Everyone wants to wish their loved ones the best on Valentine's Day, and do it in a unique way. But after a hectic day at work, it's not always easy to whip up a perfect night of romance.

From singles to new daters and lifelong partners, almost everyone stresses about coming up with a memorable plan for Valentine's Day, as well as what gifts to exchange.

No matter what your relationship status might be, lifestyle expert Janette Ewen offers these stress-free tips to make Valentine's Day a fun affair.

New couples

New couples often find it challenging to set the right tone for a Valentine's Day dinner. The trick, according to Ewen, is to avoid too much formality.

"Have a sit-down, cozy meal in your house, something that's romantic and sensual," Ewen told CTV's Canada AM on Monday.

Tips:

1. Set a romantic mood by decorating with candles. Also, try switching regular light bulbs in the dining area to ones that cast a red or yellow glow. The romantic lighting will flatter everyone.

2. Opt for a fondue party or a Moroccan-inspired meal. Serving finger foods like these adds a romantic flavour. Also, consider using your coffee table as a dining table and decorate with stylish throw cushions. These simple touches will quickly set a relaxed, romantic mood.

3. To avoid the typical new couple's stress over what to spend and what gifts to exchange on Valentine's Day, choose gifts that are thoughtful and affordable. An inexpensive piece of jewellery such as a coloured bracelet, for example, is a goof-proof pick for any woman.

"You can also add a charm to it. That says this relationship is going somewhere," said Ewen.

Vintage books or sports card purchased from eBay or Kijiji are great options for men who love collectibles.

Couples with kids

Many parents would love to spend a romantic Valentine's Day together, but finding a babysitter and getting dressed up after a long day at work can kill the mood.

To eliminate that stress, plan a stay-at-home PJ party that includes the kids.

Tips:

1. Have Valentine's-themed crafting projects ready for the kids to start.

"I like to make fun kits for the kids with coloured pencils," said Ewen.

With these kits, children can create pictures and pull family pics together into a Valentine's Day scrap book for their parents.

2. Make dinner together as a family. Also, try baking a simple dessert or create calzones which are both fun to make and crowd-pleasers on the plate.

3. Host a kid-friendly movie night. "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Fox and the Hound" are two good picks to consider. Serve Valentine's Day-themed treats during the screening.

4. Create Valentine's Day gift baskets using inexpensive finds from the discount stores or crafts shops. Also, get the kids to make charm bracelets for their moms that they can add to every year.

Singles

Instead of sitting home alone on Valentine's Day, invite your other single friends over and celebrate in style.

"Have some great cookies, some games, some pink bubbly," said Ewen, painting a picture of a single woman's night spent with girlfriends.

"You can also put a little charm at each place setting," she suggested.

Tips:

1. Make your living space a festive destination. From pillows to flowers, incorporate as many fun, romantic touches as possible to liven up your home.

2. Display a special welcome treat at each place setting, such as Valentine's Day crackers filled with saucy lingerie, candies or inexpensive jewellery.

3. Welcome guests with a fun cocktail -- something pink, of course, according to Ewen.

4. Pick fun games to play that will keep the conversation going and boost the fun mood.

5. Finally, treat yourself to a Valentine's Day gift. Also, arrange a Secret Santa-styled gift exchange so that every guest will receive a special treat.

Long-term couples

Valentine's Day can be a challenge for couples that have been together for many years. To spice things up, start by thinking outside the box.

Tips:

1. Do something new together. "Try giving one another a cooking lesson," said Ewen.

2. Also plan your meal around aphrodisiacs.

3. Exchange gifts that show some real thought and appreciation.

"Necklaces are great," said Ewen. "Anything with a heart motif will work," she said.