All too often people leave the romance for Valentine’s Day. It’s the one day that people focus on doing something special and romantic. Instead of waiting for that day, why not try to have a romantic dinner at home on occasion? The beauty of it lies in the personal touches and the cozy setting of your own space.
When you set up a romantic dinner at home you’re in control of the ambiance, the music, and the menu above all. You don’t have to wait in line to get into places. You don’t have to deal with music you don’t like. In this article, we’ll go over several tips to help you plan the perfect romantic dinner at home.
1 – Planning the menu
The centerpiece of your romantic dinner will clearly be a well-thought-out menu. A well-thought-out menu is one in which you’ve considered a lot of different factors to make it memorable.
For instance, if your partner is not really fond of a certain cuisine or food item, then it doesn’t make sense to cook that. If you know what they love, then choose a type of cuisine that will be something they appreciate.
Balance in your menu is key. Think about how each course will flow into the next. A light, refreshing appetizer starts a meal well since it opens up the taste buds. This could be a simple salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette or a delicate soup. The idea is to stimulate the appetite without filling up too soon.
The main course should be the star of the show. Think about a dish that will wow your partner. Something that you wouldn’t ordinarily make for dinner is a good start. For instance, you probably cook steaks once in a while but never surf and turf.
This dish not only offers a luxurious taste experience but also provides an opportunity to showcase your cooking skills. Go for high-quality ingredients like American Wagyu beef and Maine lobster to elevate the meal.
2 – Wine and beverage pairings
Selecting the right wines and beverages is an essential part of planning your romantic dinner. The choice of drink should enhance the flavors of your meal and add an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience.
Pairing wine with food is a typical beverage and food combination. There are a few tips to follow if you aren’t familiar with wine.
When you have a rich, meaty course, then a deep, red wine is a good choice. Something like Cabernet Sauvignon works great with steak or braised meat.
If your menu includes seafood, a white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc is recommended. Their crisp and refreshing qualities offer a delightful balance to the light and delicate flavors of seafood.
If you prefer a single wine for the entire meal, a medium-bodied red like a Pinot Noir is a versatile choice. It’s light enough not to overpower the seafood while still having enough depth to complement the beef.
You don’t have to have alcohol to still have a special pairing with food. You can create a number of mocktails that will work with the courses you’ve selected. Think about something citrusy for seafood, and something with aromatic herbs if the course has meat.
3 – Post meal plan
How you wrap up the meal will have a big impact on the success of the dinner. The obvious way to end things is with a decadent dessert. Chocolate fondue is an out of the ordinary yet romantic choice, allowing you both to enjoy dipping fruits, marshmallows, or pastries into melted chocolate.
The end of the meal doesn’t have to be sweet, either. A cheese platter with a variety of cheeses, nuts, and fruits can be a sophisticated way to round off the meal. A dessert wine to go along with the salty cheese is a great way to elevate the platter.
Try to extend the event when dinner is over by setting up an activity. Watching a movie together, especially a favorite or a classic romantic film, can be a great way to relax and unwind. Playing a board game or a card game can be a fun way to engage with each other and share some laughs.
Conclusion
To make sure your romantic dinner is actually romantic, the key is to take care of all the small details. The thoughtfulness you put into the evening will go a long way. The tips we’ve given you should help you and your partner feel the sparks from a romantic dinner.