A Romantic Dinner For Two

Whether you were introduced to him by your aunt, or found him on an internet dating site, you've got a guy you're really crazy about and you've offered to cook him a meal.

As soon as you made the offer, a thousand and one thoughts went swirling around your head; what do I make, is he allergic to anything, what if I burn something, do I even have a tablecloth? Relax and read on for some hints on making the perfect, at home, romantic meal for two.

Chances are that at this stage of your relationship you've been out to a restaurant or two. Take your cue from what he's ordered in the past, or just come straight out and ask him what his favorites are.

Don't forget to ask him if he is allergic to anything. After all, you don't want to service crab or lobster to someone who is deathly allergic to shellfish.

You should plan for a starter like a soup or salad. Follow this with the main course, which includes vegetables, meat or fish, and rice or potatoes. Accompany the main course by a wine you both like. Despite what you've heard about matching food and wine, it really doesn't matter, as long as it all tastes good. Finish with a dessert.

Once you've determined what you're going to serve, you'll need a recipe. Do yourself a favor and keep it simple. Dig out a cookbook, or jump online. The same way you can find a good guy through internet dating, you can also find great recipes. Just type the name of the dish into your search window and pick a recipe that's not too complicated or fussy.

Make a list of all the ingredients you'll need, and then go through your cupboards and your pantry to determine what you'll need to buy.

Plan your prep and cooking time to coincide with his arrival. You don't want to be slaving over the stove while he's cooling his heels in the living room. Get all your prep done ahead of time, so that all you have to do when he arrives is turn on the burners and give everything a stir once or twice while you both enjoy a pre - dinner drink.

Before he arrives, set the table. Use a tablecloth. If you don't have one, borrow, or buy one at your local dollar store. In a pinch, any type of cloth will do. I even used a (well laundered) white sheet once. Hey, with dimmed lights, he never noticed!

Use your best dishes. It doesn't have to be fine china; your everyday will do, but don't use the stuff with the chips and scratches.

Make sure that the cutlery is clean and polished, and add napkins, preferably cloth ones. If you use paper, don't use a paper towel, which just looks cheap.

Dress up the table with some flowers or a favorite plant. I've also used a small sculpture as a centerpiece.

For the finishing touch, add three of four tapered candles. Dim the lights, or turn them off altogether, and enjoy your romantic at home dinner!