By Holly Bentz


The imagination holds the recipe to a sensual Valentine's Day 
tryst. With little time to innovate, scheme and prepare for the 
big V "day", the ingredients for an ultra-indulgent evening 
include the following:

· 2-Parts romance

· 1-Ounce of seduction

· 1 tablespoon of erotica

Romance

Although romance seems like a ladies' trove, a number of male 
closet romantics are running amok. To create a day of 
Valentine's allure, start by sending romantic clues. Either write 
a secret love note and plant it on his or her possession or send 
a text message to the one you love. The communiqué should 
hint at a fun place, activity or surprise the recipient can look 
forward to.

Example: You're bound to savor, the sumptuous dessert I've 
cooked up for you tonight. Carrying out the shtick could entail 
anything from dessert in bed, a blind taste test of several 
flavors to a romantic mystery hunt.

Seduction

Dating as far back as the beginning of kama sutra, the fine art 
of seduction has earned a reputation for requiring time, the 
stimulation of multiple senses and the development of passion. 
Start by building a shrine of candles throughout the room. 
Under a potpourri votive candle, warm eucalyptus and lavender 
to induce relaxation. As a unique gift alternative, design your 
own favor-gift cards, massage and intimacy coupons.

Example message: Redeem this coupon for a 30-minute 
massage. (Offer expires: March 14, 2007.)

Erotica

From provocative art work, sexy literature to a sensually 
motivating film, some couples require erotic inspiration. 
Integrate your Valentine's Day stimulus -- seamlessly. For 
example, if you're reading a naughty novel together, be sure to 
reenact the part entirely. Don't be afraid to stage the room to 
resemble the book's setting.

Plan a theme. Bring the luau to cold climate or winter to a balmy 
environment. If you live in a place like Chicago, plan a romantic 
beach picnic, in your living room. Stage as many settings as 
possible:

· Blanket

· Picnic Basket

· Candle

· Stars on the ceiling

· Palm tree plant

Think beyond the restaurant reservation. Dining out for 
Valentine's Day is cliché and conceptualized for couples who 
rarely have the opportunity to enjoy a meal outside of their 
home. As an alternative, order light hors d'oeuvres, conserve 
your energy and avoid food coma by not overindulging.

Valentine's Day gift idea Forget the flowers. click here.