Have you forgotten Valentine’s Day? You’re not alone. But with quick thinking, a healthy dose of imagination and a fair whack of luck, you might just manage to come out on top. Here’s our guide to rescuing your relationship this Valentine’s Day.

Step one:

There may be no card, no chocolates and no roses, but whatever you do, don’t admit that you’ve forgotten Valentine’s Day. This is tantamount to admitting that you hate puppies. Instead, play it cool, and tell your beloved how flowers and fine dining is such a cheesy cliche, and you’ve got something MUCH more romantic planned.

Then, get online, quick.

Step two:

You’re going to have to do some speedy research, pronto.

In 2016 Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend, so you’re in luck. You have an entire Saturday to celebrate Cupid and love’s labours. The flip side of this is that there is much more at stake – there is a fine line between spontaneity and disaster, so you’ll have to walk this tightrope for the rest of the day. Suck it up.

Head to the online "What’s On" guide for your region. The internet can give you the lowdown on the hottest events happening in your local area. Summertime makes gorgeous out-of-town adventures super-easy, and it won’t take you long to find something relatively local that will tick all the right boxes.

Wineries? Tick. Artist’s markets? Tick. Art gallery? Tick. Romantic double feature at a classic Art Deco cinema? Tick. Picnic in the park? Tick. Romantic drive through the hills? Tick.

Step three:

Next, organise food. This is important. Very important. Skip out to the shops and stock up on goodies for the day. For a romantic picnic you’ll want wine, cheese, fruits and crackers. If you’ve got time, bake a cake or a savoury tart to take along, or pick one up from the shops. You’ll need to pack a picnic blanket, wine cooler and a pair of wine glasses. Pop it in the boot of the car and you’re all set to head out of town.

If your plans involve staying local, start the day by heading to your favourite cafe for brunch. A big plate of eggs and a couple of coffees later, and you’ll be ready to stroll hand in hand, ready to take on whatever the world throws at you.

Whether your plans involve a long lazy drive in the hills, a spot of shopping in town, a romantic walk along the beach, or even a free concert in the park, you’ll be able to stretch out the afternoon, feeling more than a little smug that you’ve got Valentine’s Day sorted. For now. It ain’t over yet.

Step four:

You’ve had a great day out. But that doesn’t mean your work is done. There is still the question of dinner to answer. You’re the one that forgot to make a reservation at the restaurant, remember?

You might need to make a detour to the supermarket for the ingredients. While this is the time to really impress – a takeaway is just not going to cut it – you want to keep it simple too. Don’t cook anything too ambitious – stick with your tried and true favourites. Trust us, it’ll be worth the effort. Roll up your sleeves, pour the wine with abandon, and turn the music up a notch. You want to look in control, confident and capable. Trust us, it’s a good look. Set the table with a candle or two, lower the volume on the music, and you’ve made it. Game, set… and match.

Happy Valentine’s Day.