The side dish should be the simplest part of the meal to prepare. Here, I like to prepare either fresh vegetables or some form of potatoes.

Some people think that in order to have a special evening for two, you have to go out to fancy restaurants and clubs. But if you really want to impress your significant other, it might be more meaningful to treat them to a night in and dinner by you.

I begin the dinner date process by breaking down the meal into four categories: main course, side dish, bread, and dessert. By breaking down your meal into categories it is easier to plan, by figuring out the prices, the time, and the space.

Bread is the staple of the meal. It is something cheap and traditional to eat at dinner. When buying bread, I try to find the freshest loaf at the store by lightly squeezing the end, whether it is a loaf, rolls, or a baguette. When preparing bread, there are several ways you can go about it, from simple toasted bread and butter, to bruschetta. Bread is also good for dessert with fruit or cheese.

The side dish should be the simplest part of the meal to prepare. Here, I like to prepare either fresh vegetables or some form of potatoes. If your grocery store has a lot of fresh produce or your feeding a health nut, then maybe a vegetable side is more suitable. Potatoes are an easy dish to prepare for beginner cooks and also can be cooked in many different ways.

Making your main course is often the most expensive part of the meal, but that does not mean the toughest. I find the main course to be one of the easier parts of the meal to prepare. Chicken, steak, burgers, and sandwiches are all good courses to prepare with a simple side. When shopping try to find the freshest fish or steaks to prepare and serve for the main course. Otherwise ground beef or turkey makes easy burgers and meatballs.

Dessert is the last taste your guest is going to have in their mouth, so it is crucial to leave them with an everlasting good taste. You do not have to over-due your desserts, simple and sweet can usually do the trick. Often a mix of cheeses and fruit can make a simple but tasty after meal snack. A personal favorite of mine is a toasted English muffin with cream cheese, jelly, and quartered strawberries on top; simple but delicious.

When setting up a dinner for two, it is usually best to keep the table spacious and simple. Instead of overcrowding the table, bring out each course separately so that your guest does not feel rushed to finish one and move on to the next. A nice setting and atmosphere can set up for a special night with your special someone.

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