One of my pet peeves is trying to make dinner reservations on an evening when 90 per cent of the general population is also trying to do the same.

You may be able to perform this feat without pulling out your hair, but if bustling crowds and hurried serving staff are not your idea of romance, staying in for a romantic dinner can be accomplished with little effort and some creative planning. To achieve this successfully, we will focus on three areas: the menu, the table setting, and the room environment.

The menu does not have to be complicated, but it should be meaningful. Your effort should reflect your compassion.