One of my most memorable Valentine's Days was a quiet dinner I organized for my husband at home. All I wanted was to have a fun, enjoyable and happy time and that was how it came to pass.

The expression on my Valentine's face when he walked through the door was priceless and shall remain with me forever. I'd never seen his eyes or smile so wide!

It had the desired effect I wanted including an evening filled with fun, laughter and great conversation.

I'd like to share this special Valentine's Dinner with you now and hope it gives you as much enjoyment as it did me.

What you'll need:

A white table cloth

Approximately 20 silver balloons

Silver ribbon for the balloons

Selection of white candles of differing shapes and sizes (unscented)

Several sheets of red cardboard (thin enough to cut)

Blu-Tack or other safe, removal adhesive

White platter for prawns (substitute if you prefer something else)

Small white plates

Ice and lemons for prawn platter

Two servings of French Fries

Seafood sauce for dipping

Bowl for prawn shells

Finger bowl with lemon slices (to wash fingers when peeling prawns)

Red paper napkins

Forks

Small Gold Stars

Ornamental opaque glass pebbles

Small posy of flowers (in case he forgets)

Small vase

Aromatherapy oil burner

Aphrodisiac essential oils of rose, jasmine and mandarin Cool, sensual music (soul music is great)

Setting the Mood and Table

Blow up all balloons, tie with silver ribbon around chairs, ceiling, anywhere in the area you'll be dining.

Cut out as many love hearts as possible from the red cardboard and stick with blu-Tack (or other safe adhesive - read instructions first) wherever you can and where you can easily removable it.

To set the mood place water in your aromatherapy oil burner and add some aphrodisiac essential oils; add 3 drops rose; 3 drops jasmine; and 5 drops mandarin. Light the tea light candle approximately 30 minutes before arrival.

Put tablecloth on table.

Using panache strategically group some candles together at one end of table.

Always use caution with lit candles - never leave the room unattended when burning candles, this applies to aromatherapy oil burners.

<p>Strategically place the remaining candles around the room. (I hate to be a killjoy but please ensure the candles are away from any flammable objects)

Position large white platter in centre of table; shell bowl next to platter then finger bowl with lemon slices.

Place red napkins and fork on top of smaller plates and positioned where you'll be sitting.

Bring out vase and flowers.

Place opaque glass pebbles around candle display on table and several around white prawn platter.

Sprinkle a small amount of gold stars on table for effect.

His gift:

A selection of fine chocolates

Bottle of red wine

2 red wine glasses

Red ribbon

Valentine's Day Card

Tie the two red wine glasses stem up, with red ribbon to the top of the wine bottle and place with Valentine's card on table.

Scatter chocolates on table

Just before he arrives:

Light candles

Check aromatherapy oil burner

Place prawns on platter as well as some ice and lemon wedges

Place seafood sauce on table

Have French fries almost ready to serve and waiting in the oven

Turn on the music and program to repeat

Take off apron

Take a few deep breaths and reeellllaaaxxxxx

If this doesn't impress him, he may be asleep, unconscious or he's finding a reference point of what is before him!

Here's to an evening filled with laughter, fun, and romance!

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