Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Composing the menu
• Method 2 of 2: Creating a Mood
• Tips

A romantic dinner at home can be much more special than a dinner in a restaurant, not to mention that it is much cheaper. If you want to prepare a romantic dinner at home, you need to think carefully about the menu and set the mood before your dinner begins. Follow these steps to make your romantic dinner at home extra special.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Composing the menu

1. 1 Choose drinks. If you are planning on having a romantic dinner at home, then the first thing you need to do is have a drink to mark the start of your delicious homemade dinner. Wine is the most romantic drink, so if you and your partner drink wine, stock up on a bottle of red or white wine (or whatever), depending on what you eat. Red wines tend to pair better with steak and other meats, while whites are better for summer and go well with lighter foods like shrimp or salads. If you have an informal atmosphere, or you just love beer, then this will work too.
   • If you plan on drinking beer, white wine, or any other beverage that needs to be served cold, be sure to put it in the refrigerator ahead of time.
   • You should also prepare lemon water. Place the pitcher of cold water on the table. You don't want to run after her to the fridge in the middle of dinner.
2. 2 Choose simple snacks. After you have spilled your drinks, you need to serve snacks.You don't want to sip on drinks for an hour while waiting for the main course to be ready. While cooking together is fun, you probably won't enjoy it if both are too hungry. Prepare simple snacks, such as hand-eaten, to whet your appetite. Here's what you can try:
   • Prepare in advance, but on the same day, bruschetta. All you need is a baguette, garlic, olive oil, onions, tomatoes, and a few other simple ingredients.
   • If you want to cook something special, you can prepare spiced eggs the day before and serve them in anticipation of dinner.
   • Prepare ahead of time or shop for guacamole and serve with a small bowl of chips.
   • In the summer, make a simple salad with four ingredients: watermelon, feta cheese, sunflower seeds, and mint.
   • Hummus with pita chips and fresh vegetables are always great.
   • Although cheese and crackers are traditionally eaten after the main course, you can put them on a plate and serve as a snack. Gouda, brie and fontina go well with crackers.
3. 3 Choose your main course. The main course should be simple and not require a lot of preparation, or you should be able to partially cook it in advance so that it takes no more than 45 minutes to finish in the evening. If you are making homemade pizza, prepare all the ingredients and preheat the oven so that you just have to put the ingredients on the pizza and put it in the oven. Here are a few more dishes to keep in mind:
   • Chicken fried with vegetables is perfect for a romantic dinner at home. Wash, marinate and coat the chicken ahead of time so that it doesn't take too long to cook.
   • Baked salmon with rice and Brussels sprouts is another great option for a homemade dinner.
   • If you decide to make pasta, instead of spaghetti or fettuccine, choose penne, tortellini, orzo or ravioli, which are easier to eat.
   • Do not cook dishes with too many ingredients or that require a lot of cleaning after cooking. You can make a twelve-layer lasagna according to your mom's recipe, but you spend the entire evening and there is a lot of cleaning.
   • Choose foods that are aphrodisiac for an even more romantic setting. Such foods include oysters, almonds, basil, and asparagus.
   • Do not use too much onion or garlic during cooking, or you will not feel romantic after dinner. The same goes for fatty and creamy foods, which will leave a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
   • Avoid foods that can easily get dirty, such as lobster or French onion soup. If you are making a salad, grind it thoroughly so the chunks can be easily eaten.
   • Choose a simple main course that your partner can help prepare, such as chopping celery or tomatoes, or making a simple salad.
4. 4 Choose a simple dessert. If you've done a good job with wine, appetizers, and main course, you may not have much room in your stomach for dessert. Instead of making an elaborate dessert, just buy muffins from your favorite local bakery or ice cream and serve it with whipped cream and a handful of raspberries and blueberries.
5. 5 Consider a contingency plan. While your romantic homemade dinner should go as smoothly as possible, you should consider a contingency plan just in case. This does not mean that you have to cook anything else, but it does mean that you have to have a plan of what to do in case something goes wrong. You can simply keep the menu of your favorite sushi restaurant close at hand or put frozen pizza in the freezer. If something happens and there are no other products at hand, then you are in trouble.

Method 2 of 2: Creating a Mood

1. 1 Determine the location. You can always have a garden dinner if you have one. It can be very romantic at the right time of the year if you have a nice insect-free garden. You can also eat in the kitchen, but then you will be in a hurry to clean everything up to make the kitchen look beautiful. If possible, choose a place where you don't normally eat so that the evening is special. If you have a fancy dining table that you never use, now is the time.
2. 2 Use pretty dishes. Perhaps you have a nice set of crystal glasses, pretty plates, napkins and silverware that you never use because they are for special occasions. Now is the time to use them and enjoy the romantic setting they create.
3. 3 Choose romantic decorations. Flowers, rose petals, and unscented candles are perfect. There are many options you can use, just get creative. Remember that candles go a long way in a romantic dinner, so light some candles and place them near the table. Flowers, such as elegant roses, are almost as important. Both extravagant and simple flowers look good on the table. Just remember to see each other across the table.
   • Light jazz or romantic music can also help create a romantic mood, as long as it is not distracting.
4. 4 Get dressed. Before heading to a romantic dinner, shower and use some perfume or cologne. Dress the way you would go to a restaurant. Wear casual but pretty clothes that make you look fresh and attractive. Your partner will appreciate the effort, and the evening will be even more special. Discuss the dress code with your partner to match your outfit.
5. 5 Avoid any distractions. Think everything over and do not get distracted so that you and your partner can enjoy delicious food and each other's company without hindrance. If you have children, make sure in advance that a nanny looks after them outside the home. Also, turn off your phones, TV, and radio and only focus on each other. If this day is showing an important championship, and you both are very fond of sports, reschedule the date so as not to be distracted. Once you've gotten rid of all the distractions, you can enjoy your romantic evening.

Tips

• Put on slow, quiet music that you both enjoy.
• Dinner and table should be ready when your partner arrives.
• Dim the lights and light candles before your partner arrives.
• Make sure the house smells good.
• Make sure the temperature in the house is good.
• When your partner gets home, call and make sure everything is in order.
• Your home must be clean.
• You can have dinner together, have a drink, and then give your partner the opportunity to shower, change, and possibly watch a movie together.
• Unplug your phone to prevent an accidental call from ruining your mood.
• Leave the mess the next day after dinner.