Last year, for my first Valentine’s Day with a new boyfriend, I gave him a carefully prepared box with five smaller wrapped presents inside, each labeled with one of the five senses.
For sight, a DVD of a movie we’d spoken about wanting to watch together. For hearing, a mix CD of songs I loved and wanted him to know. For smell, a bottle of the cologne he liked, and on which he was running low. For taste and touch, a jar of chocolate sauce and a paintbrush to apply it. Our relationship was new and exciting, and the presents ranged from the almost thoughtless to plans for naughty fun together.
A year into our relationship, we still like naughty fun, and I have to get him another Valentine’s Day present. But how do I top my success from last year?
…I build on it. The five senses again, this time used in a romantic dinner for two.
Sight Something to look at, obviously. Me, across the table, dressed up not just for him, but because I like the way I feel when I’m dressed to the nines. Whether that’s a strapless evening gown (such a hassle when I’m cooking, and what a pain to swoosh around in the full skirt, but I love how it feels when we dance together), a little black dress, or just your favorite pair of jeans and a nice sweater. Get your head out of the mindset that this is just for him. It’s for both of you.
I also like setting the table. I’m no Martha Stewart or Carolyne Roehm, but why not take out the placemats my sister gave me as a housewarming present, with matching napkins and heavy metallic napkin rings? Add a centerpiece—flowers, if you want to be traditional (also, good for the sense of smell!), a glass bowl of red ornaments you haven’t gotten around to putting away yet from Christmas, even a dish of candy. Add candles in an assortment of sizes and shapes, and your table can match the fabulosity of yourself.
Sound Why mess with a good thing? That CD I gave him last year, with songs both us can listen to and enjoy, mixed with songs that have come to mean something for the two of us over the past year. They don’t need to be sappy, although “You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt certainly is. I’m also thinking about Christina Aguilera’s new single “Candyman,” and Fiona Apple’s “Extraordinary Machine,” and more like that.
Also, conversation. If there’s a topic you always talk about when you’re together, try something different. Promise not to mention work, or your shopping plans, or quote the same few movies you always quote to each other. Then again, the important thing is that you’re talking to each other, so just enjoy that.
Smell There’s going to be an overlap between smell and taste, but I still like to think of them as two distinct parts of the whole. The smell of garlic bread cooking is anticipatory, and maybe you want to think ahead to dessert, too. Cinnamon rolls, or crumb cake. Snickerdoodles…
Sorry, I got distracted. Where was I?
Taste You’ve got your delicious smells wafting from the kitchen, now for something yummy to eat. I’m not a gourmet chef by any stretch of the imagination, but that aforementioned loaf of garlic bread (sold frozen in most supermarkets), fresh ravioli (I like Buitoni), and a jar of spaghetti sauce (I love vodka sauce myself), heated up and sprinkled with some herbs and spices to taste, combine in an easy meal that doesn’t require the coordination of a drum major to prepare. And both items can be ready to serve at the same time.
But that’s just me! Find a meal you love and make it together. Or call for delivery from your favorite Chinese restaurant or Mexican place. In any case, enjoy a meal with each other.
