How to Plan a Romantic Dinner at Home (2024)

When was the last time you and your partner had a date night? If it's been a while (and even if it hasn't), you may want to consider organizing a romantic dinner as soon as possible. "I always recommend that couples have at least one date night a week," shares Wale Okerayi LMHC LPC, a licensedmental health counselor. "This date night should be distraction-free with the opportunity to talk and spend qualitytime together. I recommend that you and your partner find a day during the week that works for both of you and then alternate who plans each date night. This way each week will be fun and you'll both have something to look forward to on a weeklybasis."

That being said, date night doesn't have to involve leaving your house and going to a fancy restaurant. You can easily set the mood and arrange a romantic dinner from the comfort of your home, especially if you're looking for a way to spend quality time with your love while sticking to a budget. Simply put, instead of pulling those less-than-appetizing leftovers out of the freezer, try and spice up both your plate and your love life with a romantic meal you and your significant other will never forget.

For those of us who don't have the chef's touch, however, it can be intimidating to plan a meal without knowing where to start. Luckily, making a heartfelt spread isn't as hard as it may seem (and it's easier to manage if you follow our expert-approved tips). So, ahead, we spoke with Okerayi, relationship expert Melissa Orlov, and relationship researcher Marisa T. Cohen, Ph.D.,CPLC for some guidance on what to focus on when planning a romantic dinner at home. Here's everything you need to know.

Clear Your Schedule and Set Ground Rules

Before getting into the specifics of recipes, flavors, and planning the meal, you'll want to set the stage for your romantic dinner by making sure you and your partner will be alone. If you have children, now's the time to call in that babysitting favor. Or, if you have a roommate, let them know you'll need some privacy.

It's also a good idea to set some ground rules: Try agreeing to a no-tech evening, which might mean turning off the television or putting phones out of sight. "Scheduling might sound forced, but it's a great way to protect your relationship from the huge amount of 'life' constantly coming at you," says Orlov. This will also help ensure that your dinner is more romantic and less of an organized meal, as keeping the romance alive in your relationship is essential to "avoid feelings of stagnancy," explains Okerayi. "Romance also adds a level of care and commitment to the day-to-day relationship, that will lead to more trust and love in the future"

Curate the Menu

Once you've confirmed the date of the romantic evening, it's time to plan the menu. Be mindful of whether fresh ingredients are in season, which can affect how easily you'll be able to source the necessary items on the list. Other things to consider include your dinner companion's dietary preferences and restrictions, like someone who prefers a plant-based diet or who has a nut allergy. "Being that our romantic partners play a large role in influencing our food choice, it is important that we are on the same page regarding eating habits and food prep approaches," says Cohen.

Since it's a special evening, planning to serve your significant other's favorite foods—or an improved version of them—is a great way to express how much you care. It might even be worth splitting that fresh lobster you've had your eye on lately, or springing for salmon or a high-class steak. Don't forget drinks and dessert, to boot: If your partner is excited by a certain red wine or brand of chocolate, it'll round out the meal to incorporate the things they enjoy most.

Stick to a Recipe You Can Easily Prepare

If the kitchen isn't your natural habitat, you can still try out new flavors without risking the quality of the finished meal. For example, choose a recipe with ingredients and preparation techniques you're familiar with: If searing the perfect steak is your forté, make it different by using new spices or marinades that add a unique taste. On the other hand, if you're more experienced with baking, an extravagant dessert can give your partner's favorite meal a special, sweet touch.

What's more, if your love is usually the one to serve up dinner in your home, they might also enjoy a romantic dinner that you cook together. "Not only is what we eat important to discuss but so is the way we choose to prepare household meals. Time spent together is an important part of relationships," says Cohen. "Agreat way to connect food and activities would be to cook with your partner. This would allow the two of you to come together to plan and execute a delicious meal."

Do Your Prep Work Well in Advance

Rather than waiting until the night before dinner to shop for groceries, getting the items on your list an extra day ahead of time can keep things on schedule. This is also helpful in case you come across any ingredients that aren't in stock at the local store. Additionally, be sure to check each detail to avoid any last-minute shopping trips: ice for co*cktails, a corkscrew for wine, or a lighter for candles. You may also visit your favorite local specialty market to find extra garnishments or side dishes that pair well with the main course.

Unsure of what other prep work you'll need to do? Create a playlist to set the mood, think of creative ways to decorate the dessert, make a list of décor ahead of time (like fresh flowers or a new tablecloth), set up your cooking station, and take out any serving dishes, cooking utensils, and cutting boards you may need. Also, start chopping vegetables and portioning them out to store in the fridge overnight. It may even be helpful to measure out the spices or other ingredients and locate the sauces and garnishments needed for the finished dish. If the main course is a protein, don't forget to season or marinate it early to bring the most flavor out when it's cooked.

Set the Mood and Enjoy Your Meal

On the night of your romantic dinner, let all of that anticipation and planning come to light. Start by setting up the table and any décor, and ensure that linens, silverware, wine glasses, and candles are set properly. Then, thoughtfully arrange your table with the meal you cooked, sit down with your partner, and enjoy your dinner. After all, being together is what matters, so even if the meal isn't worthy of a five-star restaurant, having a romantic evening with your significant other will still be a fun way to connect.

One final tip: Always remember that romantic dinners don't need to be forced; the more relaxed you are, the more fun your partner will have. The most important item on the menu is the two of you—so keep stress levels low and give yourself time to plan everything out. Entertaining is even better when the host is having a great time.