This year we will not be making a reservation for a table for two in a romantic restaurant. Instead, we will be staying at home and getting a takeaway or preparing our own special dinner for two.
Set the scene
Place some candles on a reclaimed wood dining table to get the lighting right, some fresh cut flowers always spell romance on Valentine's day. A dining bench with back is a great love seat - make it cosy and comfortable with cushions and throws.
Prepare your meal
Here are a few meals to consider cooking for your special meal for two.
A classic steak dinner, serve on a wooden board on a rustic dining table with fries or jacket potato and a crisp fresh salad, if you like you can add a mushroom or tangy pepper sauce.
A smoky Spanish chicken dish with roast potatoes and greens, the simple ingredients for this dish, chicken, mushrooms, tomatoes and paprika take need little cooking on the stovetop, soak up the sauce with rice or couscous.
A creamy salmon and pasta dish is always a winner - indulging and comforting it is quick to prepare and cook leaving you free to enjoy your evening. Serve this with some fresh crusty bread rolls.
For a completely vegetarian meal, ricotta-stuffed aubergine rolls - all tomatoey with melted cheese, serve this with a side of pasta or fresh bread rolls and a green salad. Again these can be prepared in advance and put in the oven to warm through just before serving.
A chocolatey desert like a double chocolate mouse is quick and easy and can be prepared well in advance, then left in the fridge until you are ready to eat.
Sit down, relax and enjoy the evening
Whether you have a farmhouse table or an industrial dining table, bring your dishes and set them out, grab a glass of wine or special drink and get comfortable for the evening on some sumptuous fabric dining chairs. Wooden sideboards provide an extra surface for additional romantic lighting and to place dishes on, keeping your table clear of pots and dishes.
Photo featuring: Raffles Reclaimed Wood Industrial Dining Table
