DINNER DATE IDEAS

When it comes to spending some quality time with your man, who wants to waste it waiting for a table at a packed restaurant or straining to hear the movie over the voices of loud teenagers in the theater? Plan a romantic dinner at home, instead! No traffic, no sitters: Just you and your honey enjoying some much needed alone time after the kiddos are in bed. Here's how to plan a romantic dinner date at home.

 

• Rent a few sexy movies (think Unfaithful or 9 1/2 Weeks), share a throw blanket and curl up together on the couch.
• Uncork a bottle of wine, light a fire and dim the lights. Sit on the floor in front of the fire, chat and offer him a back massage. You can take it from there...
• If you've been together for the long haul, pull out some old photo albums and reminisce about the "good old days."
• Up for a little competitive fun? Pull out a two-player game such as Boggle or an interactive DVD game such as The Newlywed Game. Adjust the rules accordingly for the two of you.
• If the weather allows, move your date outside. Bring a blanket, cuddle up and stare at the stars. A rich chocolate or mocha liqueur is the perfect accompaniment to stargazing!
• If you both love to dance, why not turn your living room into your very own private dance floor? The best part? The DJ (your iPod) will play all your favorite songs.
• If you don't have little ones sleeping at home, take a late-night stroll around the neighborhood. Walk close, hand-in-hand.