Whether you're trying to tantalize a new love interest or reconnecting with the person who's shared your bathroom sink for the past 14 years, romantic entertaining is a lot easier than you might think.

Setting the Mood

A great way to set the tone (playful or serious) from the start is to write an invitation. Slip the invitation into your date's purse or briefcase, or just send an e-mail.

When setting the table, consider using unscented candles — this will create atmosphere without any odor that might conflict with your menu.

Music helps ease any awkwardness. Choose something you both enjoy, or surprise your guest of honor with a CD that he or she's been wanting to purchase.

Appetizers and Wine Pairings

Begin with a hands-on appetizer such as fresh Italian bread and olive oil, or try one of these favorites with wine pairings:

• Simple Marinara Dipping Sauce
  Suggested Pairing: Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, under $15, lighter Cabernet with a touch of oak and some edge in the finish

• Louisiana Oyster and Sausage Bake
  Suggested Pairing: Peachy Canyon Winery Zinfandel Incredible Red, $10, medium-bodied with ripe, jammy red fruit flavors

• Shrimp in Lemon Sauce
  Suggested Pairing: Domaine Chandon Riche, $20, a full-bodied sparkling wine with a hint of sweetness

No-Fuss Entrées

Prepare an entrée that's special but doesn't require a lot of last-minute fussing. If your partner is a meat-and-potatoes lover, you can't miss with beef tenderloin. For seafood lovers, corn crepes and lobster stack are elegant and easy. The vegetable asparagus is known for its aphrodisiac properties.

• Roast Tenderloin of Beef with Cornichon Tarragon Sauce

• Corn Crepes and Lobster Stack

• Pork Chops with Wild Mushrooms

• Baked Asparagus

Dessert

Chocolate is the ultimate sensual sensation, but a dessert with berries can also be sweet and refreshing. Marry the two and you end your meal with finger food. Or, consider a passionate fiery metaphor with a dessert like Banana and Pineapple Flambeau. Coffee is the perfect complement, or try a delicious light Champagne such as Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, Northeast Italy, which costs less than $15 and is light, fizzy and gently aromatic with a delicate apple flavor.

• Chocolate Covered Dried Cherries

• Banana and Pineapple Flambeau

• Warm Strawberry Salad with Frozen Vanilla Yogurt

If you need an after-dinner activity, consider renting a romantic movie or playing a game. Research romantic board games such as An Enchanted Evening, or if you prefer a more PG-13 game, think about Would You Rather?, where players answer questions like, "Would you rather lie to your boss or your minister?"

Tips and tricks

Keep portions to a modest size, and if you're planning to go out after dinner, think about researching transportation options so the two of you can enjoy the wine without worrying about driving.