Valentine's Day Italian Dinner for Two

Instead of joining the masses at a restaurant this Valentine's Day, whip up a romantic Valentine's Day dinner for two at home. This menu offers up great flavors for the perfect Valentine's Day dinner.

For an appetizer, serve artichoke bottoms topped with a puffed Gruyere cheese, followed by decadent Lobster Ravioli in a Brandy Cream Sauce, and end with Individual Ice Cream Cassata Hearts for dessert.

Set the Mood

Even though this table is for two, make the most of it with place cards, roses, and red glass accents.

Shop around for a set of red wine glasses to set the tone for your tabletop. If available, get matching red glass plates.

Try and find a red tablecloth and napkins for a dramatic setting. Bring the glasses with you, as reds are hard to match from memory. Or purchase a length of red fabric to use as an overlay on a white tablecloth.

Set your table with the red cloth and glasses, red or white dinner plates and napkins, and a simple white place card. Use your best silverware to complete the place setting.

Use red roses on the table and illuminate the setting with white or red candles. We love Julie Mulligan's romantic Valentine's Day decor ideas.

I love cooking up an Italian feast for my sweet, especially on Valentine's Day.  Here are a couple of my favorite recipes. Give them a try!