Valentine’s Day is just a few days away. If you’re planning to serve your special someone a home cooked meal, good for you! But do keep a few things in mind. It’s true few of these things will truly spoil the evening for those who are in love – but they could put a damper on things – or set entirely the wrong mood.
1. DON’T serve anything with small bones. Fish, for example, seems like a good idea because it’s light and healthy and fairly easy to cook. But nothing will spoil the evening worse than someone choking. Don’t go there.
2. DON’T serve foods with bad lingering smells. Like fish, again, or cabbage. Who wants to smell that all night long? Not very romantic.
3. DON’T serve foods that, well, cause “tummy troubles.” Like cabbage and beans. ‘Nouf said.
4. DON’T serve food that gives bad breath. That means no garlic, onions, leeks, or chives.
6. DON’T serve anything your Valentine is allergic to. This should be a “duh,” but before the big day, be sure to ask if he or she has food allergies!
7. DON’T serve food your Valentine hates. Or even slightly dislikes. In fact, try to serve something he or she really loves to eat. It’s probably a good idea not to guess here; keep it simple and just ask!
8. DON’T get drunk. Sure, serve up a bottle of wine. But sip it. Nothing is less romantic than getting sloshed.
9. DON’T leave your cell phone on. Seriously. All phones and pagers should be turned OFF. Focus on your Valentine!
10. DON’T fuss over the food, even if you think you’ve made a mistake cooking it. Apologize once (if you must), then focus on your special someone.
On the other hand,
- DO keep it simple. A well cooked, simple meal is always more impressive than a fancy meal that’s only so-so.
- DO serve a chocolate dessert. Unless serving chocolate violated one of the “don’ts” above.
- DO relax and enjoy yourself. Valentine’s Day isn’t about pulling off the “perfect” romantic meal. It’s about giving someone you love your full attention and showing him or her in realistic, simple ways that you love that person.
