Valentine's Day is one of those holidays you either love or hate: some people eagerly await it, while others, even if they're a couple, simply cross it off their calendars. So, why not use February 14th as a date to plan a romantic dinner like you haven't had in a while, since it also falls on a Saturday this year? The occasion, then, isn't necessarily to celebrate, but to take advantage of it to treat yourself to an evening of fun and relaxation for two, thanks to a beautiful atmosphere and delicious recipes. How do you do it? If you're stuck for ideas or don't know where to start, here are our tips, from creating a welcoming atmosphere to choosing the right food, including how to set the table.
Create the Right Atmosphere (It's Not Just the Menu That Matters)
Before discussing the menu, when it comes to organizing a romantic dinner, creating the right atmosphere makes all the difference. On these occasions, much depends on the couple's inclinations: whether they prefer an informal mood or want something more sophisticated. In both cases, the fundamental rule is to prepare a comfortable environment, where both can relax and feel good, without feeling uncomfortable. From this point of view, a tidy room, decorated and lit in a welcoming and warm way is already a good start. Choose soft, not cold, lighting, be careful with the heating (neither too much nor too little), and add some details that recall the theme of love, such as candles, incense, or flowers: if the scent is strong, place them far from the table or they risk interfering with the perception of the aromas of the food. Don't forget background music: if you share the same tastes, focus on songs or artists you like, to immediately create complicity and connection, while avoiding distractions, such as turning on the television. And the table? A white tablecloth and matching napkins are a perfect table setting, as are porcelain plates and a minimalist centerpiece, such as a low bouquet of flowers. However, much depends on your personality: placemats, a simple, colorful service, or an ethnic touch are all you need. Don't overdo the cutlery: etiquette dictates one for each course, but this detail could give off a sense of rigidity rather than naturalness.
How to Plan a Valentine's Day Dinner
The idea of Valentine's Day dinner is to spend quality time with your partner, eating, drinking, and chatting: a chance to get to know each other better if the couple is just starting out, or a break from the daily routine for those who have been together for a while. Therefore, rushing is a no-no. Start with an aperitif, with a glass of bubbly and some appetizers to break the ice: set it on the coffee table in the living room so you can enjoy it comfortably seated on the sofa. Then move on to the table, where dinner will take place. Before serving dessert, clear the table (or clear the table), removing anything intended for savory: the final part includes dessert and another toast. Do you like sipping a liqueur? Do it again in the relaxation area on the sofa. The key is slowness, breaking up the evening into different moments to keep it lively and never boring. In a romantic dinner for two, your partner's tastes are important: take them into consideration. Already feeling performance anxiety? Don't leave it to the last minute; plan and mix recipes that can be prepared both ahead of time and at the ready, to optimize spending and kitchen time.
Foods to Choose for The Menu
We've just seen how to organize dinner in moments. So let's get down to business: what to eat? We know that some foods are defined as aphrodisiacs, such as chili peppers, oysters, red fruits, chocolate: well, science doesn't consider them true elixirs of love, but they can still be part of the menu because, with a pinch of suggestion, they help create the right atmosphere of "seduction." Use them only if you like them, otherwise you'll get the opposite effect.
With appetizers for aperitifs, you're spoiled for choice: canapés and finger food always work. The real dinner begins with appetizers, including savory puff pastry, carpaccio, or fish, meat, and vegetable tartare, and recipes using ready-made puff pastry, perfect when you're short on time or are inexperienced. Among the main dishes, pasta is incredibly satisfying, creating simple yet refined pairings like shrimp and lemon, while for the more romantic, there are heart-shaped ravioli or lovers' risotto. You can bring to the table evergreens like fillet steak with green peppercorns or baked salmon, which always make a great impression: a vegan, show-stopping idea is a beetroot-based reinterpretation of fillet Wellington, while tomini en croute are perfect for cheese lovers.
The meal ends with dessert, where creams and enveloping textures reign supreme: among the many options, mousses (chocolate or lemon) stand out for their delicate consistency and single-serving presentation (plus, they're made in advance), or the timeless soft-centered chocolate tarts (dark or white), the heart-shaped cake, and the red velvet roll —love messages that will amaze. As for drinks, remember not to overdo it with alcohol, but opt for a good bottle of wine to pair with the dishes throughout the meal. For aperitifs, a cocktail can be an alternative choice, with a homemade drink (also available in a non-alcoholic version). Better beer? Try craft ones: there are many gems for hop lovers, too.
;Resize,width=767;)
