Valentine’s Day: First Dates Made Great!

If you're lucky enough to have scored a first date on Valentine's Day, congratulations! The air is swimming in romance and there you are, wondering how to make this a stand-out day for you and your lucky date. Where to begin? Why, the basics of course!

The key to a first date on Valentine's Day is not going overboard. It's your first date and it should be about conversation, laughter and getting to know one another, not gifts, elaborate planning or trying to celebrate an anniversary that hasn't even happened yet. Relax and we'll walk you through the basics and keep you on track for a great time:

Reservations are a MUST. Valentine's Day is a high-traffic day for restaurants, so make reservations as early as you can. In fact, some restaurants that don't generally accept reservations make exceptions on big holidays. It may take you a couple phone calls to get a venue, but don't give up. Inquire about any prix fixe menus (set menus) they may have for the occasion as well.

Offer to Pick Up Your Date. Safety is a big concern in this day and age, so simply offer to pick your date up. It's kind and gives your date the opportunity to decline and offer to meet you at your destination of choice.

Flowers? Lovely! Ladies and gents alike - there's nothing wrong with a simple long-stemmed rose as a greeting for your Valentine's Day date. If you're feeling like a dozen roses or a bouquet, that's grand as well. Don't feel pressured to go overboard on date one, though.

Extras, Extras. Done with dinner? Try a walk in the park or a trip to the waterfront to stare at the night sky. Grab an ice cream cone or find a little place well-known for its desserts. Feeling quirky? Go grab a root beer float or slice of apple pie at that legendary diner in town. Be unpredictable yet not overbearing and your evening will end on a delightful note (with a second date in your near future!).