Plan a perfect Valentine's Day!

It's Valentine’s Day and what better way to show your love for someone than a perfectly planned day, complete with all the right ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your V-day with that special someone memorable.

Ambience

Ambience is the first thing that affects the mood. So if you’re at home, make sure that it is neither too cold nor too hot. You can also have beautiful paintings around to give a classic feel. Food and travel expert Jasmine Sahney says, “Ambience plays a very important role in setting the mood right. Everything else comes later, but the senses react first to what is happening around. You can control the conditions at home, but if you plan to go out, there is not much you can do.”

Food

Jasmine points out, “Bad food can ruin the mood, so the last thing you want is to order or cook something which doesn’t please your partner's palate. One should avoid spicy food and onions. Even food with strong smells like French cheese must be avoided. If you know your partner well, then you must not forget what his or her preference is. It would certainly elevate their mood.”

Cakes and celebrations

Delhi based baker Kajal Karni Bajaj has an interesting idea when it comes to expressing love through sweets. “The flavour of the season is fresh strawberries with custard. We also do chocolates and strawberries which are very romantic. All you have to do is dip the strawberries in melted chocolate. It's simple and can be done at home as well,” she says, adding that cake pops or cupcakes also work. While baking a whole cake can get a little too much, little bite sized cupcakes can convey your message too. Kajal suggests heart shaped cupcakes to make it look even better.

Music

There are two age groups who typically celebrate Valentine’s Day — those who are in their 30s or 40s and the younger crowd in their 20s.  Now, if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, avoid resto bars with DJ nights as they can make it difficult for conversations to happen. However, if your partner likes to dance and enjoys good music, a resto bar is probably the best place to hang out for a night of fun and dancing.

For the sweet tooth

And in case you feel that Valentine’s Day is incomplete without a gift, there are some special eateries in town that can deliver handmade cakes and platters.

Scuti by Shreya — Delhi based baker Shreya, who now lives in Hyderabad has some healthy Valentine's Day options. She says, “We have granola bars which are healthy as well as delicious and wholesome.” Besides these, macaroons in a range of flavours, tea loaves, cupcakes, fruit gateaux with chantilly cream and exotic fruits are also on offer. Conçu — Swati, the owner of the bakery says, “Chocolate coffee cake with vanilla and butter cream is selling big time right now. For food, we are doing a special Valentine’s Day pizza with Italian olives and cranberries. We are also doing a platter for two just for the occasion. Apart from this, we have chocolate dipped strawberries and fruit and nut chocolate bars that can be pre-ordered.”

Drinks

While champagne with strawberries is a Valentine's Day classic, Chef Sudipta Saha suggests some of the best drinks to make the night memorable. “There comes a point in every woman’s life when the only thing that helps is love and a glass of rose champagne,” he says poetically, as he adds, “The other good drink is called Flame of Love. It is based on gin, elder flower liquor and rose champagne. It is not too strong and sets the right mood.” For those who do not drink, he suggests sparkling berry punch, a Peach Bellini or a non-alcoholic Sangria.