Planning A Valentine's Day Meal

The one day of the year that we want to make our loved one smile with glee, this is a day no one wants to disappoint. A lot of people choose to eat out on this day at a expensive restaurant, however a select few stay in and cook a meal. I am noticing a new tread as well, after researching it looks like more people stay in then go out. This hub is going to be about planning a meal at home on this special day for your significant other.

1) Plan Ahead - First of all, plan ahead. Do either of you work that day? Does this day conflict with anything else going on? I am the type of person who isn't going to stop work for Valentine's day. If I work that day I will try and make the evening enjoyable or choose to the day before or after. By planning ahead you can decide what day you want to make the special meal.

2) Choosing The Menu - Since it is a special day, do you want to make a favourite home cooked meal? A childhood classic or something you ate a week ago? Will there be dessert? I know a lot of people suggest making your lovers favourite meal, which you can do or a meal you both enjoy. If you are feeling frisky, it might be worth it to try something new.

3) Ask - If you need help with recipies ask your boyfriend/girlfriends parents or a friend about their favourite meals from their childhood. You could also bring up the topic with your significant other weeks before the day for they don't get suspecious. Just cassually talk about food you liked when you were kids.

4) Shopping List - If you don't have all the ingredients be sure to pick up what you need from the grocery store. If your picking up anything that could spoil early try and get it the day before the big meal. A fresh menu is the best menu after all.

5) Pick A Time - If you are lucky enough to get off work earlier then your significant other then this is a bonus, it should make it easier for having the meal ready or almost ready for when they get home. If that is not doable try and set the time a bit differently. If you want it to be a big surprise you could ask a friend to spend some time with your significant other for you have the time to get everything ready.

Since this is suppose to be a romantic evening, if you want you can create a romantic mood. Burn a CD of love songs, or better yet go out and buy a CD with love songs. Make a homemade bouquet or buy one. And you can't forget candles they are a must with romantic evenings.

If you want you can choose a tablecloth or napkins but those to me are really optional. In the past when I did a romantic dinner I simply had flowers and a candle and set the table, I didn't really get anything special. However where it is a night about the two of you, it should be special.

Remember to have fun and don't get to stressed if everything doesn't go entirely as planned. If you are not big on cooking you could get take out from a Chinese restaurant or bistro. You could even add takeout to a dish if you decide to cook. And if you have kids you could also try and arrange for them to spend the night with a family member or friend for you can have the evening to yourself.

Take it easy, take a breath and remember it is a night of love and fun for you and your significant other.