In our busy lives, it can seem difficult to get dinner on the table on a regular day, so adding romance into the mix can seem next to impossible.  The key to making a romantic meal a part of your regular lives is meal planning.  Meal planning might not seem very sexy, but it is all about taking some time to prepare your meals so that you are in a better position to get food on the table for your family with the least amount of stress.  Injecting romance into your life is as easy as taking the time to pick a romantic meal, prepare as much as possible before dinner, simplify the food, set the scene and enjoy!

Choose a Romantic Meal

You will want to choose a meal that is romantic for you and your partner, which may or may not be a meal that is traditionally considered romantic. When deciding what to make, think back on your favorite meals as a couple. What did you eat on your first date? At your wedding?

It is hard to feel romantic when you eat too much, so you may want to stay away from heavy foods.  Here are some great suggestions of small plates and appetizers.  If your favorite meal is heavy, consider serving smaller portions.

Prepare As Much As Possible Before Dinner

The easiest way to ruin a romantic evening is to have a stressed-out chef.  You will want to make the food preparation as easy as possible so that you can enjoy the experience. The best way to set yourself up for success is to prepare your ingredients ahead of time. For example, you can set your pantry ingredients out on the counter, wash and cut your veggies, and measure out your spices.

Simplify the Food

Sometimes the simplest foods are the most romantic. Finger foods and items that you can share and linger over can foster a romantic mood. Some simple foods include:

• A loaf of fresh French bread and a selection of cheeses. Don’t be afraid to go beyond Cheddar, perhaps including softer, spreadable cheese like Brie and Havarti, or smoked Gouda.
• Veggies and Hummus
• Antipasto platter which could include a combination of marinated artichoke hearts and crumbled feta cheese, sliced salami or pepperoni, a variety of olives, a selection of different crackers, or a mixture of roasted nuts.

Set the Scene

An important way to shift the feeling from an ordinary day to a romantic one is to change the scenery. You can do this easily by making a few simple changes, such as:

• Time to yourselves – If you have children, wait to eat until they are in bed. This is a time to allow yourself to cook a different meal for your children!
• Eliminate distractions – Turn off the television and put away your mobile devices. Nothing kills a mood faster than someone checking Facebook on their smart phone.
• Use the good china. If you have special glasses or plates that you never use, now is the time to get them out.
• Change up the seating. This can be as simple as not sitting in your regular seats at the table or perhaps eating at your formal dining table. If you would like to create a more informal feeling, move your meal to the living room and eat on a blanket on the floor or sit on the ground and eat on your coffee table.

Meal planning for a romantic evening is the best way to ensure that you and your partner enjoy some special time together. This is the time to let the dishes sit in the sink for tomorrow morning!