Valentine’s Day is next Tuesday and because I love the cheesiness factor of this holiday and all the fun and cuteness, I thought it would be to have a Valentine’s themed week this week. So all week long keep checking back for some festive Valentine’s treats, ideas, and tips (I’m forewarning you that there will be quite a few non-recipe posts this week but hopefully you will enjoy the festivities)!
First up is an article I wrote for meal planning/recipe site Food on the Table with tips on how to have a romantic dinner at home for two on Valentine’s Day or any other day of the year you need some special time just for the two of you.
Planning a romantic Valentine’s dinner for two? Well, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may find it hard to get a reservation at that fancy and expensive steak house. Instead, plan for a special night at home, full of good food and good company.
Having a steak house dinner at home is easy, more personal, and a lot less expensive. Here are four tips to help ensure you have a successful night with your loved one, no matter the occasion.
Plan ahead: Dinner at home should be relaxed and stress free. Coordinate your schedule with your loved one so that you both will be home at the same time with no interruptions. Plan a dinner menu and select foods that the both of you like. Shop for your dinner ingredients in advance and prepare as much as you can beforehand.
Eliminate distractions: Take this time to focus on each other and enjoy good company. Arrange for babysitting at a family member’s house for the kids or plan to enjoy your dinner after they have gone to bed. Turn off the television, computer and cell phones. Clean your home and keep your kitchen clean as you work and prepare your dinner.
Set the mood: Dim the lights and light candles throughout your entire home. Set the dining room table with a clean, crisp tablecloth, your finest dishes, and a vase of vibrant, fresh flowers. Play sentimental songs softly in the background and get dressed for the occasion.
The food: Keep dinner simple but plan to serve an appetizer, main course, and dessert to make your special night together last for hours. Consider foods that require interaction and connection with each other, such as fondue; or serve up a menu full of “love” foods. Aphrodisiacs are foods that have been enjoyed for centuries for their love inducing powers. Recent scientific studies have proven that these foods really do have the ability to lower inhibitions and heighten moods. Honey, oysters, chocolate, strawberries, vanilla, and asparagus are just a few of these love foods that you might want to include in your romantic dinner.
With these tips, a little planning, and some creative resourcefulness, a special evening at home can be a night to remember! Serve up this classic steak house dinner at home with the recipes below!
Appetizer: Parmesan-Crusted Goat Cheese with Basil Oil (Annie’s Eats)
Salad Starter: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette (Kitchen Concoctions)
Soup Starter: Crockpot French Onion Soup (How Sweet It Is)
Side Dish: Asparagus with Garlic Vinaigrette (Kitchen Concoctions)
Side Dish: Salt-Crusted Potatoes (The Hungry Housewife)
Main Dish: Garlic and Herb London Broil (Real Mom Kitchen)
Dessert: No-Bake Cheesecake (Kitchen Concoctions)
Now I'm wishing there was such a thing as a quiet night at home – but that doesn't really happen when you have 2 little ones!! I will have to try to do something special, though.