How to Make a Romantic Apartment Dinner for Two

A successful relationship is one that thrives with committed attention; what people call “romance” is really a dedication to showing your partner that you value them and that their ideas and interests are important to you. Romance is ultimately about paying attention and never taking the relationship for granted. Because once you turn a blind eye to a partnership it quickly begins to wilt.

Couples that are committed to keeping the romance alive and well in their relationship realize many benefits as a result; not the least of which is the joy of never having their relationship go stale. But never underestimate that it is a commitment – in our hectic, over-scheduled lives, romance often needs to be scheduled.

One of the things that many couples do in order to keep the romance in their relationship is plan a periodic romantic dinner during which the two of them can reconnect and spend some time alone. This is especially important for couples that have children; no babysitter required – just put the kids to bed early and have a later dinner alone. Some of the things to consider when planning a romantic dinner include:

Scheduling

If you are in a relationship where the two of you are dating, make a plan for a specific night alone where you can try a new recipe, forgo the group get-togethers, and get back in touch. Any relationship – married or not – needs to be tended to in order to survive! For married couples that live under one roof you may think that it would be easier to schedule a romantic dinner but the truth is that often we let other priorities take the place of the needs in our relationship. It’s important for married couples to set periodic dates for a romantic dinner and stick with it (i.e. every Saturday night, first Friday of every month, etc.); this is even more important when you have children as romantic ideas tend to be the last thing on your mind; many couples quickly forget about the importance of spending time alone together.

Preparation

Getting ready for a romantic dinner means different things depending on the relationship. If this is a new relationship or part of some date ideas that you are considering, there needs to be more work put into the preparation of your apartment; this means cleaning the home and setting the mood for a romantic dinner. For married couples or those who live together, cleaning is certainly not the priority, but setting a beautiful table and creating a romantic atmosphere is still very much important. If you live in a warmer climate or you’re planning a romantic dinner this summer, consider outdoor dining to really set the mood; string white lights around an outdoor table, light some candles, and dine al fresco!

Shopping for ingredients is part of the preparation process for a romantic dinner. Many couples choose to set the menu together and shop together for the ingredients. Others may switch off – one dinner one partner may plan and cook, and then the next dinner they switch roles – so that each time dinner is a surprise.

A Few Tips for Your Romanctic Evening…

• Make sure to have some mood music to set the tone for the evening.
• Decide on a romantic dinner menu that’s simple and includes your partner’s favorite foods.
• Create a romantic atmosphere using things like a small indoor fountain.
• Choose an evening that will be convenient for the both of you.
• If you have kids, make sure to get a babysitter or take them to a family member’s house for the night.

Cooking

This is where the fun starts! Consider cooking your romantic dinner together. This is a great way to spend some time together, share a glass of wine, and talk as you put together a fantastic meal. Search the net for some romantic ideas for menu planning. There’s tons to choose from!

After dinner

Don’t forget to plan something for after dinner – rent a movie, go for a walk, or just listen to some great music and talk the night away. After all, it’s your night and romance is yours for the taking!