An Easy Checklist for a Romantic Meal

Set the mood

Appeal to as many of the senses as possible. How does your table look? Have you included foods that bring color to the event? Remember how powerful the sense of smell is; what aromas have you filled the space with? Music helps create a mood – what kind of mood do you want and what music will help? And touch, ahhh touch! A gentle touch every once in a while during the meal, touching your guest’s hand/hair/neck or whatever kind of touch brings a sense of closeness will add a surprising element to pretty much everything, including (and possibly starting with) a meal.

The sense of taste is a given, and if you’ve prepared the meal with love, respect, and anticipation the taste will take care of itself. Including aphrodisiacs, even just a couple, can turn the meal into something much more important. A few scientifically confirmed foods that can help boost libido in both men and women include salmon, avocado, eggs, almonds, bananas, watermelon, red wine and, of course, dark chocolate.

Candles and flowers can add something quiet yet powerful to the ambiance of the space and the experience. And not only that, but those small touches will also tell your guest(s) that they are important and the focus of the experience. That, in itself, is pretty romantic.

Set the focus

Turn off your cell phone. Don’t answer calls (unless it’s a real emergency) and don’t check email, Facebook, Twitter, or anything else that takes your attention away from your guest(s). The message of the experience should be that they (the guest(s)) are the most important thing for you, the center of your focus during the time you are together. Pretty irresistible message.

Create the table

Your table can look like something out of a fast food place, plain and set up for a quick get-away, or it can look like something you’ve put lots of thought and effort into. A nicely done table feels welcoming and isn’t hard or expensive to do. A pretty and inexpensive tablecloth and cloth napkins help create the impression that having dinner with your guest is important.

I once used a silky shawl as a tablecloth, pretty colors, a bit of fringe to hang off the table, it added a unique and romantic element to a table that might have seemed plain without it. No paper plates or plastic utensils, please! Unless you’re having a picnic (also a romantic idea), real table ware is appropriate and very sexy.

Set the connection

A romantic meal is the perfect place for intriguing conversation, but not for arguments or political or religious debates. Share things like the next trip you want to take, the class you’re thinking about signing up for, the new skill you want to master; get curious about your guest (even if you already know a bunch about him/her/them) and ask questions. Arguing will immediately destroy the mood you’ve worked hard to create.

Be fully present and thankful

Being distracted while with your guest is a giant turn-off. Again, as stated above, when a guest feels not only welcome but valued and important, that will contribute to the success of the meal and whatever might happen after. Being focused on him/her/them and being aware of all you have to be grateful for will set and maintain a mood and ambiance that nothing can ruin.