Valentine’s Day is approaching and along with the many romantic picks for dining out, melt in your mouth chocolates and fragrant flowers vying for your attention, you can combine all these favorites with the element of surprise and delight your date.

If your special someone is a long-time sweetheart or a first date, most people love a surprise.

Recently, a 23-year-old college grad was anxious to plan an unforgettable evening with his girlfriend and take their four year dating relationship to the next level. Popping the question would surely be the most romantic yet exhilarating night of their life so a series of surprises filled the young man’s agenda. His girlfriend had no knowledge of his secret until the evening, which would turn out to be a celebration that a soon-to-be fiancée, would never forget.

The setting was a favorite steakhouse located in a metropolitan city. A dozen red variegated long stemmed roses from a florist were a carefully selected choice and were delivered to the waiter at the restaurant earlier that day. Next, a stuffed animal was placed on a tray covering the ring box and after dinner two waiters paraded to the table with the gifts. The bride-to-be was stunned as she became the center of attention for the night. She opened the ring box and her beau dropped to one knee and proposed, accompanied by a room full of onlookers erupting in applause.

You may not be proposing marriage but you can slip in a surprise just the same. Here are some ideas to make your day or evening on February 14 just a bit more intriguing.

• Compliment an intimate dinner at home with background music from the country where the food originates. They can be found at area bookstores. So if Italian food is your favorite, set the mood with music that brings amore’ to the table.
• Are you both lovers of the fine arts? Tickets to a symphony or live theatre will be sure to please. Tuck the tickets (like a bookmark) inside a book of poetry or a favorite read and present it at dinner prior to the show.
• Arrange an overnight at a Bed and Breakfast. If there are children that need a caregiver, initiative a surprise and hire the sitter and make the arrangements. If the price is out of reach, makeover your bedroom with a B&B feel and include guest soaps & towels, candles and a pleasing menu in the morning.
• Find a favorite childhood photo and have a local artist paint or draw your sweetheart’s likeness for a present that will be remembered for years to come.

Sweeten up Valentine’s Day with a surprise that fits your personality and you’ll be sure to have an enjoyable and fun holiday.

Contributed by
Elizabeth C. Searcy