You probably didn’t know it, but this past Saturday was National Pie Day. It’s become quite the annual event in our family, since we love pie! We love it so much we usually celebrate birthdays with a Birthday Pie, instead of cake! So, it was fitting to celebrate our date night with a slice of a homemade French Silk Pie! Ooo-la-la! And since French was the apparent theme, we enjoyed our delicious treat while watching one of our all-time favorite musicals set in the most romantic city of all – Paris! What musical? You ask. Why, Phantom of the Opera!
As a side note – the above mentioned date was actually “Plan B”. “Plan A” was to include me teaching my husband how to make a pie from scratch. I thought it would be fun to work the dough together and get flour everywhere while clowning around in the kitchen, but he didn’t seem as excited to do this as I thought he would. So, we came to this idea instead. The temptation was great to be disappointed and mope, but by God’s grace I was able to change plans and still have a wonderful time with Tom. The next day he apologized for not going along with “Plan A”. <sigh>. It would have been fun, but we learned a valuable lesson; Dates that are fun for one may not be for the other. Either sacrifice your plans, like I did, or go along for the fun of it, like Tom wished he had done. Either way would have been memorable! It’s of most importance to be flexible – plans change, and if we’re holding too tightly to our desires we’re setting ourselves up for much disappointment.
The Romantic Vineyard 
What would you suggest for a simple, but romantic dinner? 🙂
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I would set up a nice table on your back patio (card table is fine with a tablecloth), or if it’s too cold, maybe in your bedroom or living room – just to give you a different place. This adds to the romantic feeling of the night. When I’m doing a romantic dinner I like to do three or four courses – for three you could have soup or salad, then your main entree’ followed by dessert. For four add an appetizer as the first course. You could take a favorite romantic movie and plan your meal around the place where it is set – like Sleepless in Seattle you could serve fresh fish. Or You’ve Got Mail – anything from a New York Deli. Follow the meal by watching the movie together or one of our favorites is to watch concerts.
Were you wanting recipe ideas as well? Or just how to make a dinner romantic? Don’t forget the candles…as many as you have use them! Hint: I buy unscented candles so as to not overwhelm our home with a variety of smells. 🙂
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Just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration of Project 52. To be honest I was dead set against it, because of my poor attitude to dating at home. (I feel like we are always at home). We need to watch our spending and babysitting is not always available. But, I spent the last couple of weeks reading through your website and the links you provided and last week I had a change of heart. And I am in…100%! I am so motivated and excited to spend time with my husband. So, last night was our first date. Plan A was to play the Wii. We were going to borrow it, but it did not work out, so I went to Plan B. (He never knew the difference! ) So we played Rummikub. A game we played a lot in the first year of our marriage, but has been collecting dust in our closet for the last 7 years. I planned the date for an hour, but we had so much fun, we played for about 2.5 hours. Thank you so much for your inspiration! This time last year, we would have just sat an watched TV for those 2 hours…this was much more fun! Looking forward to sharing more ideas!
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Dear Kristy,
Wow! I’m so excited your first date was such a success. You’ve inspired me too! Tom and I loved Rummikub when we first got married, and it’s so much better than TV. We’re thrilled you’ve decided to join us for this worthwhile Project!
Debi
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How fun! I love hearing about people dating their spouses! So awesome!
Hugs and nice to meet you!
Traci
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Traci,
Isn’t fun hearing what others are doing? Thanks for your encouragement!
Debi
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Hi Debi,
Thank you so much for your honesty about your date night. We so appreciate you and “The Romantic Vineyard” that we never thought the Walter’s had to go to a “plan B.” Thank you for your ministry as it encourages me to love my wife as Christ loves His church.
Blessings,
John
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Hey John,
Oh, we have lots of “Plan B” stories – 31 years worth! But we’ve noticed the more years that pass the easier it is to change direction. We don’t know if it’s because we’ve become more mature, or we’re too tired to fight! 🙂 At any rate – we want to share with our readers the good we’ve experienced and the challenges we’ve faced. This is marriage – it’s hard, but so worth the effort!
Thanks for your encouragement – it means a lot to us!
Tom and Debi
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Hi again!
I also forgot to ask a question. I am looking for date ideas that overcome my current physical limitations. I’m unable to drive, cook (that was the case before my injury), organize tables and chairs, etc. Going out is not too much of a problem but I’d need my wife to drive and be apart of the planning. I’d like to be able to initiate the date and completely carry it through like I was able to prior to becoming “crippled.” Any suggestions?
John
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Hey John! We have a great idea – have you heard of doorstepdelivery.net? They provide home delivery service from several local restaurants in town. We would suggest you mail an invitation to your wife and let her know there is a special evening planned just for her. Have her dress up and once the food is delivered all you have to do is light the candles and start the romantic music. It will be a night she’ll always remember. And it won’t be beyond your ability to do. Thank you for your heart to romance your wife, even in the most difficult of circumstances. You have inspired us in incalculable ways, John! God bless you, and may your wife realize the gift she has in you! Great marriages begin with such desires to please the other.
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Wow! Great idea!!! Thank you so much! I can’t wait to make this happen.
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I agree – what’s fun for one is not always for the other. We have that same problem sometimes. And, it’s funny how guys often regret later what they refused to do (and what we told them they would enjoy). If they would just believe us and go along with it, all would be okay with this world.
For a romantic dinner, I would set the atmosphere with candles, light music & of course some kind of meat roasting in the oven.
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Great ideas, Amanda. There’s nothing more romantic for our husbands than meat roasting in the over that they didn’t have to BBQ. 🙂
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yummy pie! i wish i had known it was pie day! i love pies! and yes, we know about plan b around here. funny we both experienced plan b on the same week. but at the end it turned out well and great time spent together. and really, that’s all that matters. thanks so much for sharing! i always look forward to reading about your dates!
tiffany {Simply Modern Mom}
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Tiffany, if you click on the pie link it will take you to the recipe. It tastes even better than it looks! Thanks for commenting!
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That pie looks delicious. Thanks for your ideas. I hope to find some help with our Project 52 from all your ideas. 🙂
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If you click the title of the pie it will take you to the recipe. It is one of our favorites around here. I’m so glad you’re taking part in Project 52 – it’s a great challenge. Thanks for stopping by and for your encouragement – we really appreciate it!
Debi
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Great job on seeing past the “disappointment” into having a great time!
Oh.. and I did NOT know it was National Pie Day… I am disappointed I missed it, and might have to get some for a BELATED National Pie Day with my lovely man!
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Yes, you must get some “belated” pie. Although who needs an excuse to eat such deliciousness! 🙂
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