A Romantic Dinner For Two

Delight your date's taste buds with a romantic evening by candle light

by Nate Lovestruck

Candles to set the mood: $12.00
Champagne to make things playful: $35.00
Seeing your date's face when you unmask your culinary expertise, PRICELESS

At some point in the relationship, inviting your sweetheart over for a romantic dinner for two is sure to buy you some brownie points. Iron Chef or Kraft Dinner king, it's not as difficult as you may think to pull off a fancy meal. The way to your date's heart is through their stomach ( or so this is what my mother tells me ) Entice their taste buds and show off your soft side.

Like anything else in life, this event deserves some well thought out planning.

Candles
These are essential in setting the mood, go through your pantry and pull out all the candles you can find. If you are all out, a cheap and effective solution can found at your local dollar store. The quality is nearly the same as you'd find anywhere else, and at a tenth of the price. Tea lamps in bulk can be an amazing effect, although provide very little burn time. I suggest a mix, a few tall candles at the dining table and tea lamps spread out the room. Avoid scented candles as they interfere with the aroma of your meal.

Flowers
Roses, tulips, you name it, flowers add that next level of romance to the night. To keep things simple I suggest a single rose in a thin vase placed at the center of the table. Classy, powerful and sincere.

Drinks
Alcohol can be a great ice breaker. Used sparingly it can lighten the mood of the evening and make things more playful. Depending on the meal you plan on preparing, make sure to buy the appropriate wine or cooler. You want something to compliment the flavors in your dish, not overwhelm it. If you know your love has a certain preference this is also a good time to prove your knowledge of such a fact.

Music
This is a must, play some music at a soft level. Make sure it's not so loud that it interferes with the conversation but loud enough to fill in the gaps should they occur.

Refer to our past article:
Romantic Music That Entices The Soul, Passion Will Follow
for ideas on making a romantic music mix.

Table Cloth
As much as this isn't necessary for success it is definitely the icing on the cake. Stick with a solid colored table cloth such as deep red or blue to keep things simple.

Cutlery
Look through your drawers for the finest cutlery you've got, get a shammy cloth and buff them up so they shine and glimmer. Set the table with a folded napkin ( if you don't have cloth, a simple piece of paper towel folded nicely will do )

Now it's time to put your cooking skills to the test. Look through old cook books, call your mother or your best friend and get some helpful pointers. Keep in mind his/her likes and dislikes, there's no point in cooking a steak for a vegetarian. Whatever you decide to cook, make sure you try it first. Choose a recipe, buy the ingredients, and have a trial cook off. Inviting some friends over for dinner is a perfect way to get some volunteer guinea pigs. By testing the recipe before hand, you will not only relieve pre date worries but ensure the recipe turns out just right. Only after your sure you can pull of the meal successfully is the time for you to invite your date over.

For the sake of this article I'm going to suggest a simple quiche meal, as it is easy, delicious and classy.

Main Course

Broccoli and Bacon Quiche

Complimenting Side Dishes

Simple Rice Pilaf

Vinaigrette Salad

Dessert

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

 

You've done all the preparation you can, the food is in the oven and is almost ready to be served. The candles have be bought, lite and set up throughout the room. Flowers have been finely presented on a stunning red table cloth. In the background soft romantic music can be heard, the table is set and the wine is uncorked. You have arranged for your sweetheart to show up relatively soon and all is looking well. Pat yourself on the back, you pulled it off.

As much as a night such as this takes considerable effort, planning a romantic night for two will definitely be a fond memory your love will not soon forget.

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