Dining at home can be special if you put in the work. Whether you want to cook for a few friends or cook for that special someone, dining at home can be cheaper and more impactful. It shows that you care about someone. 

Moreover, dining at home can be fun! Not only one person has to cook, but it is something that anyone can join in. Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to make eating at home special without a doubt: 

1. Do your research
2. Make the most out of cooking at home when you cook with someone
3. Eating at home vs dining at home: How to create a better atmosphere
4. Make an amazing alcoholic beverage
5. Let the mood take you

Do your research

The success of your special night at home will depend heavily on how you plan. Don’t just “wing it!” Instead, plan out what you are going to cook and eat beforehand. Look up some fun and easy dinner recipes to make. Do this at least a day in advance to give yourself time to fully flesh out your meal plan.

Try to plan out a three-course meal including:

• Appetizer
• Main Course
• Dessert

After you’ve done your research, it’s time to head to the store. 

Don’t just shop at Walmart or Target, though. Try local farmer’s markets or grocery stores to select fresh produce. It will make the entire cooking process more authentic, especially if you are going with friends. 

Make the most out of cooking at home when you cook with someone

Although cooking solo can be fun, dining at home is much more special when you cook with someone. Working towards a beautiful meal that you and others will enjoy brings people close. Not to mention, a partner that can cook is pretty romantic. 

Use the cooking time to talk about how you are doing in life. Catch up on old gossip, talk about the future, and bond over how good melted cheese is. Play some soft jazz in the background or hardcore rock (whatever floats your boat), and focus on getting to better know the person your cooking with. If you really want to make it interesting, get a bluetooth speaker that puts on a light show such as the JBL Pulse 3. It’s a great trick for “setting the mood.”

In addition, give yourself plenty of time to cook. As mentioned above, you need at least a day to plan this out. Why? Because you don’t want to make the mistake of cooking into the later hours of the night. Start earlier than you think you should. You can always keep your items warm in the oven. 

Eating at home vs dining at home: How to create a better atmosphere

If half the battle of dining at home is cooking, the other half is creating a warm atmosphere. As mentioned above, use music to set the tone and get the conversation flowing. That’s not all, though. Try out some of these other classy methods:

• Use table cloths
• Light candles around the home
• Put flowers or a bread basket on the table
• Turn down the lights for a cozy atmosphere 
• Use the “Good Plates” you keep hidden away
• Eat outside

Be creative! Don’t be afraid to hang up some of your favorite decorations or dress up. It may be a night at home, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be classy. 

If you are doing dining at home with a loved one, a bottle of wine is always classy. If you are having others over, try to be the person who gets everyone involved at dinner parties. This is a must if you are planning a progressive dinner.

Make an amazing alcoholic beverage

Next up, make an after-dinner cocktail or indulge in your favorite drink. Have it close by so you never have to leave the table. You’ll be able to sit and talk for as long as you like. Look at the perfect nightcaps to spice things up. Try playing a drinking game to really make things fun!

Let the mood take you

After a long day of prepping, cooking, and eating, now it’s time to relax. Let the dishes wait until tomorrow and focus on the here and now. Take in the stars on your back porch, check out that Amazon prime original you’ve been meaning to watch, or dance the night away!

Who knew dinner at home could be so much fun!

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