Let’s face it, as we get into January and early February, there’s not a lot of magic in the air. After the holidays have passed and the lights and decorations have all come down, all that’s left for most of us is grey skies, grey slush, and a touch of sadness. Christmas may have only been a few weeks ago, but it feels very, very far from the most wonderful time of the year.

If Valentine’s Day hadn’t already been invented, we would have invented it just to jolt us out of these winter doldrums. Here, in the dead of winter, we can reignite our hearts at a time when we need it most. With dine-in options still few and far between in 2021, preparing a dinner at home is the best way to go, but you can still make it a dinner unlike any everyday weeknight with special settings, lighting, and an unforgettable meal. Here’s how to create a romantic table for two this Valentine’s Day.

Candles

“Romantic dinner by candlelight” may seem like a stereotype or tired trope, but such concepts only get to that point because they work. Whether you’re trying to light the whole room or simply lighting a few well-placed centerpiece candles, the natural flames set this night apart from all the other nights you dine together. Avoid scented candles, though—as nice as they can be around the house this time of year, you don’t want the scents of the candles to clash with your meal.

Rhapsody in Reds

Red is the color of romance, and your table for two should reflect that with tablecloths and dinnerware in a variety of reds. For this, you won’t want to rely too heavily on a bright, fire-engine red. Instead, consider a deep burgundy or maroon for your tablecloth. Meanwhile, your plates and napkins can embrace brighter hues against the darker background. Because this is a special, one-night engagement, you won’t want to use the same plates you’d use on a regular evening. Consider disposable flatware and plates that will be unique and appropriate for Valentine’s Day, such as our red square set complemented by gold-colored flatware.

Centerpiece

A special centerpiece can be a big part of how to create a romantic table for two—especially if it’s of some personal and sentimental value. You can make your own centerpiece from scratch or use a store-bought piece as a starting point and customize it to make it a special part of your Valentine’s Day table. And unlike your disposable table settings, the centerpiece from your special meal can last well beyond the night.