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If someone is worth wining and dining on Valentine's Day, then it's worth doing right. With Valentine's Day being one of the busiest restaurant nights of the year, obviously dining out is a popular choice. Dining in, however, can save a couple the trouble of waiting an hour in crowded restaurants and trying to get the attention of a very busy waiter.
Indulging in rich foods such as lobster, steak or caviar is as easily done at home. Popular aphrodisiacs, such as oysters and chocolate, are always good menu additions on this holiday.
Anyone who lacks confidence in their cooking abilities can always order a sumptuous feast from a restaurant or caterer, or hire a home chef to come in for the evening. Maids can even be hired to serve the meal and take care of the cleaning. Plans should be made, of course, well in advance of Valentine's Day. -
A casual Valentine dinner is sometimes preferred for people who are watching their budget, who prefer peace and quiet to more swanky places, or to take the pressure off couples who have not been together very long. Casual does not have to be any less romantic, though, as what could be more romantic than a picnic?
Rather than traditional picnic fare, something a little special can be prepared for Valentine's Day, such as quiche with fresh French bread, an assortment of fine cheese and crackers, a bottle of wine or champagne, and some chocolate-covered strawberries. Spread out on a cozy blanket for two somewhere peaceful, beautiful and quiet, accompanied by a romantic music CD, and perhaps a book of sonnets, and it can't miss. -
Not everyone celebrates Valentine's Day as a couple. When family and friends prefer to get together, a buffet is a fun and easy way to entertain.
A Valentine's theme can run through the dinner, such as telling everyone to bring a food to represent their favorite romantic comedy. For example, someone who loves "My Best Friend's Wedding" might bring creme brulee and jello. -
Anti-Valentine celebrations on Feb. 14 have become more popular in recent years among people who are single and proud of it, or for those who hate the pressure and commercialization of Valentine's Day. Rather than romantic dinners for two, friends gather without dates and joke about how foolish Cupid can make us look and relationships gone wrong.
Anti-Valentine dinners generally avoid foods traditionally associated with Valentine's Day. Nothing pink, red or heart-shaped should find its way on the menu, nor should there be any fine and delicate fare such as caviar and champagne, or traditional Valentine's Day foods like chocolate strawberries.
Comfort foods go best with the theme, such as macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, burgers, chili or rib-sticking stews. Chocolate hearts or cookies may make an appearance, though they should be broken in half, made black with food coloring if possible, and served on a plain plate rather than in a heart-shaped box.
