Valentine's Day: our tips for an unforgettable romantic dinner

CREATE A ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE

When you go to a restaurant, it's not only to enjoy a good meal, but also to get away from it all and find yourself in a special atmosphere. For a memorable Valentine's Day dinner, we suggest you try to recreate this effect at home. The aim is to get away from the routine while remaining in the privacy of your own little cocoon.

Here are some tips on how to prepare for a romantic atmosphere:

Turn off the television to avoid distracting noises and so that everyone can fully invest in this moment together without distraction.
Use subdued lighting: a few candles, a few warm lamps, and if you have a fireplace or stove, this is the perfect time to light a fire. Avoid at all costs lights that are too bright or too cold, which are not known to invite letting go.
Choose soft music, preferably instrumental, so as not to disturb your exchanges. It's up to you to choose according to your preferences and those of your loved one: jazz, classical music, ambient electronic music... If you lack inspiration, you can find a plethora of playlists specially designed for this type of occasion on your favourite music streaming platform.

TAKING CARE OF THE DECORATION AND LAYOUT OF THE PREMISES

The atmosphere of your dinner party will also be set by the decoration. To transform your living room or kitchen into a real love nest, don't hesitate to add a few elegant touches: a pretty bouquet of flowers in a vase, a few rose petals on the table, a few candles as suggested above... It's up to you to express the romance as you see it.

On the other hand, let's not forget that this is a dinner party. Your efforts should therefore be concentrated around the table:

Choose a small table that will allow you to be close enough to your loved one, preferably face to face. If your usual table does not allow it, do not hesitate to use a small desk or a sideboard.
Take care of the table decoration. Tablecloths, cutlery, crockery, everything must be worthy of an exceptional meal. There is no question of bringing out the mismatched plates, the tarnished glasses and the worn out cutlery. Choose a pretty tablecloth and combine white and red, which universally evoke passion and sensuality.
If necessary, rearrange the room slightly to make it more relaxed. Clear the space around the table and remove anything that might bring back the boring aspects of everyday life (papers, laundry, computers...).

GET DRESSED UP

The watchword for this Valentine's evening will undoubtedly be seduction. Once you've made sure that your decor is suitable for the exchange of longing glances, it's up to you to make sure that these glances are directed at the best version of yourself. Here again, everyone has their own way of looking beautiful, and we have no intention of teaching you how to do so. However, there are a few universal rules that apply, and while they are a given for most, it's good to have them on hand.

First and foremost, make sure you are impeccably clean. Without this, all your beauty efforts will be of little use. Choose an outfit that makes you feel good, attractive, confident and - most importantly - comfortable.

This Valentine's Day evening is an opportunity for each member of the couple to rediscover the other and rekindle the flame. Don't hesitate to surprise your partner with a new haircut, a new dress or a new perfume. When preparing, also think about the little details: jewellery, manicure, and anything that will be hidden during the meal and may not be hidden a few hours later.

PREPARE AN EXCEPTIONAL MEAL

Finally, you should think about the heart of the evening: the meal. It should reflect the exceptional and festive character of Valentine's Day. For this lovers' day, choose delicate and refined dishes that you will enjoy eating together. Appetizers, starters, main course, dessert and wine, nothing should be left to chance on this evening of 14 February. Here are some suggestions for a dinner worthy of the greatest chefs:  

To awaken your guest's taste buds and whet your appetite, there's nothing like a few pieces of toast (plain or flavoured) topped with spreads. Vary the pleasures without moderation with this refined appetizer, which is also quick and easy to prepare: aubergine, ricotta & mint, peppers and mascarpone, butternut with honey & almonds... The aperitif is also the ideal moment to share a glass of champagne with your guest.

Sometimes the best things are the simplest. As a starter, impress your husband or wife with duck foie gras from the South-West accompanied by a few berries, coarse salt and an onion confit, a fig jam or even a mango chutney, a little more original, all washed down with a glass of dry white wine.

How can you not think of Italy when it comes to love, passion and voluptuousness? While pizza may not be the most romantic of their creations, risotto is undoubtedly one of the most glamorous preparations of Italian gastronomy. Melt-in-the-mouth, rich and fragrant, this main course is nothing less than an edible declaration of love. And because your loved one deserves the best on their special day, opt for a recipe for risotto with white summer truffles, the ultimate symbol of luxury and refinement.

For dessert, finish off with a touch of sweetness with fruit macarons (raspberry, strawberry, lemon, morello cherry, etc.), chocolate, hazelnut or caramel. Fresh, gourmet, chic and tasty, the jewels of French pastry perfectly embody the spirit of seduction and refinement of a romantic dinner.