January 2023



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. 

P.S. Don't forget the flowers.