How to Set Up A Romantic, Candlelit Dinner For A Valentine’s Day Date At Home

13 Feb 2023, by Danielle Slauter, min. read

A low-key Valentine’s Day can still impress your date. 💘

We don’t blame you if you don’t want to fight the crowds to have a dreamy Valentine’s Day dinner at a fancy restaurant. You can, however, still definitely have a romantic evening at home! Plus, you won’t blow your budget trying to woo your special someone.

Why not host your date and have a celebratory dinner at home for two? Our step by step guide will show you how to set up a romantic dinner at home, set a tablescape, plan a menu, and so much more. Just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Setting up a romantic dinner at home

So you’ve decided to go the at-home dinner route. While it might seem like a lot of work, once you break down the steps, you’re in for smooth sailing.

Clear your schedules: While it might seem obvious, you’re going to want to make sure each of you are free for the night. That means making sure your roommates clear out and ensuring no interruptions come up. It’s also might be a good idea to make it a no-tech evening, too.
Plan the menu: Now that you have the date all ironed out, it’s time to start working on the meal itself. Think about what your S.O. likes and what’s in season. It might be a good time to splurge on some fancy ingredients! Don’t forget to plan drinks and dessert, too.
One week away: If you’re not too used to cooking, it’s time to get acquainted with the kitchen. Start practicing the techniques used in the recipe. You don’t want to be stressed out while you’re preparing the meal.
Two days away: Time to go grocery shopping! Grab all the ingredients, make sure you have everything, and set anything out that needs to thaw. It’s also the best time to start working on extras like a romantic playlist.
The day before: Prepare as much of the menu as you can (as long as it will hold up overnight). That means setting out all your equipment, prepping ingredients, and decorating the table.
The day of: Ensure the table is set correctly and read through your recipe one more time. Then it’s time to start cooking and let the evening begin!

Cheap, romantic tablescapes

Setting a table doesn’t have to be an entire ordeal. It’s actually pretty easy, even if you’re working on a budget! A Valentine’s Day tablescape can be super romantic without breaking the bank.

Shop at places like Amazon or craft stores to get the most bang for your buck. You can get elegant looking pieces without going to high-end stores. Think things like candleholders, fancy stemware, cloth napkins, and patterned plates.

You can usually often buy in bulk at those stores, too. You’ll save more money that way. It also means you’ll have plenty of decor to set around the entire room, not just on the table!

Candlelit dinner setup

Setting up a candlelight dinner at home isn’t complicated, we promise. It doesn’t matter what kinds of candles you go with! But remember that the types of candles you pick set the mood.

Are you going with something timeless and classic like white tapers? Or maybe lots of little tea lights? Plan the rest of your decor around the candle centerpiece. Just avoid scented candles so the smells don’t conflict with the meal you’re serving.

Valentine’s Day dinner table decoration ideas

In need of inspiration for a Valentine’s Day dinner table? We’ve got you covered. Here are our best Valentine’s Day-themed tablescapes to impress your date:

Romantic & Moody: Skip the traditional reds and pinks. Opt for darker tones like purple flowers and black candles for a luxe and elegant look.
Leave a Note: Place an empty notecard at their place. Then, write each other notes and read them together at the end of the evening.
Warm it Up: Add some cozy blankets to the chairs for texture and serious snuggles. It creates a more intimate and relaxed feeling.
Print the Menu: Special occasions are are just that—special! Make it an event by printing off the menu to make it feel like you’re at a 5-star restaurant.

How to make a room romantic

You might be looking around your room and thinking there’s no way that you can make it look romantic. But there are plenty of tips and tricks you can enlist to make any room a little more intimate:

Soft lighting, like candles and fairy lights
Plenty of blankets and pillows
Subtle scents like vanilla and lavendar
Add some sheers on the windows
Create an intimate playlist to set the mood

Easy Valentine’s Day meal ideas

If you’re not used to cooking a big meal, cooking on Valentine’s Day can be a daunting task. Worry not, though—we’re here to help! We’ve linked up some of the easiest (and romantic) meals you can make to celebrate the most romantic day of the year: