Romantic Dinner for Two
1/7Get the Look: Romantic Dinner
When it comes to setting a romantic table, the key is in the candlelight. To make that soft lighting really shine, mix in some metallic accessories.
For a look that's shiny but retains a charming patina, choose items made of mercury glass, an inexpensive 19th-century alternative to silver. The tea lights here aren't antiques, but rather reproductions that are less expensive ($42 for three; vintageweave.com).
Duck looks great on a white plate, but a metallic touch makes the presentation even more special. The matte-finish platinum rim on the plates used for the Seared Duck Breast with Cherries and Port Sauce feathers onto the porcelain, giving the classic pattern a modern feel (8-inch "Inca" plates, $135; 10-inch "Incaó plates, $225; ABC Carpet & Home, 212-473-3000).
Silver flatware adds shine to any table, but this sleek design is especially lustrous. The silver-plate finish reflects the light beautifully ("Sphinx" flatware, $509 for five-piece place setting).
2/7Party Planner: Romantic Dinner
8 hours ahead
Make the dilled cream for the salmon, and pound and score the duck breast. Cover separately and chill.
4 hours ahead
Roast the broccolini; let stand at room temperature.
2 hours ahead
Make the crispy shallots; let stand at room temperature. Prepare the gremolata; cover and chill. Boil the pasta (undercook slightly). Drain pasta, reserving the pasta cooking water. Let stand at room temperature.
Dinnertime
Have one person assemble the appetizer while the other makes the cocktail. After the apps, head to the kitchen together. One person can cook the duck while the other brings the reserved pasta cooking water to a boil, cooks the pasta for 1 or 2 minutes, and assembles the pasta.
After dinner
Have one person make the zabaglione while the other prepares the strawberries.
