A Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner You Can Make At Home

I’m all for Valentine’s Day because it gives couples more reasons to celebrate love and have some fun. Sure, we celebrate love and life on a daily basis but special occasions give us the opportunity to show our loved ones how truly grateful we are for having them in our lives. No one wants to be taken for granted.

Celebrating V-Day is often associated with fancy dinners. While it’s always appreciated, a romantic dinner is less about the expenses and more about the thoughtfulness.

I’ve got the easiest and most romantic Valentine’s dinner date for you and your partner without getting stuck traffic hell. All you need are a few simple items and a lot of thought put into having a special night.

Here’s a short checklist for a romantic DIY Valentine’s dinner at home:

• Table and chairs

Bring out a few chairs and a table then throw a crisp white tablecloth on top and viola: an intimate setting for lovebirds. Dining al fresco is an easy and magical way to enjoy a romantic evening.

No outdoor patio? No problem. When we used to live in a condo, I would set-up a romantic dinner using the coffee table in our living room. You can do the same!

• Tableware

Bust out your special plates! What better way to enjoy your collection than by using them.

Use different heights and styles of stemware to keep your table setting fun and functional.

Go for gold flatware!

No details spared with this intricate (but super easy to fold) napkin rose!

• Centerpiece

Impress your date with this showstopping edible “Hugs & Kisses” centerpiece from Fruits In Bloom! It’s made with imported fresh strawberries and chocolate-covered strawberries arranged elegantly in a white vase.

I just love Fruits In Blooms fruit bouquets! Their double-duty dessert arrangements are creative, attractive, yummy and unforgettable!

It’s also easy to order from them (they guarantee quick response!): Visit them at GF Frabella Building 109 Rada Street Legaspi Village Makati City or order from their website or call: (02) 812.0380; 0917.728.4675; 0933.624.4119; Email: fibstore@fib.com.ph

• Flowers

Splurge on fresh flowers for your special dinner.

If you’re on a budget, just buy a single rose and scatter the petals on the table. The effect it’s as romantic as a bouquet of flowers!

• Food

I just love the idea of plating take out Chinese food for dinner. It’s fun, easy and yummy!

Fancy plates makes the simplest dishes look and taste amazing!

Garnish fresh herbs or veggies to make take out food look gourmet.

• Bubbly

Valentine’s Day is not complete without bubbly! Have flutes of pink champagne ready and give a little toast to your loved one and let them know how thrilled you are to be spending a special night with him/her.

Water + Ice = Chilled all night

• Music

Old-fashioned (not corny) music will level up love in the air!

Let Frank Sinatra serenade you all night.

• Lighting

Candle lit dinner is everything!

• Romance

This is not the time to be timid. Make an effort to create an intimate and thoughtful dinner for your loved one.

Bring out the big guns! This is one occasion that is all about intimacy (aka no kids allowed, haha!) and keeping the fire burning so to speak.

If your partner is not into romance, no sweat, just go ahead and organize a special Valentine’s Date with him/her anyway. It’s not about what your partner gives or shows you but what you’d like to do for them that really counts. Just relax and enjoy your special night.

Keeping the romance alive is key to a lasting relationship.

Advance Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!