If you don’t know already, here’s the dirty little secret about Valentine’s Day: you don’t have to go out in order to create a memorable evening.
Don’t believe me?
There are a lot of reasons that make dinner at home a better option than dining out, but here are the top three.
Avoid the Holiday Traffic
Even if you somehow manage to get a reservation for Valentine’s Day, you will be dining with dozens of other couples doing the same thing in the same place. You’ll probably be packed into the restaurant like sardines, with barely enough room at your sides to cut into your steak (or whatever you’re eating).
Dinner at home provides a quiet and personal environment that allows you to devote all of your attention to one another. A much more relaxed experience, waiters won’t be buzzing around you and noisy conversations at nearby tables won’t interfere with your quiet conversation. How much better to dine in with your own selection of romantic tunes playing on your sound system!
Choose your favorite dish, or select something with that extra dash of romanticism using Food & Wine’s recipe and drink suggestions. Plan an amorous atmosphere with strategically placed candles and flowers, and don’t forget to break out the flatware and plates reserved for special occasions.
Incorporate the Food into Your Play
If 9 ½ Weeks has taught us anything, it’s that food can definitely be sexy. Make the decision to dine at home this Feb. 14, and, if you dare, recreate that famous food scene yourself!
According to Reader’s Digest, consider opting for foods that serve as aphrodisiacs, such as oysters, or dishes including artichokes, olive oil, or pumpkin seeds. Different fruits are also a must-have, such as watermelon, figs, bananas, and strawberries. Get bonus points by including chocolate fondue or whipped cream for dipping.
There are a few things to avoid. Adam and Eve advises on their blog to stay away from anything spicy. They also recommend being sure to avoid anything that can cause an allergic reaction. These may sound like obvious tips, but it’s a helpful reminder, especially if you’re putting something together at the last second.
Show You Still Care
Whipping up an indulgent dinner at home for your loved one is a gift in itself. As Epicurious says in this article, it serves as an act of love that can enrich your lives, strengthen your bond, while tantalizing your taste buds. It also makes your loved one feel like royalty.
The effort you put into creating a dish is a perfect way to show your loved one how much you care. When you see the smile on their face you will know that you are appreciated. You may also enjoy creating the meal together, an activity that many couples really enjoy. There’s nothing like a joint project to bring you back together, and after all, isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is all about? It’s an opportunity to celebrate your relationship by carving out a special time for just the two of you. Honor each other and celebrate the moments you have together.
By Wanda Fish, of Orlando, Florida, has been married to her husband Ben for 30 plus years. She enjoys writing and contributing blogs on a variety of subjects in a desire to pass on her relationship knowledge, particularly to the younger generation.
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