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Top 10 Tips for Romantic Dinners

Christy Denny

Ready for date night? No reservation? No problem!

Blogger Christy Denney of The Girl Who Ate Everything (don’t you love the name?) shows you how to serve a romantic meal at home with these 10 easy tips for a special night together.

Watch Christy's Love Food video

Plan ahead

1. Plan ahead.

Choose or plan a menu ahead of time and keep it simple. Prepare as much as you can beforehand so that you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved one.

Get rid of the kids

2. Take a break from the kids.

Yes, we love them, but kids are so not romantic. Arrange for babysitting at a friend or family member’s house so that you can enjoy the night without worrying if the little ones are going to interrupt your dinner.

Dim the lights

3. Dim the lights.

Light candles not only on the table but around the room to create a romantic atmosphere and just the right mood. Mini white Christmas lights can also create a soft light when spread around the room.

Music

4. Don't forget music!

Create a playlist or CD of songs that are sentimental to both of you and play it softly in the background.

Fondue for two

5. Fondue for two.

Fondue is a simple and interactive way of staying involved and connected during your meal. Try my Chocolate Turtle Fondue recipe. For our anniversary, we traditionally eat chocolate-covered strawberries and watch our wedding video. Now that's romance!

Set the table

6. Set the table.

Use an ironed tablecloth and your best dishes when setting your table. Spread some rose petals around the table and place a vase of fresh cut flowers in the center.

Eliminate distractions

7. Eliminate distractions.

Focus on each other. Turn off your phones and the computer.

Serve

8. Serve "love foods".

Honey, oysters, bananas, chocolate, almonds, avocado, figs, carrots, pineapple, strawberries, asparagus and vanilla are a few all-natural aphrodisiacs that will set the romantic mood.

Dress to impress

9. Dress to impress.

Even though you’re dining in at home, dressing nice will make the meal more special than if you are in a casual shirt and sweatpants.

Let it go

10. Let it go.

Don’t let a mishap in the kitchen ruin your whole night. Remember what your goal is here…to enjoy each other’s company.

 

Try two of Christy’s Valentine’s Day recipes

Chocolate Turtle Fondue for Two
Chocolate Turtle Fondue for Two
Blogger, Christy Denney of The Girl Who Ate Everything shares a romantic dessert idea. This dessert ...
 
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Blogger, Christy Denney of The Girl Who Ate Everything shares a favorite Alfredo recipe. This pasta ...
 
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Comments
1 - 2 of 2 Comments
hidyhi2007 said: Posted: 2/10/2012 9:44 AM
I like your tips. Our income doesn't allow us to go out often, much less involve two teenagers for dinner. Last Valentine's Day I was able to turn our trailer into a "Bistro" and served a four course dinner from Betty Crocker recipes. Yes, we dressed to impress, her favorite music was played, and the dinner table was delicately set. I made her a red velvet cake with the center piece being her engagement ring. She was speechless. Keep the tips coming and let guys know they too can impress their wonderful ladies.
 
danajoyner said: Posted: 2/18/2011 9:06 AM
My boyfriend and I have 8 kids between us. I have 4 and he has 4, all ranging from ages 4-18. We both have custody and very little time for each other. However, those little tips make all the difference in the world for us. We have been dating for 8 months now and never been out to eat dinner. We do alot of cooking together on the weekends and during the week I will fix him a plate of left overs and drop them off at his work on my way to work (with a little note to let him know how much I love him). He will also meet me in parking lots to give me flowers and a hug (as if we are sneaking around). He will come by my house after the kids have all gone to sleep and I will feed him a homemade dessert in candle light. My point is....please keep the tips coming because I loved reading your blog on ten tips for Romantic Dinners. We do sneak alot of time together but we also believe in sharing the generous things we do for each other with the kids. My 16 yr old son even asked his friend one night if he would ever treat his girlfriend the way my boyfriend treated me, after I received a card and earrings just because I had a rough day at work. His kids love to see me cook and feed 10 people with all their help and the music going so we can dance in the process. I just believe everyone could use the tips because you get so wrapped up in life you forget the small stuff. Sorry so lengthy, I just love to share my current experience.
 
1 - 2 of 2 Comments
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