If love is free, why are we shelling out money to over-priced and over-crowded restaurants on Valentine’s Day? If you’re trying to spend a romantic evening with your sweetheart, it’s difficult to make a connection when 50 other couples are talking over you. Why not re-create a suave restaurant right in your own home. No reservations, no crowds, no over-priced menus and no waiter to tip. It’ll be just you, your Valentine and the only table for two at your very own restaurant: your home. There are simple things you can do to your kitchen and dining room to create an ambience that is sure to capture the right mood for the evening. The biggest key is not to stress and to save money. So follow these tips to decorate your home into a Valentine getaway set up for a romantic dinner for two.
Lighting – Probably one of the simplest and cheapest things you can do to turn your home into a top restaurant is lighting. If you have light dimmers, turn them down slightly, but not too much because you want to be able to see what your eating and your sweetheart’s face. Simple candles are great, but don’t go overboard. You want to create a romantic setting, not a fire hazard. Plus, too many candles can look tacky. Place one or two low tea lights on the table. The long candlesticks might get in the way and can obstruct your view of your loved one.
Flowers – Valentine’s Day is no doubt tied with flowers. This doesn’t mean you have to get a huge bouquet and spend tons. A few red roses in a long vase look romantic and simplistic. Bigger is not always better. Or for another neat trick, get a large vase and fill it with lemons or limes for a colorful centerpiece. The theme doesn’t have to be red and pink and the bright color will look great on your table.
Table Setting – The plating will depend on what you’re eating. If you have appetizers before dinner, place one large china plate and one smaller plate on top. Use plates that you already have. If you don’t have fancier china or plates that match, use plastic plates from the store. The plastic plates have come a long way and look more expensive and better than paper. Use cloth napkins, if you have them, or look up great ways to fold paper napkins to give that extra touch. Put name cards on top of the plates. You can use a cute nickname that you call your Valentine or just write “My Sweetheart” or “My Valentine”. This cute extra touch might be little, but is a cheap way to show your valentine how much they mean to you.
Remember, it’s not about how much you spend, but how much meaning you put into the evening. Use your resources and create the perfect restaurant right inside your own home. Happy Valentine’s Day!