When was the most recent occasion you and your partner enjoyed a date night? If it’s been some time (and even if it hasn’t), you might want to think about organizing a romantic dinner soon. “I always suggest that couples have at least one date night each week,” states Wale Okerayi LMHC LPC, a licensed mental health counselor. “This date night should be free from distractions, allowing for meaningful conversation and quality time together. I recommend that you and your partner select a day during the week that suits both of you, then take turns planning each date night. This way, every week will be enjoyable, and you’ll both have something exciting to anticipate weekly.”
However, a date night doesn’t necessarily require leaving your home and dining at an upscale restaurant. You can easily create a romantic dinner in the comfort of your own space, particularly if you’re seeking a way to enjoy quality time with your loved one while adhering to a budget. Simply put, rather than reheating those unappetizing leftovers from the freezer, consider spicing up both your meal and your romantic life with a memorable dinner that you and your partner will cherish.
For those who aren’t confident in the kitchen, planning a meal might feel daunting without a clear starting point. Thankfully, creating a heartfelt meal isn’t as challenging as it seems (and becomes more manageable with expert-approved tips). So, we spoke with Okerayi, relationship expert Melissa Orlov, and relationship researcher Marisa T. Cohen, Ph.D., CPLC for insights on what to prioritize when organizing a romantic dinner at home. Here’s everything to consider.
Free Up Your Schedule and Establish Guidelines
Before diving into recipes, flavors, and meal planning specifics, it’s crucial to set the stage for your romantic dinner by ensuring you and your partner can be alone. If you have kids, now’s the time to ask for that babysitting favor. Alternatively, if you share a home with a roommate, inform them that you’ll need some privacy.
It’s also wise to establish some ground rules: Consider agreeing on a no-tech evening, which may entail turning off the TV or putting away your phones. “Scheduling might sound forced, but it’s an effective way to safeguard your relationship from the constant demands of daily life,” explains Orlov. This will also help maintain the romantic atmosphere during dinner, making it more than just a coordinated meal, as keeping romance alive in your relationship is vital to “avoid feelings of stagnation,” notes Okerayi. “Romance adds a layer of care and commitment to the everyday relationship, fostering more trust and love in the long run.”
Plan the Menu
Once you’ve confirmed the date for the romantic evening, it’s time to curate the menu. Be aware of the seasonality of fresh ingredients, as this can influence how easily you can find the necessary items. Other factors to consider are your dinner mate’s dietary preferences and restrictions, such as if someone follows a plant-based diet or has a nut allergy. “Since our romantic partners significantly influence our food choices, it’s essential to ensure we are aligned regarding eating habits and food preparation methods,” says Cohen.
Given it’s a special occasion, serving your partner’s favorite foods—or an enhanced version of them—is an excellent way to show how much you care. You might even want to share that fresh lobster you’ve been eyeing recently, or indulge in some salmon or a premium steak. Be sure to include drinks and dessert as well: If your partner loves a particular red wine or type of chocolate, incorporating those will enhance the meal with their favorite treats.
Choose a Recipe You Can Easily Handle
If the kitchen isn’t your usual environment, you can still explore new flavors without jeopardizing the quality of the meal. For instance, select a recipe featuring ingredients and cooking methods you’re comfortable with: If perfectly searing a steak is your strength, make it unique with new spices or marinades. Conversely, if baking is more your area of expertise, an indulgent dessert can add a delightful, sweet element to your partner’s favorite meal.
Moreover, if your partner often takes charge of dinner in your home, they might appreciate a romantic evening where you both cook together. “Not only is discussing what we eat important, but so is how we prepare meals at home. Spending time together is vital in relationships,” explains Cohen. “Cooking together allows you both to collaborate in planning and preparing a delicious meal.”
Prepare Ahead of Time
Instead of waiting until the evening before your dinner to purchase groceries, picking up items from your list a day earlier can help maintain your schedule. This approach is also useful in case you find any ingredients are out of stock at your local store. Additionally, make sure to check every detail to prevent any last-minute trips: ice for drinks, a corkscrew for wine, or a lighter for candles. You might also want to stop by your favorite local specialty shop to discover extra garnishes or side dishes that complement your main course.
Not sure what other preparation you might need? Curate a playlist to establish the right atmosphere, brainstorm creative ways to decorate the dessert, compile a list of décor in advance (like fresh flowers or a new tablecloth), prepare your cooking area, and take out any serving dishes, utensils, and cutting boards you may require. Additionally, chop vegetables and prep portions to store in the fridge overnight. It can also be beneficial to measure out spices or other ingredients and gather the necessary sauces and garnishes for your dish. If your main dish is a protein, remember to season or marinate it early to enhance the flavor during cooking.
Create an Atmosphere and Savor Your Meal
On the evening of your romantic dinner, allow all the excitement and planning to unfold. Begin by arranging the table and any decorations, ensuring that linens, cutlery, wine glasses, and candles are properly set. Then, carefully present your meal on the table, sit down with your partner, and relish your dinner. Ultimately, the most important aspect is spending time together, so even if the meal isn’t five-star quality, a romantic night with your significant other can still be a delightful way to bond.
One last piece of advice: always keep in mind that romantic dinners should feel effortless; the more at ease you are, the more enjoyable your partner will find it. The top priority for the evening is the two of you—so keep stress levels manageable and give yourself ample time to prepare everything. Hosting is even more enjoyable when the host is having fun.
Showcasing Your Romantic Dinner
For a special dinner, it’s typical for the chef to invest additional time and attention into food presentation. Adding sprinkles of fresh herbs and serving sauces in small saucepans or jugs can lend a more polished touch to your dish. Finishing touches like edible flowers and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or icing sugar can make lovely garnishes for your dessert. These details demonstrate to your loved one that you’ve put in the extra effort for your romantic dinner date.
Elegant tableware can elevate the quality of your dinner table, and at Denby, we offer a diverse range of serveware that’s perfect for this occasion. We also feature a variety of cookware and pots that will be ideal for preparing your Valentine’s Day dinner.
Beverages for Your Romantic Dinner
It’s customary to plan beverages to accompany your dinner menu, so you may want to consider what types of drinks you’d like to serve during your Valentine’s Day dinner. Classic options like wine and champagne can enhance the atmosphere, and non-alcoholic versions are always available if preferred.
You could opt for your favorite wine or perhaps one that pairs well with your dish. White wine is an excellent choice for poultry, fish, and salads, while red varieties pair wonderfully with beef or pork dishes. Regardless of the wine you select, serving it in elegant wine glasses designed to enhance each flavor profile is a great idea.
To make the event feel even more special, consider serving a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine. Adding garnishments like strawberries, raspberries, or pomegranate seeds to your champagne flutes can add a touch of luxury to your drinks. Our guide on serving champagne and sparkling wine can assist you in making the most of your bottle.
You could also impress your date by creating your own cocktails. We have a variety of refreshing cocktail recipes, and our champagne and sparkling wine serving guide includes handy cocktail ideas to make your occasion memorable.
For a romantic dinner at home, water is usually provided alongside alcoholic beverages, often served in a jug with a couple of tumblers for self-serving. However, if you prefer to skip the alcohol, mocktails can create a festive atmosphere. Our summer drinks guide even features a delightful recipe for a rose, rhubarb, and juniper mocktail that you might want to try.