"You're Special to Me" Dinner for 2
Pull out all the stops! This is a once-a-year chance to indulge in the very best of your favorite foods. From appetizer to dessert, this is your way to say "I love you."
Here's your chance to let that someone special know you care! Or if that special someone loves to cook, share the warm kitchen and its fragrant bounties. You'll find some great ways to celebrate your romantic evening in our Make It Special section. And in the Preparation Guide, you'll find ways to plan ahead, so there will be more time for romance.
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 luminarias 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