| Romantic Dinner |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-204 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Sparkly plates and sheet music from "your" song set a romantic tone at a table for two. Q: My marriage needs some spark. How can I set the table and mood for a romantic evening? A: (Jeanne Benedict, Ask DIY Entertaining expert) Here are some tips -- and guys, this will work as well for you as it will for women! - Change location -- serve dinner somewhere other than the kitchen or dining room.
- Try a card table; the smaller size is more intimate.
- Toss a purple cloth over the table to disguise its humble origins. Purple is the color of passion. Top the purple cloth with a shimmery organza in a compatible rose color.
- Try a music theme for the evening. Then use those gold Christmas ornaments shaped like French horns and other musical instruments as napkin rings. Sheet music becomes the place mat and a Victrola with a bunch of flowers in the horn serves as the centerpiece (figure A).
- Scatter a few sentiments in tiny standing frames, such as "I love you," around the table in plain sight.
- Use metallic plates and silver flatware to pick up the shimmering lights.
- Display candles inside an open music box. If the song it plays is a sentimental favorite, all the better.
- Consider scattering rose petals over the table, and of course serve dinner by candlelight.
More Questions for Jeanne:
Q: What are some unique ways to show off fresh flowers around the house?
A: Daisies in a watering can are inexpensive and great for a country kitchen. Birds of Paradise are more exotic (and more costly) and look great in a wok.
Q: Are scented candles a good idea ?
A: If the scents are too strong, they'll compete with the aromas of your food. Stick with something subtle, like vanilla, no mulberry.
Q: What kind of food should I serve at a romantic dinner?
A: Aphrodisiac food, such as pomegranate seeds, known to have fertility powers! Nuts are also a good idea. And chocolate, of course -- it is supposed to simulate the feeling of falling in love. Books: Sophisticated Entertaining: Spirited Food for Grown-Up Parties
By Jeanne Benedict
ISBN: 1557883459
Penguin-Putnam Inc.
Hardcover, 320 pages (October, 2000) Romantic Dinners: Surefire Recipes and Exciting Menus for a Flawless Party
By Rick Rodgers
ISBN: 0446910953
Warner Books Inc. (1996)
Time and Life Bldg.
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-7200
Web site: www.twbookmark..com
| 
)
)
