In my latest article, I wrote about 5 Facts Everyone Should Know About Dinner For Two. In this week’s article, I write about 60 tips that you and your date can include to enjoy a wonderful dinner date together. Even if you and your date are not eating dinner, you can still use these 60 tips for any breakfast or lunch date you may have, even if neither of you will be eating that much or anything at all. It never hurts to plan a wonderful date!
- Look through recipes together and decide on one together before you need to do anything else
- Know about any food allergies. These can include allergies pertaining to nuts, dairy, gluten, even to eggs
- Also know about recipes that are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.
- Meal prep ALL the ingredients that are time-consuming and can be refrigerated or left in the freezer for a while.
- Know who will be in charge of what. (cooking, doing the dishes, etc.)
- If you are going out for dinner, agree on where to go before setting out
- Plan ahead for expensive dinner dates.
- Agree on who is paying for what and for how much.
- Make each dinner date special and unique by adding some changes where necessary
- If either of you wants to drink alcohol, you must both be cautious of each other’s intake and plan accordingly
- Try a new food item during each dinner date for a change and you may have a new experience to share with your date
- If eating outside, check the weather before setting out
- If enjoying a picnic together, you can pack before and make it a surprise, or you can pack together for mutual enjoyment
- Research the place you want to go for dinner and see if they have a 3 star or higher rating
- If the restaurant or diner is always busy, then it is a good place to go
- Check the bathroom too, and if it is clean, then chances are it is a good place to go
- Avoid food items that may make you feel sick afterward
- Be cautious of seafood and deep-fried foods
- Always ask to see how big or small something you ordered is because you may want to share it
- Avoid overly crowded places as you may not be able to hear your date properly
- Avoid places where there is no crowd since it may become too quiet and awkward
- Take advantage of specials
- Enjoy the holiday season by going out somewhere festive
- Always bring extra money just in case you want to splurge on dessert
- Always tip your waiter or waitress well
- Make sure you go to a place with music you like or turn on some music that you like
- Check for dim lit places, like candlelight, which can add some romance
- Be careful of large tables or very small tables, since you may either not feel close to your date or too close for comfort
- Always make sure you don’t elbow each other by knowing who is left or right handed
- Choose to sit either across, diagonal or side by side for optimal comfort
- Never forget your manners, since they ALWAYS matter
- Avoid overly messy foods, unless your date is getting the same, or doesn’t mind
- Always use your napkin instead of licking your fingers
- Try to limit any caffeine
- Be aware of whether you want to be in the smoke-free section
- Also be aware of whether or not either of you wants to sit in the bar area, in a booth, or at a table, even a table by a window or not
- Do not feel like you have to wait too long in line if you have other activities planned. You can go someplace else
- If your date is late, reserve their place
- Do not be rude to the waiter or waitress, especially if they are very busy
- You do not need to stay if you are not being waited on properly or if your order came back less than ideal. Simply pay and leave
- Ask how your date is enjoying their meal, this may give you clues about how they are enjoying their date with you
- If you are making dinner at home and you want to be the hostess, do not expect your date to want to clean up after themselves, since they are your guest
- Wait a while after dinner before cleaning up. Your date may want to digest their meal still
- Ask if your date is thirsty or wants an appetizer. This will help your date know what to expect when dinner is about to be served
- Don’t be afraid to talk while eating dinner together. A silent meal can be enjoyable, but so can a lively one
- If you have long hair, remember to keep it out of the way
- Keep your elbows off the table, it may make you seem rude
- ALWAYS say please and thank you for everything you or your date do for each other and for whatever your waiter or waitress does for you
- Never forget to smile and seem friendly even if you are having a bad day
- Flirt with your date and make their day a good one
- Comfort your date if they seem distant and uncomfortable
- Make each other laugh by being silly with each other
- Remember who will be in charge of the next dinner date, if one is coming up soon
- Plan ahead for an activity afterward if both of you want to and if both of you have time
- Or plan an activity centered around food or before you eat dinner together
- Talk about what you liked and did not like and be prepared for positive or negative feedback
- Make a note of places you liked and did not like
- Make a note of meals you both enjoyed and did not
- Make sure your date is safely home if they drank too much alcohol
- End the dinner date by planning another one soon so you both have another dinner date to look forward to together
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