VALENTINE'S DAY - Dinner Party Ideas

The old saying the way to a mans heart is through his stomach well I think that holds true for women too! For Valentines Day try cooking an intimate dinner for two and see how happy your partner will be. In some cases a group of people for dinner will also be a great way to celebrate Valentines Day. What a great way to shine, showing off your cooking and entertaining skills.

Creating a dinner party for two or ten starts the same way, with a menu. First step is to review the space available for dinner. Is there room for a sit down dinner or would a buffet work better in your home or apartment. Second you want to develop a menu that won't keep you in the kitchen all night but at the table with your partner and friends. Third you want to plan a dessert that will be a grand finale to a fabulous evening or the beginning of a romantic night for two!

So let's start with the space, if you are planning a buffet the key would be to create a meal that does not require cutting with a knife. Items that work real well are rice, grilled shrimp or beef kabobs, salad prepared with bite size pieces of lettuce and pre-dressed, baked rosemary potatoes, purred soups, baked fish, should not be cut but rather flaked with a fork. The choices are endless it all depends upon the pallet of the guest or guests.

Start prepping early in the day so that you have plenty of time to tidy up the place and clean yourself up with out stressing. Keep in mind even if you invited a group of people over your partner will still be looking at you and thinking about how wonderful you are and what time the guests will be leaving. Set the atmosphere as warm and romantic as possible, fund upbeat music and candles work great. Remember its Valentines Day and it should feel that way for your guests or one special guest!

Valentine's Day Menus that are simple to prepare:

Buffet Menu
Grilled Marinated Shrimp or Beef Kabobs
Rice Primavera or Pesto Rice with sliced black olives
Salad, mixed greens dressed with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar
Basket of bread and sesame bread sticks
Chocolate Strawberry Sweets

Dinner For Six
Broiled pork loin with baked quartered rosemary potatoes
Steamed broccoli with lemon mustard sauce
Bread with extra virgin olive oil for dipping
Fresh Strawberries with whipped cream or cool whip

My Valentine Favorite
Broiled or grilled salmon or tuna with teriyaki marinate
Bok Choy with shredded carrot and sesame seeds
Steamed rice with a drizzle of olive oil or a tab of butter for flavor and to avoid sticking
Vanilla ice cream topped with a fortune cookie (either homemade or purchased)

Come to Dateable.com/simplydelicious to find these great recipes and more! The Valentines' Day menus will be also available by e-mail. Just send a blank e-mail to the gourmet@dateable.com :)

About the author: Roseanne Cantisani is a freelance writer and editor of dateable.com/simplydelicious, a web site dedicated to simple, healthy cooking. You can find articles, recipes, kitchen and cooking products, and a forum for any cooking or entertaining questions. If you like this article please sign up for the simply delicious newsletter at http://dateable.com/simplydelicious/or send an email to the gourmet@dateable.com