By: Christine Terezakis
Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you hopeless romantics out there!
Are you into that someone special, but not into the crowds you’ll find at fine restaurants tonight? Here’s an idea for you…create a romantic dinner for two at home. (NO COOKING ALLOWED. I’ll get to that in a minute.)
First, you have to set “the mood.” Find a spot where you don’t usually eat dinner, perhaps in front of your fireplace, on a balcony, or next to your pool. I’ll use the poolside example today. Find a spot close to your pool where you can set up a little table for two with a linen table cloth, fine china, flowers (roses and orchids are very romantic), and candles. Next, enhance the setting…float flowers on the pool, line the perimeter of the pool with candles that will reflect on the water, light your outdoor fire pit, put some twinkle lights in your plants. Keep the lights off or dimmed low. Play romantic music. Chill a bottle of champagne and keep it near your sweetheart table. If this will be a surprise, leave a trail of rose petals from the front door to the table-for-two. (Just think, while you enjoy the ambiance of this setting of romance, others are fighting crowds at restaurant bars as they wait to be seated for dinner.)
Dress for the occasion, and no jacket required. Be comfy, but look good. A pretty strapless sundress for the lady, a pair of dress shorts and a nice shirt for the gentleman. Go barefoot. Wear your favorite perfume. Be flirtatious and have fun.
And what about the food? Earlier in the day, you will have called one of your favorite local restaurants and placed a take-out order which one of you will pick up on the way home. Keep the hot items warm in your oven and serve them on the nice china you set upon your little table. Be sure to order multiple courses so you can savor your time together. An appetizer, salad, main course, and you absolutely must have dessert tonight…think chocolate dipped strawberries, crème brulee, tiramisu---something truly special and decadent.
All that’s left is to enjoy.
Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Planning,
Christine
