The Art of Romantic Entertaining

Set the Mood: An Effortless guide to Valentine's Elegance

Author

Lee Blackwood
February 11, 2025

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating with a longtime love, a new flame, or simply treating yourself, creating a beautiful, intimate atmosphere is key. This guide is all about effortless romance—because true elegance should never feel fussy. Let’s set the stage for an unforgettable, and delicious evening.

Inside This Issue:

❤️ A simple, elegant dinner menu featuring pan-seared filet mignon and an easy, decadent chocolate lava cake for two.
❤️ Effortless tablescape ideas to create a romantic, candlelit ambiance.
❤️ A budget-friendly champagne cocktail that feels just as luxurious as the real thing.
❤️ Thoughtful Valentine’s gift ideas—because treating yourself (or someone special) should always be stylish.
❤️ A curated playlist, book, and movie recommendations to set the perfect romantic mood.

On The Menu: A Romantic Dinner for Two

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, and nothing says romance like a perfectly executed meal that doesn’t leave you stressed in the kitchen.

Main Course: Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Herb Butter
A tender, melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon, seared to perfection and finished with a luscious herb butter. A lovely wild-caught salmon filet can step in here if you aren't a carnivore. Serve with a side of silky mashed potatoes (want to know how to make them super silky? I share this and lots of other secret tricks with my paid subscribers in The Tasteful Society). Add seasoned and roasted broccolini for a foolproof, restaurant-worthy meal at home. Salad optional because you don’t want to fill up too much! Dessert is coming…

Dessert: Foolproof Chocolate Lava Cake for Two
Why make a full batch when all you need is one for you and one for your Valentine? This rich, decadent chocolate lava cake comes together in minutes and guarantees a molten, gooey center.

Recipe: My easy-peasy, no-fail chocolate lava cake recipe is so simple you’ll come back to it again and again. I’ve made hundreds, maybe thousands even, of molten chocolate lava cakes in my pastry career, some easier recipes than others. But this one is a keeper and only takes 30 minutes for the home cook to pull off. Find the full recipe below!

Heart ramekins make this dessert even more special!

Foolproof Molten Chocolate Cake for Two

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces (85g) of quality semi-sweet chocolate (3/4 of a standard baking chocolate bar)

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream

  • 3 Tablespoons (36g) packed light brown sugar

  • 2 Tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil

  • 2 Tablespoons (30ml) beaten egg (crack 1 egg, beat it, and use 2 Tbsp)

  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 6 Tablespoons (46g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease two 6-ounce ramekins with butter or nonstick spray. Place them on a baking sheet. Set aside.

  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).

  3. Coarsely chop 2 ounces (57g) of semi-sweet chocolate. Reserve 1-ounce square (28g) for step 5 (don’t chop). Combine the chopped chocolate and heavy cream in a medium heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each increment, until melted and smooth. Whisk in the brown sugar until no lumps remain. Whisk in the oil, only 2 full Tablespoons of beaten egg, and vanilla extract until combined. Set aside.

  4. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a small bowl. Pour the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and fold with a silicone spatula until all the ingredients are combined and there are no lumps. Pour evenly into the ramekins; they should be just about 3/4 of the way full.

  5. Cut the remaining 1 ounce of chocolate in half. Poke a piece of chocolate (0.5oz/14g) into the center of each filled ramekin and use a spoon to fully submerge the chocolate (or just use your finger 😉). Bake for 15–17 minutes, rotating the baking sheet at the 8-minute mark.

  6. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. The centers will be slightly gooey, with melted chocolate inside. Serve warm on a salad/dessert plate. These are delicious on their own, but of course, darling, they can be dolled up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, salted caramel, a fruit sauce (raspberry or strawberry), or even just a handful of fresh raspberries.

A few important notes:

  • Do NOT use chocolate chips because they have less cocoa butter and stabilizers added to maintain their shape, resulting in a less rich flavor and potentially a different texture. (In fact, you should only use chips for making chocolate chip cookies, and bar chocolate for everything else. And… chip cookies taste even better when you cut your own chocolate into chunks, fyi.)

  • Since this recipe is for only two cakes, you won’t be using an entire egg. Instead, you will crack and beat one egg well and use only 2 Tablespoons in the batter. One full egg is too much and will make the cake taste eggy and feel spongey. You can TRIPLE the recipe and use 2 whole eggs (for 6 servings – breakfast, anyone?)

  • Make sure to place the ramekins on a baking sheet (I line mine with a silicone mat or parchment paper) just in case something overflows… It shouldn’t, but better to be prepared and make cleanup easier.

  • For ease, this recipe is served in the ramekin. But you can invert and plate the dessert if you like. It’s an extra step and can be tricky sometimes. Just make sure you’ve greased the ramekins very well.

On The Table: A Chic, Candlelit Tablescape

Set the mood with an effortlessly elegant table setting that whispers romance without trying too hard.

The Essentials:

✔ A crisp white or blush-toned tablecloth (or even a sleek bare table with linen placemats for a modern touch) and cloth napkins, (no excuses for paper!)

✔ Dim lighting—candles, candles, and more candles (varying heights for that layered glow) Just make sure NOT to use scented candles on the dinner table. You don’t want to clash with the aroma of dinner!

✔ A simple floral arrangement—think a few garden roses in a low vase or even a scattering of petals on the table

✔ Beautiful glassware—because even a simple cocktail feels luxe in the right glass

In The Glass: The Perfect Champagne Cocktail

Not everyone can splurge on a high-end bottle of champagne, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sip on something celebratory. Elevate an affordable bottle of bubbly with this simple, classic champagne cocktail.

The Valentine’s Sparkle
1 sugar cube (or 1 teaspoon sugar)
2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
Chilled sparkling wine (Prosecco, Cava, or an affordable Champagne)
Twist of lemon or a raspberry for garnish

Place the sugar cube in a champagne flute, or the old-fashioned saucer coupes. Add bitters, then slowly top with sparkling wine. Watch as the bubbles dance and dissolve the sugar, creating a subtly complex, aromatic sip.

On The Wishlist: A Luxury Valentine’s Treat

Because romance isn’t just about couples—it’s also about treating yourself. Whether you’re hinting at a gift or indulging in a little self-love, here are a few elegant picks to elevate your Valentine’s Day:

💝A Beautiful Jewelry Box or Watch Box – Because your treasures deserve a home just as stylish as they are.

💝A Silk Robe – Luxurious, timeless, and perfect for slow, indulgent mornings.

💝A Stunning Scented Candle – Opt for one with notes of rose, vanilla, or sandalwood for a romantic ambiance.

💝A Gourmet Chocolate Collection – Because high-quality chocolate is never a bad idea. I especially love those filled with liqueurs ;)

Second Helpings: Further Reading, Watching & Listening

For those who want to keep the romance going, here are a few extra indulgences:

📖 Romantic Read: "Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel García Márquez – A beautifully written novel about love, longing, and passion that lasts a lifetime.
📖 Fun Read: 17 Little-Known Valentine's Day Facts That Will Surprise You

🎬 Watch: "Midnight in Paris" – For a little dreamy, nostalgic romance set against the backdrop of the most romantic city in the world.
🎵 Listen: Valentine’s Playlist – Depending on your mood: This one has popular tunes you’ll probably find yourself singing along with, and this one is instrumental sexy jazz (wink wink) 💘

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