"You're Special to Me" Dinner for 2
Pull out all the stops! Here's your chance to let that someone special know you care with a satisfying meal perfect for Valentine's Day, date night or an anniversary! Most preparation can be done a day ahead or in the morning so the one cooking has time to relax a bit before the romantic dinner. You'll find some great ways to celebrate in our Make It Special section.
Make It Special!
Set a Romantic Mood
- Place a table that's "dinner for two" size next to a lit fire or by a window with a beautiful view. Scatter metallic heart confetti over your best white or pale pink linen tablecloth. Bring out your finest candlesticks, and make sure you have tall, long-burning candles.
- Use magnetic words from a poetry kit or letters from a Scrabble board game to spell out lines of romantic poetry.
- Play music from a romantic CD, turn down the lights and turn off the telephone!
Walk on the Wild Side!
- Plan a walk down a romantic path. If there isn't one out your back door, pretend! Make luminaries with heart-shaped cutouts that lead to a special place.
There Can Never Be Enough "I Love You's"
- Fold an "I love you" note into your special person's napkin.
- Tie "I love you" ribbons around stemware.
- Write "I love you" with melted chocolate on dessert plates.
Preparation Guide
The Day Before
- Make Crimson Pears.
- Make Poached Salmon; prepare sauce.
The Morning Of
- Make Praline Truffle Cups.
- Prepare salad greens and dressing for Elegant Tossed Salad; refrigerate separately.
- Prepare ingredients for fondue; cover and refrigerate.
- Make Cheese Straw Twists.
About 20 Minutes Before Serving the Appetizer
- Finish the salmon appetizer.
About 20 Minutes Before Serving the Main Course