Guys: Start planning now for Valentine’s Day

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Frank Kourt

January 18, 2012

By Frank Kourt Home & Garden Guru The Richmond Register Wed Jan 18, 2012, 10:00 AM EST

MADISON COUNTY — Some guys get a bad rap for being “unromantic,” especially around this time of year.

Sometimes, that reputation is undeserved, but, unfortunately, oftentimes it has more than a ring of truth to it.

In the interests of the male gender, here are some tips on making this a romantic Valentine’s Day for the lady you love.

First, just because the day may be no big deal to you, don’t assume she feels the same way. We are bombarded with romantic images and gift suggestions at this time of year, so don’t assume she’s not going to notice this most romantic day on the calendar!

Women are people and people crave recognition and acknowledgement. Here’s your chance to make a great day for both your lady love and yourself.

If you’ve got young children in the home and you plan on a romantic evening there, figure on a romantic dinner for just the two of you to be serve after the kids are in bed. If older children make that impossible, it is best to get a sitter and plan for a romantic evening out.

If you’re planning dinner out, make reservations at a nice restaurant well in advance. It’s Valentine’s Day, for heaven’s sake, so a lot of places are going to be crowded, and you want to make sure you get a nice table.

If you’re staying in, you have to set the mood.

Off with the tacky plastic tablecloth! Bring out a linen cloth, with napkins to match. Set the table with your best “company” dishes and flatware. It’s a special occasion, after all!

Candles are a must, whether tall tapers, or several smaller candles, matching, of course, placed about the table. Candlelight says romance like nothing else!

You’re going to want to have something romantic on the stereo. You pretty much can’t lose with anything by Sinatra. Romantic ballads such as “The Way You Look Tonight” are his specialty. Likewise, you can’t go wrong with most anything by Johnny Mathis. If you want to be more contemporary, crooners Michael Buble or Harry Connick Jr. might fill the bill. If you’re a country music-kind-of-couple, check out Willie Nelson’s “Stardust” CD.

Whatever your choice, make sure it’s romantic or carries romantic memories for both of you. (Most couples have “their” song.)

If you’re dining in, it goes without saying that you’ll be doing the cooking AND the cleanup. Don’t panic here. Even if you’re not exactly skilled in the kitchen, you can whip up something appropriate with a minimum of fuss and expertise. See my “Food Dude” column in the Feb. 8 edition of The Register for help!

As for gifts, flowers and candy are synonymous with Valentine’s Day. You can get yourself a dozen red roses without breaking the bank, since most grocery stores offer specials this time of year. Bouquets that include greens and baby’s breath make a nicer presentation than just plain roses, but get what

fits your budget. If your lady works, and you can afford it, order a dozen red rose bouquet to be delivered at her place of work on Valentine’s Day.

You’ll score BIG points, and she’ll be the envy of all her female co-workers!

Candy is almost a no-brainer. They have really nice heart-shaped boxes. Get something you know she’ll like.

Most women appreciate jewelry, and if budget permits, go for it!

A gold heart locket is a good choice unless she already has one. If you’re thinking about buying a ring and you don’t know her size, try to sneak one that she regularly wears from her jewelry box and take it with you. The clerk will easily be able to determine the right size.

When purchasing fine jewelry (the stuff they keep locked up in the display cases), never expect to pay full price. In a timeless ritual, the clerk will look at the marked price, grab a convenient calculator, fiddle with it for awhile and tell you the REAL price. Have it gift-wrapped.

Now we come to the tricky subject of lingerie.

First of all, you’ve got to know the lady well enough to buy this stuff in the first place.

If you’re going that route, again take your cue from her. What does she wear to look seductive? Depending upon the individual, it might be something that is sheer, but elegant. On the other hand, she might be a black and red lace minimalist “Victoria’s Secret” type.

If in doubt, go with the sheer and elegant. Just stay away from flannel!

Do not buy something that would normally be used for the house. Come home with a vacuum cleaner or a blender, and I can’t be responsible for what happens next! Make it personal – something just for her.

Don’t forget a card, the mushier the better. After all, this is someone you love!

That’s my primer on Valentine’s Day for guys. If you follow this advice, I’d almost guarantee you a happy one!

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