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Intimate dinners out on the town to our favorite cozy and romantic restaurants – sitting in our tucked-away corner spots sipping on a tasty hand-crafted cocktail special, while waiting for our food is one of the many things I miss the most living in this new pandemic world of 2020. It’s a wonderful feeling when you get to sit and are pampered and made to feel special at a restaurant which is far different compared to cooking for yourself at-home seven days a week. I especially miss the sound of a lively restaurant and the socializing aspect of dining out. We’ve met some of the most fun people and have had some of the most interesting conversations during our years of exploring different culinary experiences.
Sure, I may be known for loving to re-create these memorable dining experiences at home whether for just the two of us or an intimate dinner with friends whenever we wanted to take a breather from going out to eat all the time. But, all of that is enjoyably more fun when done only on occasions. Otherwise, I find the novelty of it wears out real quick when spending everyday cooking at home for just the two of us, without the option to dine out.
More than anything, I miss so much the anticipatory joy of having a planned intimate evening out and the act of getting ready for such evenings. The sheer feeling of getting dolled up for the occasion… finishing the look with a spritz of a cherished gifted anniversary perfume, sliding into a favorite pair of heels, and grabbing the clutch on the way out the door is something I truly miss. That moment of looking in the mirror for one last look and feeling pretty maybe for the first time in a long time. Looking forward to an evening of happy memories to be made and remembered for years to come, maybe from the lively conversations exchanged with the couple at the table next to us, the occasional surprise special dessert sent to us from the chef, or the unexpected visit when the chef comes to chat with us at the table. Memories like these are what I miss the most from no longer being able to dine out anymore.
This year surely has given new meaning to what it truly means to slow down and live in the present. Settling into this new way of living is getting me to re-shift my focus and embrace the opportunity to create these meaningful moments in a whole new way at home for the two of us – adapting to being homebodies now during these times – enjoying right here and right now! And as such, I’m looking to renew my love of setting a table, even if it’s only for a golden harvest intimate dinner for two. And even though my cooking is nowhere near a Michelin star chef’s quality, what I may lack in culinary expertise, I make up for it in my attention to the most enjoyable touches of a special culinary experience, such as starting with an amuse-bouche, serving a tasty palate cleanser before the meal, and assuring beautiful plating is one of my absolute favorite staples when entertaining.
My not-so-secret weapon when it comes to creating an understated, simple yet, elegant table is in the details. Depending on the season or occasion, I rely on accessories that make a statement of style. In this instance, keeping with the fall season, I used the natural foliage branch clippings from my yard that started to dry out in my vases around the house and placed them right in the middle of the table as a runner atop of a neutral tablecloth that has shimmery gold threads running through it. I love all things that glitter. This coordinated well with my napkins, my gold-rimmed vintage plates, and cutlery, blush glassware, and the mix of shimmery mercury votive and candlestick holders with the flickering yellow twisted taper candles, that gives off this warm and cozy glow – adding that perfect intimate ambiance for our golden-hour dinners at home.
