A home cooked dinner can provide a romantic alternative to dining out on Valentine’s Day—and save you the hassle of making those hard-to-get (and expensive!) reservations. However, planning a menu for two is just one part of the equation. To truly take your dining-in experience to the next level, you must plan a special presentation as well. Here are some handy tips for styling your table for an exclusive dinner for two.

• Pick a theme. Traditional, elegant, modern or chic. Set your table to showcase your unique couple’s style. By selecting a theme first, you can make sure all elements tie together—from drinks and the food menu to the decorations.
• Select a color combo. Keep things simple by choosing a two-color palette. If you are going traditional, red and white are a tried-and-true Valentine’s Day combo. If you are going for an elegant look, pink and gold make a classic choice; while an alternative option, pink and parchment, provides a trendy touch.
• Center your selves. Nothing says a special occasion like a centerpiece. For a dinner for two, keep it simple. Create a romantic atmosphere by clustering several candles together. Select varying sized candles in the same color for an interesting but cohesive grouping. Flowers also provide an easy, yet elegant centerpiece. While a dozen roses can certainly set the tone, we suggest mixing it up—and often saving money—with lesser used buds. According to Turkish legend, scarlet tulips represent perfect love, or decorate with orchids to lend a tropical feel to your dinner—no matter your location. A pot of succulents, which are low maintenance but long lasting, can also create a romantic centerpiece, which can be enjoyed for months to come.

• The setting. Ready, set, go! Let your food be the center of the show by using simple plate settings. White plates are a classic choice that work well with anything. Add in glassware, silverware for all your courses, as well as cloth napkins in one of the colors you selected. Table set!
• Make it personal. Track down a bottle of the wine you shared on your first date. Lay a single stem of one of the flowers featured in your wedding bouquets across each of your table settings. Pick out a new frame and add a picture of the two of you to complement your table setting and second as a thoughtful gift for your sweetie. These little touches that have special meaning to your relationship will help make the dinner one to remember.