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Are you freaking out because you’ve decided to make your honey a huge romatic meal with little time or confidence to do it?  Calm down, take a breath, and read these five simple tips from FoodNetwork.com to help make your evening a memorable one without hyperventilating.

1. Avoid abandoning your valentine too long between courses by choosing dishes you feel confident about. Prepare as much as possible in advance and focus on enjoying dinner — not to mention the fun that’ll ensue after you eat!  
2. Set the scene for romance. Use your fanciest tableware, low bowls of floating candles, fresh flowers and a sumptuous tablecloth. Or, go exotic by decorating with tea lights, colorful place settings and a couple of comfortable cushions on the ground for seating.
3. Keep portions small and enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace to avoid feeling overstuffed on rich foods. (The goal here is to create a meal that excites — but doesn’t overload — the senses.)
4. If you both love to cook, plan and prepare the meal together. Designate one head chef to avoid arguments about techniques or taste. If you both love to lead, then just alternate years.
5. Little touches make all the difference. Try warming plates in the oven, adding elegant garnishes or selecting just the right stemware to set the mood

If you’re scrambling for more ideas, check out Food Network’s Valentine’s Day page on their website.  Your certain to find something to make your evening a memorable, and tasty one.

FYI-  You don’t need a partner to enjoy this day.  Why not go all out and celebrate your romantic independence?  Find a scrumptious, fancy meal that you would like to induge in and enjoy the best company of all, you!  Besides, if you only cook for yourself and you burn things, then no one will ever know.  It’s embarassment free!  You could also use this as a trial run for one of those times you are entertaining for a special someone.