Brand it trite or plain obvious, but there is something about a candlelight dinner that has an element of romance pegged on it. Whether that idea was spawned by chic flicks or by romantic novels that celebrate love with food spread on a table lit with the warm glow of candles, you cannot shake away the essence of romance that that image evokes.
But it is not simply only about arranging candles around the table. For an ambience that spells romance, whether it is an exclusive dinner with your partner or one with close friends/family, requires perfection that helps the evening to unfold with delicate moves.
Here is a quick guideline to get creative while setting the table:
Candle talk
Candles are, obviously, the most important feature of your proposed dinner plan. You could bring out the classic ornate stands passed on by your grandparents, opt for simple ones or even convert your beverage glasses into special candleholders. White or cream colours will easily blend with the décor of the room, but it is best to avoid scented candles or go for subtler aromas.
If you have guests coming over, place individual tea lights, in the holder you have chosen, at each place setting. Your objective while placing or assessing the number of candles to use should be in creating the right ambience with the candle glow. You could complement the candles with dimmed out lights or only go for candlelight by placing enough in all the right places.
Dinner set
Ensure perfection by bringing out your fine dinnerware. A formal touch to the evening’s proceedings is a must to get it off on a right footing. Go all the way by arranging the cutlery around the tablemats in a way that is reminiscent of a fine dining outlet. Do not fret over cleaning or the effort involved in hauling your set out from its hibernation. It is for occasions like these that you picked it in the first place.
Sweet music
After all is said and done there is nothing better than music to hoist your evening up and sway you with its power. Select some romantic numbers and keep the volume low to make it seem like a natural backdrop for your evening. It would help to make a playlist of your (and your partner’s) favourite songs to keep the evening on a romantic tone. And while on music, it would do you and your partner a whole lot of good to either switch off your mobile phones or set the ringer tone to low.
Floral tribute
Give candles the company of fresh flowers to make your evening just right. With red roses symbolising all things love, it is best to pick a few stems from the neighbourhood supermarket, which is sure to stock up for the season of love. Place the vase where it can easily soak up the glow of the candle light; find a vase that complements your dinner set. Spreading a few petals around the candle stand could add to your décor element.
Dress up
Alright, it is only a dinner at home, but does that give you an excuse to sit down for your Valentine dinner in your house wear? Don’t let the venue take away your reason to dress up for the occasion. Dress up as if you are going out for a dinner at one of the fine dining outlets in the city. Add a dash of red in your ensemble to complement the day of love, or wear something that your partner likes. And, if your partner is up for a good time, go on, have a dress code for the evening.
Food notes
Food may be the last thing on your mind on such a romantic day, but starters and appetisers are the key to any party, even a twosome dinner. If you don’t want to stress it out in the kitchen, order from your favourite restaurant or follow our recipe guide to put together a few interesting dishes that are apt for the day. For the main, stick to a simple menu with food cooked ahead or picked from the shop. Do not forget dessert, as it adds a semblance of perfection to any meal.
