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As Valentine’s Day draws closer, the general hum begins as everyone discusses what they’re going to do on that special night. People pour over which reservations will be the best, which gift will make that special someone glow with happiness, and which gourmet chocolate gifts will say “I love you” most uniquely. Add in ordering flowers that somehow doubled in price overnight, maybe a
candy bouquet or two, and a stop at Hallmark to search for the card that says everything just right.
But let’s face it – going out on Valentine’s Day has more than its fair share of hassles. Reservations book up quickly, anywhere that takes walk-in diners has waits of hours, they add extra tables so you’re packed in like sardines, the waiters are harried, the menu is limited and often lousy…need we say more? This year, instead of dealing with all of the rigmarole of eating out on Valentine’s Day, why not take one stress point out of your planning and schedule an intimate dinner party at home with a few close friends instead?
 Start the evening with a light but gourmet appetizer – no one wants to be full to overflowing on Valentine’s Day. Something that requires little preparation on your part is a beautifully arranged shrimp cocktail. Try to jazz up the cocktail sauce with a bit of orange zest and a splash of orange sauce. It’s a great foil to the horseradish, and balances the sauce quite nicely. Another great pairing to ready ahead of time would be a mix of lemon martinis. The lemon will perfectly accent the orange in the cocktail sauce and start everyone’s evening off wonderfully.
For dinner, again, light is the key. This time, why not try chicken mole for the entrée. The chicken will be light enough to keep everyone from getting stuffed to the gills, and the mole sauce will have a hint of spicy and sweet to keep the evening interesting. Add a great rice and grains dish on the side, and a large leafy salad to even things out. Some chefs insist that adding beets to a salad and then sprinkling the top lightly with chocolate (preferably a bittersweet cocoa) makes the taste of the beets absolutely sing.
Once dessert rolls around, it’s time for the romance of the evening to come into full bloom. You can turn down the lights, light some candles, and relax as a group in the sitting area. To help keep everyone relaxed,
try pairing a Tawny Port with Perugina Baci chocolates. Each Perugina Baci gourmet chocolate comes wrapped with a small love note.
If the group is comfortable, a great way to wrap up the dinner is to have each person read the love note wrapped around their chocolate and recount a memory that it conjures from their respective courtship.
Before everyone arrives, make sure the sitting area is arranged to give each couple plenty of space for dancing. Turn on your favorite romantic music and let each couple dance and sway their cares away. It’s the perfect way to cap off the evening and allow each couple a few moments of relaxing privacy before they return to their homes and their every day lives.
At the end of the evening, your entire dinner party will leave feeling relaxed and inspired for romance. Much better than a crowded restaurant or commercial party. After all, isn’t the point of Valentine’s Day to enjoy the one you love and show your appreciation for the little things they do?
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