If you plan to drink beer, white wine, or another beverage that should be cold, make sure to put it in the fridge well in advance. You should also prepare some water with lemon in it for a nice touch. Put a pitcher of cold water on the table. You don’t want to run to the fridge for water in the middle of the meal.
Make some bruschetta earlier in the day. All you need is a baguette, garlic, olive oil, onion, tomatoes, and a few other simple ingredients. [3] X Research source If you’re feeling fancy, you can make deviled eggs the night before and enjoy them while you wait. [4] X Research source Prepare some home-made guacamole (or buy it) earlier in the day and serve it with a small bowl of tortilla chips. For the summer, make a simple salad with four ingredients: watermelon, feta cheese, sunflower seeds, and mint. Hummus with pita chips and fresh veggies is always a big hit. Though cheese and crackers are traditionally eaten at the end of a meal, mix things up and enjoy a plate of them as an appetizer. Gouda, brie, and fontina are great cheeses for crackers.
Sautéed chicken and vegetables are a good candidate for a romantic dinner at home. Just make sure you wash, marinate, and bread the chicken in advance so you don’t take up too much time. Baked salmon with rice and brussels sprouts is another great option for your home-cooked meal. If you’re choosing pasta, instead of messier spaghetti or fettuccine, choose penne pasta, tortellini, orzo, or ravioli, which will be easier to eat. Don’t make foods that require too many ingredients and which will require a lot of cleanup during or after dinner. You may love making your mother’s twelve-layer lasagna, but it will take all night and will leave a mess. Choose foods that are aphrodisiacs for an even more romantic night. These foods include oysters, almonds, basil, and asparagus Don’t cook with too much garlic or onion, or you may not be feeling so romantic after your meal. The same goes for foods that are too rich and creamy, which will leave you feeling bloated. Avoid foods that are too messy to eat, like lobster or French Onion Soup. If you made a salad, make sure that the lettuce is chopped well so it’s not hard to get it in your mouth. As you choose your main course, you should think of something simple that your date can do to help you out, whether it’s to chop celery and tomatoes, or to put together a simple salad.
Playing some soft jazz or romantic music in the background can add to the romantic ambience as long as it’s not too distracting. [6] X Expert Source Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFTLicensed Relationship Therapist Expert Interview. 11 August 2021.
