(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

LONGVIEW — There’s nothing more romantic than a private dinner for two at home when you want to spend time with your significant other this Valentine’s Day.

Instead of going to a packed restaurant filled with couples, why not light some candles, turn on some romantic music and cook a meal for your significant other.

Longview wedding planner and chef Jack Barkley said Valentine’s Day is a good time to take advantage of having a special night in.

“Cooking in will be more enjoyable for everyone. Make it different than another dinner sitting in front of the television. Step it up, it’s not often that you get to do this sort of thing,” Barkley said.

Barkley suggested doing all the small things that make a dinner at home special, even if couples decided to order take out.

“Approach it as something fun. Even if you get take out, use the fancy china, light some candles and turn on romantic music. Cooking doesn’t have to be your thing to have a romantic night at home,” Barkley said.

“It keeps the romance in relationships. With the stress of everything, it’s always nice to step back and rekindle the romance,” he said.

While it’s nice to have a romantic meal once a year on Valentine’s Day, Barkley said similar meals are good to do all year round.

Barkley provided recipes for couples to try at home.'

Get the recipes here: http://www.news-journal.com/features/features_food/win-your-valentine-s-...