic cocktail bar the night before (or after), and celebrating the actual day at home. Here are my favorites:

the nines is the sexiest cocktail bar in nyc

These spots truly speak for themselves, but if you’re planning on checking any of them out, let me know! And as always, if you have any questions on where to go, DM me on Instagram — I’m always happy to help. Literally, my two favorite hobbies are scrolling through StreetEasy for listings and Resy for reservations (lol).

Speaking of cocktail bars, The Raines Law Room and Dear Irving host weekly themed cocktail-making classes, which I think is the cutest date-night activity. I wanted to get it on your radar in case you’re looking to spice up your typical dinner-and-drinks night out.

Gifts Your Partner Will Love (Hint: It’s a Letter)

Any holiday or occasion that involves gift-giving can be stressful. But Valentine’s Day? In my opinion, it’s one of those holidays where you can totally ditch the pressure — gifts are optional. For me, a handwritten letter is the most important part and the only thing that’s truly required. That, and maybe a box of cookies or flowers, and you’re all set to go.

If you’re a gift-giving couple, here are some thoughtful ideas. I did the browsing so you don’t have to (this is your reminder to send this to your partner 😉).

Jewelry: A custom name bracelet from BaubleBar for her. A simple sterling silver box chain bracelet from David Yurman for him — always a classic.
Subscription Box: Give them something to look forward to every month. If they’re a book-lover, here’s a list of book subscription services. If they love wine, Winc delivers bottles straight to their door.
Spa Day Gift Card: Spend a spa day together. For a full-day experience, my favorites are Aire Ancient Baths and Bathhouse (I prefer their new Flatiron location). Short on time? For just a massage or facial, I love Spencer’s Spa.
Frame a Memorable Photo: You truly can’t go wrong with framing a favorite memory (I use Shutterfly). If you want to make it an experience, head to the Old Friend Photo Booth in the LES, then frame your self-portraits together.
An Article of Clothing: A cozy statement piece, like a unique knit sweater from NO! Jeans or a beanie and scarf combo from Acne Studios (no, they will never go out of style). Or keep it simple with boxers from Lululemon or Skims (trust me) or Pilates socks from Souls — always appreciated.

Valentine’s Day: At-Home Edition

Now that you’ve made your reservation for the night before (or after) and grabbed a card, you might be wondering how to spend Valentine’s Day. The answer: at home. If you want to make the day feel extra special, a fun activity will do the trick. Here are my top recommendations:

Make homemade pasta together
Dip everything in chocolate (my favorite: chocolate strawberry cups)
Re-create a spa night at home
Host a mixology competition
Binge rom-coms with a side of your favorite take-out
DIY cookie or cake decorating

These activities also make for the perfect Galentine’s Day party with your girlfriends. Honestly, I feel like I never get around to arts and crafts or having fun in the kitchen on a regular day, so I love leaning into it all in February.

What’s Happening This Week

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At the end of each newsletter, I’ll share a curated list of the best events happening in New York City that I think you’ll love. If you check any of them out, let me know!

That’s all for this week! As always, thank you for being here — your support means everything. Be sure to leave a comment below with your thoughts and let me know what you’d like to see in future newsletters.