Valentine’s Day The Savvy Guy’s Guide to
Seven tips to make your lady love’s day perfect! BY JUDI ROTHENBERG
1. Make a reservation
Nothing impresses a gal more than a “man with a plan.” Be that man and reserve a table for two at one of New Jersey’s many romantic restaurants. All you have to do is pick up the phone. Do not say to her, “Whatever you want to do is fine.” It is not fine; she wants you to plan the evening.
2. Make a reservation
There’s a reason it’s number one AND number two. It’s important. Do it. And don’t forget, if you have kids, book the babysitter too — even if it’s her mother and they talk five times a day. Make the call yourself.
3. Chocolate
This is tricky; if you buy it, will she be mad at you for tempting her? If you don’t buy it, will she be mad because you’re implying she shouldn’t have it? I don’t know. She’s your lady, not mine. Recommendation: a small amount of high caliber chocolate is a good choice — do not go to CVS
28 NJSL | FEBRUARY 2009
and buy a 15-pound heart shaped box and think you’re a prince for buying the biggest one in the store. In this case size doesn’t matter, quality does. For those who plan ahead, order online. Procrastinators can pick up the chocolate in person.
4. Flowers
It’s hard to justify roses on Valentine’s Day when the price skyrockets on the 14th (NOTE: VALENTINE’S DAY IS FEBRUARY 14.) Instead, send them a week or two ahead with a note inviting her to dinner (you know, the place where you made the reservation). The price will be lower and you’ll be seen as romantic, not chintzy. Extra points: Send them to the office so all her co-workers will see what a swell guy you are.
5. A Gift
Not necessary but always appreciated. At a loss? THE GREY DOVE in Livingston will help you navigate through jewelry, handbags and accessories to find the perfect gift. And they’ll wrap it for you in spectacular fashion. Presentation is everything! Or take her to ROSEMARIE ETCETERA in Flemington and let her choose an outfit for your date. (Rosemarie will do all the work while you sit in a comfy chair. Just nod approvingly and cheerfully proffer your credit card.)
Far left, from the Anastasia Lace collection, an 18 karat gold necklace with garnets and rubies, around $3,000 at www.katrina kellyjewelry.com. Left, wrapped gifts from The Grey Dove.
Cindy Stern
Suggestions: ENJOU CHOCOLAT, Morristown, offers a milk chocolate cherub with red foil hearts, www.enjouchocolat.com; ROSE CITY CHOCOLATES, Boonton, has rich Belgium chocolate (including assortments for vegans), www.rosecity chocolates.com; chef CRAIG SHELTON’S GASTRONOMIE CHOCOLAT COLLECTION features six hand-crafted chocolate delights, including the classic French bonbon and truffles with green tea, wasabi, lemongrass and mango. www.chefscoffee.com, and OLIVER KITA has dark Valrhona chocolate shoes with sprays of sugar gum paste roses, www.oliverkita.com.
Below, chocolate shoe from Oliver Kita.
What about him? Does he really want a tie or cologne? We asked a few NJSL male readers what they’d like for Valentine’s Day. Here’s what they said: “Some serious champagne, like Dom Pérignon, my wife and three hours alone.” — Bruce K. “A limousine picking my wife and I up at home (after bringing a babysitter to us) and taking us to a small romantic restaurant where, naturally our favorite cocktails are waiting for us… our song, "I Only Have Eyes for You" is playing. We have a wonderful gourmet meal. The limo takes us home to find our kids asleep as we crawl in to our preheated bed…If that isn't possible, then a night at home without any kids would do just fine.” — Burt S. “…a gift certificate to Borders” — Bill I. “…the 15 pound heart shaped box of chocolate from CVS. More is always better.” — Dan T. “…my wife to like what I get her!” — Rick R.
6. A card
It doesn’t have to be poetic or insanely mushy — humor is good too. Just be sure to read it, sign it, and put her name on the envelope (yes, some people do have to be told).
7. Empty the dishwasher
Load the dishwasher. Empty the dishwasher. Do it as many times as you have to, so your kitchen will be clean when you return from your romantic dinner. Nothing kills the mood like a pile of dirty dishes. This is called foreplay and it really works. Feel free to use this tip year-round.
NJSL 29