10 Ways to get the sparks flying on romantic occasions

Sometimes the reality of day-to-day life can grind the romance out of even the most loving relationships. That’s why you should seize every opportunity to fan the fires of love to get the sparks flying again. And there’s no better time to celebrate romance than on your anniversary or Valentine’s Day.

Romance is not only for the young. Even mature couples, in fact ESPECIALLY them, should be big on romantic celebrations. After all, your partner has been your soul mate, lover, friend and biggest supporter for a long time.

If you’re planning to pull out all the stops to celebrate your love, here are some ideas to add more spice to the occasion.

1.  No routine stuff on days set aside for romance.

Ban any unnecessary mundane tasks.
And, of course, this is no time to wear sensible underwear.

2. Touch his heart by engaging all the senses

• Touch
• Taste
• Sight
• Sound
• And smell

3. Create anticipation
Tell your man in advance that you’re organising something special. That way he knows he’s off the hook. But don’t offer too many details. Keep him guessing.

On the day of the event, send a romantic text message, or secretly pop a note into his pocket or wallet. Hint at what’s in store, but maintain an element of secrecy until the final moment.

4. Make it feel like a date
If you have booked a show or dinner, arrange to meet up at the venue. . . Even if this means that you need to get dressed for the occasion at a friend’s place.

Give instructions about what your partner should wear and tell him where to go. Give cryptic clues. Tell him to “look out for the brunette in red who will show you where to go after you arrive at the venue”, or “the woman in jeans and a blue shirt who will be waiting for you at the table near the stairs”. That means you of course!

If you’ve been together for years, make a point of reminiscing about your first date – or when you first fell for one another.

5. Picnic in a secluded spot
You may be lucky enough to live close to a safe, secluded beach or park. But even a little nook in the garden or corner of your living room can double up as a picnic spot– especially if you’re parents of small children and can’t find someone to babysit.

Lay out a rug with giant cushions, candles and maybe even a few balloons. Prepare a picnic feast, and pack it all in a picnic hamper in advance. You may want to look for some really exquisite, sexy foods you can hand-feed to one another – like crayfish or oysters.

When the time is right, have your man open the picnic basket. Naturally you’ll be wearing one of his favourite outfits and there’ll be soft mood music playing in the background.

6. Organise a treasure hunt
At the entrance to your home, hang a tag over the door handle (once you’re absolutely sure it’s your man’s car pulling into the drive) saying for example:
“Hi Honey,
 Inside you will find a Wedding Anniversary (or Valentine’s Day) Extravaganza waiting for you – with three treats specially chosen to spoil you.
Follow the clues.
 I love you and good luck.”

A trail of rose petals, arrows, or whatever can then lead him from the entrance . . .

. . . To the bathroom; where a soft fresh towel and maybe a gift like a white towelling dressing gown or fragrance can be waiting for him. (At any of the points you can present gifts.)

A note stuck to the mirror can say “Well done, you’ve found treat number 1. Have a shower, and then look in the drawer top right for your next clue.”

The note in the drawer can then lead him . . .  
. . . To the dining room, candlelit, with places set for two and chilled wine in an ice bucket.

A sign on the table can say “Enjoy the food! You’ve found treat number 2.”
That’s when you appear - looking gorgeous - with the first mouth-watering plate of food.  

After dinner a card, placed on top of your man’s after dinner mint say, can offer the next clue.
“Now find Rover. Around his neck there’s a note with a destination. Head there and collect the bottle of oil then go and lie down, so you can enjoy treat number 3 - a relaxing massage.”
(Hopefully Rover can be found.)
I’m sure you get the picture.

7. Hold a blindfold dinner
That’s when you get to blindfold your man after you’ve prepared a selection of his favourite foods plus a few new treats - and have him guess what they all are as you feed him and yourself.

To add more pleasure, before the love feast starts, gently clean your beloved’s hands with a fragrantly steaming towelette (a la airways style).  

In South Africa, some specialty shops sell paint-on chocolate. Blindfolded you could get him to . . . The sky’s the limit. Let your imagination run wild. Why not?

8. Arrange a love fondue
Using two pots – one with oil and one with melted chocolate, prepare a romantic fondue for the two of you. Find a low table and instead of chairs use comfy cushions. Create mood with low lighting and mellow background music so the two of you can just chill and take your time eating and enjoying quality time together.

Go all out to create a fantasy “Love Potion”. Find fruits and goodies to dip in the chocolate that bring romantic love to mind - pink marshmallows, strawberries, cherries or anything yummy cut into heart shapes.    

Be warned - some men really don’t enjoy fondues!  In which case a Mongolian barbeque could be an alternative as it’s also something you can prepare in advance, and have the experience of cooking together.

9. Plan ahead & give your man some eye candy
As most savvy wives know, men show love and like having it shown to them differently to us. One of the main differences is that we’re not all that big on the visual stuff. They are.  Here are three eye popping gifts you could give your man. (South African residents only):

- Adele Kimble of Fabulously Feminine Photography can help you arrange THE gift of all gifts - a collection of sensual photographs of YOU. Adele is an over 40 mother of 2 with (she says) her own wobbly bits, who knows how to make you look good naked. Visit her website www.fabfem.co.za or call her on 083 286 3238 / 011 787-1800.

- Order lingerie (delivery in SA only) from the privacy of your own home from www.lynnslingerie.co.za. They sell everything from babydolls to body stockings to thongs.

- Learn pole dancing. Enquire at www.alimurray.co.za. (We have removed hyperlinks so as not to offend our subscribers in the UAE.

10. Piggyback on another exciting event
If there’s a sports or other major event happening at around the time of your celebration that you know your partner would enjoy, go on! Surprise him and book tickets for you both.

Get someone to take a photo of you together while you’re there and maybe wear something unusual to remind you of the specialness of the occasion – for example red bowties for Valentine’s Day. Frame the photo - so you can have a keepsake afterwards.

We hope this list gets you thinking about some new ways you can show you really care. Long live LOVE. Hurray!