Why you NEED to generate romance on Valentine’s Day…

 If you’re a man, here are two Valentine’s statistics that will instill fear in your heart:

• ·  In the United States, 64 percent of men do not make plans in advance for a romantic Valentine's Day with their sweethearts.
• ·  53% of women will dump their boyfriend if they don’t do something romantic on Valentine’s Day.

Now that I’ve got your attention and you’re in the planning mode, you’ll be asking yourself the age-old question, “What’s romantic?”  As a woman, I can assure you that it is NOT a football game, basketball game, or anything else that ends with the word “game.” 

On Valentine’s Day romance is spelled C-H-O-C-O-L-A-T-E, F-L-O-W-E-R-S, or D-I-N-N-E-R  O-U-T.

Last year the average gift-giver in the United States spent $116.21 on Valentine’s Day related merchandise - of that total, $68.98 was spent on their spouse or significant other. So, if you’re not looking to be part of that 53% of men who will be cut loose on February 15^th you’re going to have to get your act together quickly!

According to a survey by the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association in 2011, the following are the percentages of items that gift-givers purchase for Valentine’s Day (allowing for multiple answers):

Cards - 52.1%; Candy - 47.5%; Dining/Evening Out - 34.6%; Flowers - 34.3%; Jewelry - 17.3%; Clothing - 14.4%; Gift Cards - 12.6%; Other Gifts - 11.2%

What can you do to both impress and delight your sweetheart? Well, if you’re a man in India the bar is pretty high in that regard…

The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a love gift and memorial to his wife – but if you’re not willing to build something requiring 22 years and 20,000 workers, perhaps you should start a bit smaller.

Whatever you decide to do – DO IT NOW! Select a card while the selection is optimal, grab some chocolates before they’re picked over and only those awful cream-filled ones are left, and book a table at a small, intimate restaurant or wine bar.

Here are a couple of suggestions for you that are close to home and scream romance.

Times Ten Cellars located at 6324 Prospect Avenue in Dallas, is a functioning winery with a romantic tasting room and lounge. Settle into a cozy sofa in the lounge with a glass of their ’08 Santa Barbara Pinot Noir and soak up the cellar-like atmosphere, complete with soft lighting and background music. Small plates of cheese, cured meats and olives are available for light bites with your wine. For a heavier meal Times Ten offers you menus from nearby Asian, Indian or Italian restaurants that deliver straight to your table.  No Valentine’s night out is complete until you’ve shared wine, a kiss and some chocolate. Whether it’s a single, handmade truffle, a rich, dark chocolate ganache or their espresso mocha cake, they’ve got you covered. Reservations are available for parties of 6 or more, otherwise there is plenty of seating in the tasting room and lounge. Kert Platner or Rob Wilson, the winery's owners would love to see you! 214.824.9463

The Grape Restaurant located at 2808 Greenville Avenue in Dallas is another great choice for a rendezvous with that special someone on Valentine’s Day. Often termed, “Dallas’ original neighborhood wine bistro,” their menu covers everything from charcuterie and cheese plates to Cabernet braised beef short ribs or mustard crusted salmon entrées. The Grape has an appealing European charm with its alley-like entry, intimate bar and cozy, close seating.  Expect a crowd here for Valentine’s Day dining; a small saving grace is that you can make a reservation now for their 3-course Chef’s meal. The wine list is extensive and you’re certain to find a wine that makes you and your sweetie feel the romance of the evening.   214-828-1981