twosocialgraces's Blog

It's coming, folks. Sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, you have, by my count (which isn't always terribly reliable) about 21 days to make a plan. My next few posts will offer suggestions on how to enjoy (or survive) Valentine's Day, regardless of your relationship status. Whether you're the hearts and flowers type, or more inclined to shoot un-Cupidlike darts at photos of former loves, I promise you some sound advice on how to get through February 14 relatively unscathed.

Today, we'll deal with Valentine Ideas for Lovers:

-The Food:

Food has been linked to love since the first caveman dragged a brontausaurus steak into his lair. Legends about aphrodisiacs abound, from the Aztec notion that Montezuma sustained his virility by drinking vast quantities of liquid chocolate to Casanova's oyster habit. Amorous properties have also been ascribed to chilis, peaches, ginger, honey, mangoes, mint, vanilla, and figs, to name a few. However, the FDA says this is scientifically false; no biological evidence exists to support the notion that select foods beget canoodling. Be that as it may, there are certainly foods that create a romantic atmosphere.

Dinner at a restaurant can be lovely--but if that isn't in your budget or babysitting limits, never fear. Dinner at home can be wonderfully romantic. Besides that, if dessert means more than the chocolate torte, you don't have far to go. You won't risk dampening the mood with a traffic jam, flat tire, wrong turn, elusive valet, nonexistant cab, unavailable parking spot....

Some menu ideas:

Fondue--cheese, chocolate, or both; romantic and fun. You can have the whole meal on the living room floor, fire optional.

Heart shaped pizza--If making dough is not in your bag of tricks, purchase frozen bread dough in the supermarket or sweet talk your local pizzeria into selling you some of theirs. Stretch it out to a heart shape and top as desired. Bake on a cookie sheet or pizza stone at 450-500 for 15-20 mins.

Filet Mignon--have your butcher butterfly it so it is heartshaped; corny but cute!

A loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and thou.....European Picnic Food--unlike the American concept of a picnic, which involves large sandwiches, fried chicken, potato salad, and such like comestibles, our European brethren take a slightly more refined approach. Wine, bread, cheese, maybe some charcuterie, fruit, olives, some non-odiferous dips or spreads, and voila--a delicious, light repast that requires no prep and minimal cleanup.

If cooking is not your forte, by all means order take out--pizza and champagne--trust me, the heart shaped pizza and a bottle of Veuve were V-Day staples in my house for years, but you don't have to make your own.

As far as your menu selection, be careful to avoid overpowering garlic, raw onions, or anything likely to "disagree" with you and the object of your affection. If a Picnic in bed is your heart's desire, avoid the loaf of bread. Crumbs, you know. I personally am not a big fan of food in bed--not even breakfast--maybe this is my twist on "you don't eat where you...." but different strokes for different folks.....

The Gift:

Gentlemen, read the following sentence twice: Do not give your girlfriend A ring unless it is THE ring. You may think the band with aquamarine stones is perfect; she could easily be disappointed--or worse, misconstrue your generous gift for a marriage proposal. Do you really want to spend Valentine's Day (and a long time after) explaining to her that you thought the stones matched her eyes but you're just not ready for that type of commitment? If you want to do jewelry, go with a bracelet, necklace or earrings.

Consider your intended recipient. I once had lunch in a sushi bar on V-Day and watched a man empty a chocolate box into the trash and fill it with sushi rolls. (Whether I dug said chocolate out of the can a la George Costanza is really no one's business.) Now, he was certain that this would produce rapture from his girlfirend. I was not convinced--the love of my life has a strong survival instinct (or at a minimum, an ever -present need to avoid quantities of raw fish being flung at his person) so he would never present me with such a bait and switch--and I say this as someone who has sushi for lunch about once a week. The point is, think, boys and girls. If your honey hates chocolate and loves sushi, or if this is some inside joke, this might be a great idea. I don't know anyone like that, but they say there's a lid for every pot.

Husbands/Dads: There is no aphrodisiac for a woman equal to someone else making the plans--even if it involves a rain check and you celebrate V-Day late. Arrange the babysitter. Make the reservations. Choose the movie. (not Terminator 7 or anything involving explosions, terrorists, or Bruce Willis). Buy a gift certificate for a spa or salon visit. Make the appointment. Watch the kids while she goes. I promise she will be very grateful.

Make a Personal Coupon Book

These can be as naughty/nice as you like, or a combination thereof. For the naughty you will have to use your imagination; what happens in the bedroom (or living room, kitchen table, backseat, jacuzzi.....) stays there. Graces do not share details. For the nice, offer vouchers for tedious errands, cooking dinner, foot massages, laundry, "you pick the movie, I won't complain", get out of dinner at mother in law's, etc..

Coming soon: ideas for the unattached, V-Day for kids, and Spreading the Love through random acts of kindness.