valentine’s day romance – suggestion 4 – dinner and a movie

Now, I saved the best for last, well at least from where I am sitting. Dinner and a movie suggestion for a romantic evening at home is ideal in every sense of the word, if done right.

This suggestions would be best if, those with children, are able to find a sitter away from home and if one partner can surprise the other with it.

Rent a couple of the movies I have suggested above or others that you think are in line with a love story/romantic theme. Contact your local purveyor of fine foods or a restaurant to order a steak or seafood dinner for two.  I prefer  Dean and DeLuca’s Valentine’s Day Meal  from their menu here . They also carry a large selection of champagne as well as  sparkling wine or wines in general so it makes the planning easier.

Organize the living room or family room (wherever the television is) for the setting. Setting up the center coffee table with candles, flowers and fine china is ideal place to eat, while sitting on a bunch of pillows.

Just keep in mind some of the films have not yet been converted to blue ray or whatever new DVD type gadget there are out there, so order the films accordingly

valentines day romance – suggestion 2 – date day

Most people in their 40s have children or teenagers and since February 14th falls on a school and a work day, the fun of celebrating the holiday usually takes a back seat to soccer practice and piano lessons and work. So, I suggest celebrating it on Saturday or Sunday the 12th or the 13th instead just to get the most out of the holiday.

Again, these suggestions can be considered for birthdays and anniversaries as well.

First:  Make arrangements for a reliable sitter on either day you want to surprise your spouse or loved one with children.
Second: Clear your partner’s calendar for the day – make sure you pick the day with the least pre-arranged appointments for the children and their school events.
Third: Organize a slew of events or activities for the two of you to do for the entire day – this could be an entire day spent in the country or a metropolitan city, depending on where you reside – do the opposite. For example for those living in the bay area, consider a day spent in downtown San Francisco sightseeing, having afternoon tea, a museum visit or a show or dinner and dancing and if all goes well, spend the night in a hotel downtown.
Fourth: Take her to places she has never been or a special place the two of you went on your first date for dinner.
Fifth: Buy her a special small gift (souvenir)  from the place you decided to take her.
Sixth: Take a photo of the two of you in black and white and then frame it in a 4×6 silver frame.  Then place it on her nightstand the night before  Valentine’s Day, so that when she wakes up in the morning she could see it.