With pocketbooks tightening, cooking has become a popular date option for men to keep their ladies happy.
Michael Wooten, junior in computer engineering, said he enjoys cooking for his girlfriend at home because it makes for a nutritious meal and saves money.
"We cook about twice a month," Wooten said. "I make sure the kitchen is clean, and I try to have a bottle of wine. Anything I can prepare ahead of time I do, so I can spend time with my girlfriend."
Wearing a short-sleeve polo shirt or a button-up with khaki shorts or jeans allows the host to look nice and be comfortable, said Ashley Pigg, freshman in nursing.
"We usually dress nice because we have plans for a movie or going out after dinner," Wooten said.
LaDonna G. Carter, etiquette consultant with Elements of Society , advised men to remember the three Cs of dating: make sure the guest is comfortable, come across confident and always be considerate.
"Greet your guest when they arrive," Carter said. "Ask for their coat, sweater and if you have carpet, ask if they will remove their shoes. Offer them socks if they are available. When a person removes their shoes, they tend to relax more."
Pigg said it is appropriate for the woman to drive herself, but men should know what time she is arriving and have most of the meal prepared when she arrives.
Ladies love a confident man, so show her trophies, video albums or tell her a recent accomplishment without bragging, Carter said.
"Use no more than three candles and make sure they match," said Pigg, who serves as her sorority's social awareness director. "Have glasses, napkins and silverware set on the table."
Pigg said for a more casual setting, use candles on the sides of the table instead of lined at the center, a more romantic option.
Bridgette Chandler, department chair of career technical education, said hosts should use the KISS principle and Keep It Simple, Stupid.
Chandler said not to try new recipes for the date and to stay away from messy, hard-to-eat foods.
"To me, a perfect setting for a dinner would be a semi-formal setting with a petit sirloin filet cooked medium-rare, portobello mushrooms, asparagus, a good Caesar salad and some porterhouse rolls" said Kimberly Earwood, Alabama Farmers Federation women's division director.
Carter said men should turn their phones on vibrate allowing the date to be the center of attention for the entire evening.
"No texting," Carter said. "If you must text, do it in another room."
Earwood suggested a china setting with tealights for lighting. For a more casual, low-maintenance setting, go picnic-style.
This style features a newspaper tablecloth set up outside near sunset.
Earwood said for this set-up, serve a shrimp and crawfish dish with potatoes and plenty of Creole seasoning.
Because his girlfriend is picky, Wooten said he cooks pasta, chicken or fish.
He said they have at least two vegetables with the meal and usually start with a salad.
"Fresh flowers are a must," Chandler said. "Never use silk flowers for an arrangement. Keep the arrangement small and simple so it does not take up too much space and keep you from being able to see your date."
Good music in the background is a must, Earwood said.
She suggested bands such as Rolling in the Hay or the Electric Veltens to create a welcoming atmosphere.
After dinner, Pigg suggested a leisure walk or ice cream if the evening is going well.
"A movie is a good option if you and your date are comfortable with each other," Pigg said.
Carter suggested walking the guest to her car after dinner, and calling afterward to make sure she made it home safely is a considerate gesture.
Be sure you are interested in the person before inviting them to dinner.
The atmosphere is personal and can make for awkward moments if you are not comfortable with them, Wooten said.
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