A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Make Valentine’s Dinner In

With Valentine’s Day upon us, many of you are probably scrambling to make plans. If you’re like my husband, you may have already discovered that many area restaurants are completely booked. Instead of settling for a lackluster dinner out, how about stepping up your game this year with a home cooked meal?

A little bit of planning and preparation will go a long way in creating a romantic mood for your dinner in. Before we get to the food, let’s walk through a couple of ways to create an intimate atmosphere to accompany the meal.

1. Dim the lights and light some candles. Restaurants often use lighting to set the mood and now you can do the same with a few strategically placed candles. The size and shape of your candles is irrelevant - simply light them and enjoy the romantic environment.
2. Cue the music. Let Michael Bublé serenade you while you eat, if you so desire, but don’t feel pressure to succumb to cliché Valentine’s Day music. Rock out to Lady Gaga if that’s more your style. The important thing is to have some background music to make this meal a little more exciting than usual.
3. Set the table. Whether you choose to eat at the dining room table or have a picnic on the living room floor, your love will be impressed to see creative touches like a menu at his or her space. Use fancy computer software or break out the crayons - it’s the thought, not the artistic ability, that counts!

Now that you have the room ready, it’s time to consider the meal. Keep things simple but elegant; a difficult meal makes for a stressful event. I recommend starting with a salad, such as this Winter Fruit Salad. Because the dressing can be made ahead of time, you’ll simply need to do a little bit of chopping and assembling just before eating.

For the main course, you have a few different options. If you prefer to go the more traditional route, I suggest picking up some high-quality steaks and following Martha Stewart’s recipe for Pepper-Crusted Filet Mignon. Serve it alongside some Twice Baked Potatoes, and Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Garlic (bonus—asparagus is considered an aphrodisiac!) for a complete meal.

If steak isn’t your thing, there are plenty of meatless main dishes that would be equally delicious. This Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Galette is an easy entrée with an impressive-sounding name. Or, try this decadent sounding Pasta with Pumpkin Sage Cream Sauce.

Pair your dinner with some champagne or wine, and watch your date swoon over your cooking skills. None of these recipes are overly complicated. In fact, each is basic enough for the amateur chef, but a little effort will go a long way in making the right impression.

Of course no meal is complete without dessert. A make-ahead dessert is your best option, leaving you plenty of time to sit and enjoy your meal. Recently, I shared with Patch readers how to make . These would be an excellent way to cap your evening, but if you’re looking for a more substantial dessert, you can’t go wrong with Raspberry Truffle Tarts! For the non-chocolate lover, if there is such a thing, there are always Vanilla Bean-Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut Frosting.

Whether you end up trying one of these recipes, or coming up with your own menu, know that you can have a romantic meal at home this Valentine’s Day. Don’t let the busy restaurants, or your lack of kitchen skills keep you from celebrating with the one you love.