About Jennifer Hughes
Ottawa City Editor Jennifer Hughes has an ongoing love affair with design, art, fashion and food that began many years ago with redecorating her dollhouse or staging impromptu Barbie fashion shows. Now she unearths the best of the above in our vibrant capital city.
Next week is my eight-year wedding anniversary. I’m torn though, about how we should celebrate. What’s better: a fancy dinner at a top restaurant, or a cosy table for two at a favourite little neighbourhood bistro? While the former makes for a memorable (though pricey) night out, the latter has convenience and the lure of the tried-and-true on its side (and even with the cost of a sitter thrown in, is much more budget-friendly).
We’re not usually ones for getting dressed up and hitting the high-end spots. If I pair my jeans with anything other than flip-flops, I’m probably going somewhere special. My husband wears a suit and tie to work every day, so he’d rather keep it casual when he’s off the clock. So currently, the local bistro is winning out.
Even trickier is the gift. Again, we’re usually pretty low-key about these things, and don’t try to follow the rules. The internet tells me that the “traditional” gift for eight years of wedded bliss is bronze. Hmm. I think that’s out. I like the idea of giving something that serves as a reference to the wedding day. Since we got married in PEI, something from our favourite province – a piece of art, a bottle of island-made wine – is always appropriate.
However we celebrate, the point is to spend some quality time together (preferably kid-free, even if just for one blissfully quiet meal). And when it comes to gifts, you can bet I’m holding out for year eleven when tradition calls for steel (new stainless appliances will be on my wish list).
What’s your idea of a romantic night out?