While we may be stuck in our homes that doesn’t mean we have to let the romance die. You can still plan a perfectly romantic night. You’ll just have to be a little creative about it. If you’re looking for how to plan a romantic dinner without having to leave home, don’t worry we’ve got you covered!

We’ve got six essential items you need to consider for how to plan a romantic dinner and create an intimate mood in your home. However, it will take some work. Start planning a week or so ahead of the date so you can deal with any surprises that come along!

Here are 6 tips on how to plan a romantic dinner without leaving home:

1. Music
2. Cook your partner’s favorite dish
3. Clean and decorate your home
4. Work on a handmaid gift or have one made
5. Turn off your phone
6. Brush up on topics to talk about and questions to ask

Music

Any special evening is made better with mood music. Many people think that they can just select a playlist in 30 seconds and be good to go. Yet, we propose a different approach! The right mood music should be a mix of you and your partner’s personal tastes, as well as some classics. There are also some timeless genres you can fall back on to set the mood:

• Jazz
• R&B
• Slow or “chill” pop
• Soul Music
• Instrumental
• Acoustic

Most types of music incorporate sounds from these types of genres (ie. that’s why you can find romantic country songs that incorporate acoustic sounds). Try to make the music as personable as possible. Place a high priority on songs that have special memories attached. Remember, you want to have music that elicits a certain emotion during your dinner. Whether that be fun, serious, flirtatious, or any other emotion is up to you!

Cook your partner’s favorite dish

Who doesn’t love coming home to a fresh plate of enchiladas with Mexican rice and refried beans? While that may be one of our favorite meals, it probably isn’t theirs. When figuring out how to plan a romantic dinner, one of the best ways to ensure you and your partner enjoy the time is to cook something you know you and your partner will love!

Try adding special additions to your dish or planning a dessert to make the event extra special. You can always add a festive touch to the food during special times of the year. If you and your partner have a love for all things food, consider trying dishes such as these:

Clean and decorate your home

Everyone loves coming home to a clean entrance and dining table. Before the big night, pick up around the house. Put away clothes, dishes, and trash. Light candles around your home an hour before your partner arrives home to clear the atmosphere and set an intimate mood. 

Importantly, pictures of past memories and loved ones are powerful tools when decorating. They can tell stories and make us reminisce about the past. If you and your partner have been together for a long time, don’t hesitate to hang up some pictures.  some canvases with pictures from moments in your relationship. Place them in front of your entranceway, and create a path of them to where you want your partner to go. Play a little Remember When by Alan Jackson, and you’re sure to fall in love all over again!

Work on a handmaid gift or have one made

This is deceptively obvious when it comes to how to plan a romantic dinner, but a handmaid gift goes a long way. You don’t even need to buy anything. A simple love letter as a gift can rekindle past love.

Want to shoot for something a little bit more expensive? Find a handmaid gift on Etsy or Facebook Market. A custom whiskey set or custom bed set can be a great surprise for just about anyone!

Turn off your phone

Don’t let distractions get in the way of having a memorable night. Turn off the phones, tv, and other devices and focus on having a good time with the other person. You may find that some issues can actually wait.

Brush up on topics to talk about and questions to ask

Last, but vitally important, talking with your partner and getting to know them more is highly essential for how to plan a romantic dinner. As time goes on with your loved one, you may feel that you have heard all the stories your partner has to tell. You may assume that you know how they think and feel about everything. But people change and change quite often. Don’t let complacency get in the way of building a good relationship. Ask deep questions. Engage in the absurd or silly. Make your words count. Some example questions include:

• Outside of your family and friends who is an idol to you?
• If you had the chance to change one moment in your life what would it be?
• How much does justice matter to you?
• Was there ever a time you doubted you were on the right path for your life? If so how did you change it?
• If you could go back in time to visit yourself, when would you go and what would you do?
• What’s been the most important political moment in your life?

Take time beforehand to select questions and topics to talk about. You never know where the conversation might take you!

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