Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means that a good part of the male population is wracking their brains to come up with ideas for a romantic night to impress – which isn’t necessarily easy. We’re not saying that British men don’t have a romantic side – they can be remarkably charming when they put their mind to it. But us Italians do like to pride ourselves on having something of an edge when it comes to displays of loving affection. So if Valentine’s Day has crept up on you and you’ve suddenly realised it’s far too late to find a reservation anywhere that won’t leave you sleeping on the sofa, you can look to Italy for inspiration to keep your lady sweet and your Valentine’s Day romantic.
Turning your gaze towards Italy will give you plenty of romantic inspiration – after all, Saint Valentine was from Rome! Playing host to everything from Romeo and Juliet to Roman Holiday, Italy’s long been known for its passion when it comes to affairs of the heart. Don’t worry – we’re not saying that you need to be serenading your partner with Petrarch. But we have put together this guide to planning the perfect Italian night in so that you can spend the next month basking in the rewards of your romantic endeavours, rather than grovelling on the telephone. Read on!
Start the Night in Italian Style
There’s nothing better for creating that sophisticated Mediterranean mood than having a classic Italian cocktail or good glass of Italian wine in your hand – so starting off the night with a carefully chosen drink is a must for getting that Italian style right. Sipping an Aperol Spritz as an aperitif is one of those things that transports you right back to Italy – there’s something about it that immediately captures the atmosphere of a chic rooftop party in Rome. And for a romantic evening, there’s no replacement for the perfect bottle of red wine – we’re particular fans of Bolla’s Amarone. Make sure you accompany your first drink with something small and tempting to whet the appetite, like Italian olives or nuts, to really capture that authentic Italian way of doing things.
Try Out the Indoor Picnic
It’s become almost a cliché of the romantic night in, but throwing down a picnic blanket and enjoying some easy-to-eat nibbles, along with a glass of wine or two, can still make for a big difference. It’s the sense of doing something special which you need to capture on Valentine’s Day, and the picnic is one of the best ways to manage it. Of course, what’s a picnic without a hamper – and an Italian food hamper is a great way to get that added Italian sophistication. Try a little antipasti or a cheese and wine hamper for that chic Mediterranean mood. Italians know that on Valentine’s Day, you have to go the extra mile in making it a unique, memorable day, showing your partner just how much you care – and while it might seem hackneyed, the picnic really can pull it off.
Round the Night Off as the Italians Do
As the night moves on, it’s the Italian way to cultivate a more sensual mood. A luxurious Italian dessert, like tiramisu or one of Diforti’s own pastries, with all those rich tastes, make for a decadent end to the meal. There’s something about looking into each other’s eyes as you share a gloriously indulgent dessert that makes for just the right shift in mood, as the atmosphere becomes increasingly intimate. Then it’s a question of lingering over the coffee, enjoying the long looks, the heady aroma of the brew, the intimacy of the conversation. Coffee ought to be savoured, taken in slowly and truly enjoyed, even as the night draws to a close. Of course, for the less patient, simply taking a bottle of chilled sparkling wine upstairs is always an alternative!
There’s something about the Italian way that makes for an especially intimate night. The sensuality of the meal, with its rich and indulgent tastes, perhaps, or simply the openness of the Italian approach – it all brings out the passion in even the most reticent of men. A Valentine’s evening of intimate conversation, looking into each other’s eyes while you enjoy a bevy of Italian luxury, all lead to a night which promises to be quite memorable. One of Diforti’s classic Italian food boxes is an essential part of a sophisticated Italian evening, with that Mediterranean eclat, that wholly Italian style that always makes for a successful and sensual night.