4 Easy Ways to Elevate Your Dinner Date at Home

You and your partner have been waiting for the special evening to share together. Just the two of you at home, enjoying each other's company. However, how do you take this from a simple dinner date at home to something more elegant that your partner will be talking about for a long time to come?

Before you settle for just another night with takeout and a glass of wine, follow these 4 tips for simple ways to take your dinner date at home from average to unforgettable. 

1. Splurge on Lobster

It's easy to understand why the food may be one of the most important parts of a dinner date. You need to be careful about what you choose. 

If you choose something complicated, one misstep could ruin the night's meal. But even if all goes according to plan, you may just spend most of the evening stressing about and cooking the meal and less time enjoying your partner. 

The solution: lobster. The lobster price may be high, but considering how easy it is to cook (let it boil and enjoy with a buttery dipping sauce), how delicious it is, and how impressed your partner will be, it's easy to see why it's a top choice for a romantic dinner date at home. 

2. Be the Bartender for the Night

Red wine is easy: uncork and pour. But it's also so expected and simple that it's easy to accept and forget about. But if you whip up a specialty cocktail for your partner, they won't soon forget it. 

While there are elaborate cocktails out there, you can also create a fabulous drink with 3 or 4 ingredients in a few minutes. Either search for some of your favorite, easy cocktails or create an original with a few juices and your favorite alcohol. If you have the time, perform a few experiments and find your signature drink. 

Once you have mastered your drink of choice, you can even make your own pre-mix. Mix some of the basic ingredients, so when you're ready for another round, just add the alcohol and perhaps a garnish, and it's ready to go without having to spend too much time bartending in the kitchen. 

3. Add Some Plating 

You've worked hard on preparing a meal that you and your partner will love. Now, don't ruin the delicious food with poor presentation. 

Of course, your partner will appreciate the meal no matter what. But food that looks good can actually help it taste better. And luckily, plating and presentation may not be as difficult as you imagine. 

One of the easiest ways to improve your plating is to add garnishes. This immediately adds a new texture to the plate and colors for a beautiful contrast. And your partner will immediately notice there extra care you put into plating and will be appreciative. 

4. Adjust the Lighting

You may be accustomed to your one harsh overhead light, but it could still be having more of an effect on your romantic evening than you realize. 

Lighting can significantly influence our mood. And while harsh, bright lights may keep us on edge, cool, soft lighting is shown to relieve stress and promote a state of relaxation. And when you're enjoying an evening with your partner, you want to feel relaxed. 

So turn off the bright overhead light and either bring in a few lamps or candles. This will set the mood as you enjoy each other's company and your delicious, beautiful food. 

Enjoy Your Date

You've done everything you can to set the mood and make the night special. Now make sure you enjoy it! Don't stress over the little things to make the evening perfect. As long as you put some effort into the night with these simple tips, your partner will notice. Now you can focus on the person you love and this special night together.