Dining in the Garden of Eden

Romantic Dinner Ideas

Isn’t it wonderful that Valentine’s Day is in the middle of the winter? It’s such a great excuse to shut out the rest of the world and create a sanctuary where you and your loved one can reconnect. One of the most romantic ways to do this is by creating an indoor Garden of Eden. While this can be put together at the last minute, the more prepared you are ahead of time the better it will be in the end.

Here is a list of items that will make for a smooth romantic evening set in your very own Garden of Eden (fig leaves optional).

Important elements:

• Picnic basket
• Blanket
• Oversized pillows
• Plants
• Flowers
• Candles
• Champagne or wine
• Ice bucket
• Glasses
• Music
• Sensuous finger foods

If you are going to create this Garden of Eden in your home and you have children, make sure you plan to have them spend the night at Grandma’s house! Of course, setting up the Garden of Eden in front of the fireplace works nicely, but if you have space in your bedroom that works too.

If you and your loved one enjoy games, consider adding some to the night’s activities. A little variation to standard games can give them a whole new life. Some examples are Strip Poker or Sexy Scrabble. Another fun activity for the evening: blindfold your loved one and feed them various foods and see if they can guess what they are!

Below is an outline to help you get started and hopefully will provide some inspiration. Remember, this is all about you and the person you love so personalize as you go. Another thing to consider, choose foods that turn them on. For example, you might not think that chicken wings are romantic, but if he loves them then they can be. Just make sure you have a container to stash the bones in!

Step 1.
Gather all of your house plants into the area you have selected as your Garden of Eden. To give the best effect, use various size plants to form the perimeter of the space. If you don’t already have plants in your house this is the perfect excuse to buy a few. Growing and caring for indoor plants often times gives many a sense of pleasure, tranquility and peace. Not only do plants calm our souls, they also bring us good health by improving the quality of the air we breathe.

Step 2.
Next, layer on the blanket and pillows where the wining, dining, and games will take place! Use as many pillows as you can in varying sizes and pleasing fabrics.

Step 3.
A picnic basket filled with delicious fingers foods that are perfect for feeding to each other comes next. Since you are setting this up in advance and don’t have to worry about carrying it to an outdoor venue, any kind of basket or decorative box will work fine. Remember to include a tray, plates, and any utensils you might need.

Step 4.
Set up your wine or champagne close to your food basket. Include the appropriate glasses, wine cooler, and ice bucket.

Step 5.
Music will help set the mood. Making your own romantic play list ahead of time is ideal, so that once you hit play and you are set for the night.

Step 6.
Lastly, make sure you add a few special Valentine décor elements. This should include as many candles as possible and of course, no romantic setting would be complete without flowers.