Fancy tablecloths  or pressed linen napkins  give a sense of luxury, especially if your kitchen table isn't the most glamorous of sorts. Just be sure that they are clean and not wrinkled. Spots, stains, tattered ends, or wrinkles will make a polished look turn sour in a flash.

Dress up an ordinary table with heart shaped doilies  or scatter rose petals . This adds a romantic and whimsical touch. To save money you can always cut out your own paper hearts and write little messages on them for a personal touch.

Fresh flowers  are always a hit. Set them all in a vase as a centerpiece, or put a few blooms in bud vases  and clip the rest of the buds to scatter around the table. You might even be able to use some flowers to decorate the plates to give the meal a presentation that says, "Wow!"

Candles  are a must-have! They look great and allow you to dim the lights and set the mood. If you don't have a candelabra  or candleholders  it's okay to place tealights  around the table in groups of three. They are less likely to drip and spill on the table. Another option is to float the candles in a glass salad bowl .

No tablecloth? Grimy looking table? Skip it all together and grab a comfortable blanket  to create in indoor picnic. Set up the makeshift dinner table on the floor near the fire for a more romantic feel. Even cool nights are do-able, just bring plenty of blankets, hot cocoa , mulled wine, and warm food. Perfect for cuddling!

• A romantic dinner at home can be as extravagant or as simple as you wish. Just no left overs, please.
• Think beyond what you normally would cook and try to get creative. After all, besides how the meal tastes, it is the thought that goes into cooking the meal that counts.
• When in doubt, think fresh! Fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season are a great base for creating a meal.
• Consider the tastes of the person for whom you are cooking. This is a time to show that you know him or her and what he or she likes best.

• Gourmet doesn't always mean 'better' but it can be fun, especially if you know your way around a kitchen.
• Consider preparing a dish that he or she has always talked about wanting to try and give it a shot. Perhaps you'll even want to invest in a cookbook. If not, see some of the external links below. There are numerous Web sites for recipes and cooking.
• Even if you don't have much experience cooking, you can still try something elaborate. The trick is to test the dish out before letting your valentine be the guinea pig. About a week or two before Valentine's Day (or the special occasion you are celebrating) get all the ingredients and equipment you'll need to pull off the meal and practice. This is slightly harder to do if you live with your loved one, but if you ever have a free night, give it a shot. That way you will be less likely to create a culinary catastrophe the night of the big event.

Drinks

• Start off with a nice Chianti  or if you like bubbly, try Prosecco , an Italian sparkling wine.
• Not into wine? Try Peroni  or a sparkling fruit cider .
• A little sparkling mineral water  can have a pleasant effect on the taste buds, perfect for lighter meals. You can also look for flavored mineral waters, like Pellegrino Limonata. 

Appetizer Options

• A mini toasted panini  is a tasty warm up to a meal without making you fill up.
• An Insalata Caprese can add some fresh vegetables and variety to the meal. Add some sea salt  for an extra crunch.
• Garlic bread  is a classic appetizer that's easy to make on your own.

Main Course Choices

• Chicken Marsala  is a filling gourmet course that's a bottle of Marsala away.
• Homemade pizza  takes time (and yeast!) but you can make it just the way your loved one likes it.
• A pasta dinner (like a simple penne dish) or lasagne  is sure to go over well.

Dessert

• Tiramisu  is a popular layered dessert that takes time to prepare. But that extra time is worth it when the mix of cocoa and coffee get your date going.
• A smooth scoop of Gelato  is a perfect way to cap off a homemade Italian meal.
• Spumoni is a fruity, nutty alternative to ice cream.

Drinks

Wine  goes great with dinner, but you can always opt for champagne , a French aperitif , or something non-alcoholic .

Appetizer

Try fresh French bread  with brie  or any other soft or semi-soft cheese . You may also nibble on a salad if you like.

Main Course

Try a nice steak , thin cut French fries , and a side dish of sauteed green beans. It doesn't get any more French than that. Don't forget the Dijon !

Dessert

Eclairs  are tasty and easy to eat. However, a chocolate mousse , hand-fed, might be just the trick for adding some zing to dessert.

Edible Aphrodisiacs

Valentines Day Gifts

Pink Champagne

Wine Guide