Valentine's Day is right around the corner, but that doesn't mean you have to spend hours waiting for a table at a restaurant or spend tons of money when you can create a memorable dining experience at home. Here are a few simple ways to transform your dining room into an elegant and romantic space that shows your sweetie just how much you care.
Set the Table
Nothing says “special occasion” like an elaborate spread of utensils, dinnerware and glasses rivaling the place settings at your cousin's wedding. Dig out your nicest set of dinnerware and do a little online research if you're not sure what goes where (or call Mom; she will know what to do). Even if you can never remember where the forks go and a bread plate seems totally unnecessary, a little finery will go a long way to class up your table. To go the extra mile, complement your dishes with lace doilies and stark red napkins for contrast. If nothing else, use a tablecloth.
Lights Off, Candles On
A romantic dinner pour deux wouldn't be complete without the warm glow of candlelight to set the mood. To take your candles from every day to special occasion, pick up some polished metal or glass candle holders of various heights and cluster them into a centerpiece. Don't forget to consider the aromatic message your candles are sending; floral scents like jasmine and lavender, or earthy scents like sandalwood, basil and vanilla are proven aphrodisiacs.
The Power of Flowers
Fresh flowers are a great addition to any table, but that doesn't mean you have to go traditional (a.k.a.— boring!) with a dozen red roses. Try lacing a string of plastic beads through a bouquet, or tying a silk ribbon around a simple vase. If you're feeling crafty, paper flowers are an easy and economical way to make your table cozy. With a few yards of tissue paper, some tape and twine, you can replicate a bouquet or create a new look altogether by bunching them into a heart shape.
Delish Décor
Sweet treats can double as décor when you adorn the table with glass containers of Valentine's Day sweet favorites. Mason jars and candy dishes can be found at dollar stores and are perfect for both displaying and snacking. Try filling a bowl with ripe strawberries and raspberries or toss festive M&M's into a clear container, which can easily be jazzed up with some ribbon and patterned paper. For a touch of decorative fun, try scattering some candy hearts around the table.
Personalize Your Place Setting
One of the best reasons to enjoy your Valentine's Day dinner at home is that you can make it entirely personal. Make the dinner a tribute to your loved one by adorning his or her place setting with a little heart-shaped box, leaving a love note inside that will guarantee to give your date the warm fuzzies. Station some framed pictures of special significance to you around the dining room, such as wedding or vacation photos, to remind your date of your history, or dig out an old photo album for some after dinner perusing.
Sweet Swag
Dress up any doorway or window frame with a grown-up version of an old-school paper heart garland. Strips of paper, some string and a stapler are all you need to achieve a polished look which speaks to the agenda of the night—a celebration of love! The garland can also be woven into a hanging light fixture or draped across the backs of chairs.
