Preparing Valentine’s Dinner – 5 Dos and Don’ts
Music may be the food of love, but a romantic soundtrack is not enough to win hearts on Valentine’s day. Preparing Valentine’s Dinner may feel daunting, but the recipe for romance doesn’t need to be complicated. Follow our ‘Preparing Valentine’s Dinner – 5 Dos and Don’ts’ tips to enjoy a happy dinner of love.
Do: romance the one you love.
Don’t: go on a first date.
It is surprising how many people think Valentine’s day is only for those in the first throws of romance. We know you can show your loved one how much they mean to you any day of the week – but do you? Forget complaining about the commercialisation of love and get cooking up something special for the two of you. For those who have just met and are yet to go on a date – my advice is wait a week. Unless you are teenagers, preparing Valentine’s Dinner for a first date is more clueless than cute. Whether you like it or not, there are so many romantic expectations on 14 February you are likely to end up ruining the relationship before it starts. Give new love a chance. By all means send a card and flowers, but save the big romantic gestures until there is some real heart behind them.
Do: plan ahead.
Don’t: leave it to the last minute.
We all know that spontaneity is one of the keys to lasting romance. Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day is one of those occasions where spontaneity can leave you literally out in the cold. If you’ve not got a booking, unless you plan to eat at McDonalds you’re probably not going to get in. Choosing somewhere because it holds a special memory for your both is more important than getting a table at the hottest venue in town. The old cliché: it’s the thought that counts, has never been more true than on Valentine’s day. Whether you are eating in or dining out, make sure your Valentine’s favourite food is on the menu – even if it is simply fish and chips! It doesn’t matter how much you spend or how grand the gesture, if you haven’t taken time to think about the tastes of your sweetheart, you’ve made a big mistake.
Do: add a personal touch.
Don’t: try to be too original.
If you are struggling for ideas don’t be fooled into thinking that you need to do something wacky or extravagant to impress on Valentine’s day. Indeed, veering too far from tradition can leave your loved-one feeling cheated. February 14 is perhaps the one celebration when you don’t need a huge imagination to make it special. It’s a tradition that’s been around since the 5th century and there are certain expectations that go along with that. All the trappings of romance of there for you to pick up and use – hearts, flowers, chocolates, candles, moonlight – you don’t need me to keep listing them, just choose a traditional favourite and add a personal twist.
Do: consider your loved-one’s taste buds.
Don’t: choose messy food.
Caviar may have been a favourite food of Casanova and oysters an aphrodisiac, but if these amorous foods don’t tickle your loved-ones taste buds your romantic hopes may be dashed. It’s best to stick to foods you know you both enjoy. Saying that, there are certain dishes to avoid, unless you want to be left looking like a clown. Slurping, splashing, picking – you know what I’m talking about. Even by the sound of the words we know we know in terms of romance choosing this type of menu could be a recipe for disaster. So, no spaghetti, no spinach, no mussels and no burgers. And don’t just think about the mess at the table but the possible after effects. This means no sprouts, garlic, raw onions, chilli and staining foods like beetroot. Also, avoid creamy and heavy dishes if you have better plans for after dinner than crashing on the sofa and falling asleep!!
Do: keep it simple.
Don’t: overcomplicate the menu.
Unless you are an accomplished chef don’t use Valentine’s day to try out a new fancy recipe. It may impress, but it may also end up with you panicking in the kitchen and appearing fraught and irritable. Stress is not an attractive look. Keep it simple. If you are planning to cook it is much better to choose tried and tested recipes incorporating your favourite foods – roast chicken or grilled fish for example – and add a special touch to create the desired atmospheric by taking time to plan the music, lighting and décor. Valentine’s Day is a day of love. Relax and enjoy it.
If you have enjoyed our tips and ideas around Preparing Valentine’s Dinner, visit the Top 5 Romantic Venues in Manchester.