Remember those pre-child days when you would go out to a fancy
restaurant or spend the weekend at a romantic get-away to
celebrate Valentine's Day? That may not be an option this year,
but you can still enjoy a romantic dinner with your spouse. Here
are a few ideas on how you can easily create a romantic
Valentine's Day dinner at home.
Creating The Menu
This is the perfect time for some "Grown-up" food. Cook a
separate dinner for the kids or order in some pizza. Let the
kids eat an early dinner and then send them off to play, or
watch a movie while the two of you enjoy your meal. If your
children are really young, you may want to put them to bed
before you sit down for your Valentine's Day dinner.
Cooking a restaurant inspired meal doesn't have to be
complicated. Pick up some mini-quiches in your grocers frozen
food section and bake them up as an appetizer. For a first
course pick up a can of gourmet style soup that you just need to
heat up. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh
herbs for visual appeal.
Choose a main dish that you can prepare ahead of time, so you
can enjoy the evening. Good choices are baked salmon or chicken.
Just place either one in a baking dish, add whichever marinade
you prefer and refrigerate. When you are ready just bake it
until it's done. Serve with mixed greens and fancy store-bought
vinaigrette. Grab French bread, or fix some wild rice.
Dessert could be anything from cheesecake with fresh fruit, to
chocolate dipped strawberries to chocolate mouse that you can
make ahead and refrigerate. Or serve assorted cheeses with a
nice glass of red wine.
Setting The Scene
Set the table with a tablecloth, cloth napkins and candles. Take
out your good china and crystal. Since dinner will be just for
the two of you, you don't have to worry about damaging any of
your special tableware. Now is the perfect time to enjoy all
these fancy goodies you received as wedding gifts.
Take the time to dress up, and do your hair and makeup. I feel
sure you spouse will appreciate it and you will feel like you
are actually going out. For even more fun get ready in separate
rooms and ask your date to come pick you up.
Turn down the lights and light the candles. Play some soft,
romantic music, or some songs that have special meaning for the
two of you. You never know, with the right music, your romantic
Valentine's Day dinner may end with some slow dancing in your
dinning room.
Staying in doesn't mean you can't have a wonderful romantic
Valentine's Day dinner. You never know, this may turn out to be
the most romantic Valentine's date yet.
About the author:
Christine Steendahl Is The Founder Of Dine Without Whine - Your
Number One Online Source For Affordable And Family Friendly
Weekly Meal Planning. Eliminate The Dinner Hour Stress And
Re-Discover The Pleasure Of The Dinner Hour! For A Free Sample
Menu And Grocery List Visit
http://www.dinewithoutwhine.com/info
