> Special Days > Entertaining

Sub Sections

The new Food on Shine is coming soon! Learn more about what's new »

Ways to Win Over Your Date at the Dinner Table

Posted Fri, Jul 17, 2009, 10:36 am PDT
POST A COMMENT »

Devastate your date while you dine! From appetizers and entrees to après-dinner drinks, here's how to score major points and make it a night to remember...

  • Table Care  Guys, stay on top of things and bust a move when your date needs more water, a beverage refill, or a bottle of ketchup for sweet-potato fries. Don't be pushy, just keep an eye out for what's needed by the person in the other seat.  This will make that person feel taken care of -- and duly impressed.
  • Taste Test  Give your date a little taste of your food -- playfully offer a bite from your fork or spoon.  It's a sultry move few can pass up.
  • Sexy Scents  Gals, dab on a gentle fragrance that will waft over and entice your date -- nothing too flowery, sweet, or overpowering. We like Creative Scentualization's Perfect Veil -- the jar lasts a long time and it's also (as the name states) just the "perfect" hint of a soft, sexy scent. Guys, go fragrance-free or stick with something very subtle, like just a swab of deodorant.
  • Glowing Recommendation  If you're dining in, candles are a no-brainer. Sprinkle a few votives around the dinner table to capture an alluring vibe (go for unscented or lightly scented so you don't knock anyone out with super-strong wafts of jasmine or pine). If you're hitting the town, choose a restaurant that uses candlelight -- not only is it romantic, but it showers everyone in their best light.
  • Menu Mix  When perusing the menu, choose something a bit adventurous -- not just the same-ol' mixed greens salad with ranch dressing "on the side." Get something you'll enjoy, since no one likes to dine with someone who pokes and picks at the food all night -- yawn!
  • Kindness Cue  Treat servers and hosts with kindness and you're sure to win big points with your date. No one respects rudeness, so dish out those "thank yous." And prove that your mama taught you well by observing all of your best manners, please!
  • Clothes Call  Slip into something hot of course. Girls, if you're dining at home why not really turn up the heat by donning a come hither button-down Night Shirt by Stellina. We're suckers for this oh-so-sultry little number that drapes a woman's curves in all the right places. Show up to the dinner table in this baby and let the romancing begin. Guys, stick with clothes that will allow you to move -- like a long sleeve crew neck tee, soft button-down shirt or sweater, and avoid a stiff suit unless you're dining in a five-star setting where one is required.
  • A Little Skin  Girls, show a bit of collarbone and add a dusting of shimmer powder right there -- sure to make you sparkle in the (aforementioned) candlelight. Laura Mercier's illuminating powder adds just the right touch.
  • Some Sugar  Sharing a sumptuous dessert is the ideal way to end a romantic meal. Suggest that you and your date split something decadent and he or she just might melt in your hands. Banana split or hot fudge sundae anyone! Really now, how could you resist?
  • Table Language  While chatting, reach your finely manicured hand onto the table and rest it there -- it's a subtle but suggestive sign of intimacy. Sitting next to one another in a booth, rather than across from each other at a table, is another seductive way to encourage a little tete-a-tete.
  • Smooth Tunes  If you're wooing your amour at home, fire up a mix of sexy songs (Madeleine Peyroux, Muse, Lenny Kravitz, and some old Ambrosia are always on our playlists). If dining at a local bistro, be sure to choose a place that doesn't blast blaring loud music -- that way you'll actually be able to hear one another without shouting "HUH, WHAT DID YOU SAY?!!" every two minutes.
  • The Tab  Even though we're a bit old-fashioned and believe guys should generally pick up the check on the first few dates, it's nice for the girl to offer to split (or at least gesture towards her wallet when the check arrives). This way, he doesn't feel like he's just expected to pick it up. After all, recessions are equal opportunity!
  • Fresh Idea  Carry a tin of mints in your pocket or purse. Pop one in your mouth after dinner to freshen up, and offer your date one as well. Now, you're both ready for a little puckering up, assuming all went well!

For more tips on living a stylish life, check out The Foxy Files and our latest book, Curves Rule And Flat Is Fabulous: Sexy, Stylish Looks For Every Figure.

Average (106 Ratings): 3 out of 5 stars

  • 1. Posted by pokingcrater on Fri, Jul 17, 2009, 3:27 pm PDT

    ummmmmm......ok

    Report Abuse
  • 2. Posted by CC on Fri, Jul 17, 2009, 3:35 pm PDT

    who puts ketchup on sweet potato fries, that does not sound good to me!

    Report Abuse
  • 3. Posted by kstonejones on Sat, Jul 18, 2009, 5:39 am PDT

    These idiots cant tell you what to do!

    Report Abuse
  • 4. Posted by k_i_l_o_g7 on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 12:27 pm PDT

    puhhhlllllleeeeaaassssseeee- Men should spray before a date, lots of women like a guy in cologne just be subtle.

    Report Abuse
  • 5. Posted by josephaamansec on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 12:29 pm PDT

    it helps me get laid

    Report Abuse
  • 6. Posted by ERIC B on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 12:34 pm PDT

    Use common sense, and if its meant to be it will be. Be yourself, and let them see the real you right from the beginning. Dont do anything or wear anything that youre not going to do or wear 6 months down the line,,,and stop reading these stupid dating tip columns

    Report Abuse
  • 7. Posted by Reese M on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 12:44 pm PDT

    When are we supossed to pray over the food?

    Report Abuse
  • 8. Posted by youlose_68 on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 12:50 pm PDT

    Some of this stuff is good but i agree most of it is bull... Me and my girl always sit next to each other unless we absolutly ahve to sit across from each other and we are very old school i almost always pay unless she took cash out before me but i alwasy hold our money and we both always order the same thing cuz we know what we like and what we are going to eat and she always put the good smelling stuff on and i sometimes do mostly forget to put my colonge on but i dont stink so its not a big deal. if your really reading this then chances are you are alone and desperate oh and dont be yourself right away be the man she wants and if you cant then split its all about pleaseing your lady so if your not into that you alone or abusive and controlling and i say that loosly cuz come on men you all know we would like to be the boss but you need to be submissive if this is going to be your future wife and she will do the same and if not have fun cuz it will last for awhile...

    Report Abuse
  • 9. Posted by marcelo m on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 1:01 pm PDT

    Learn from Quagmire...giggity!

    Report Abuse
  • 10. Posted by deathnote489 on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 1:06 pm PDT

    is this meant for old people? i would never...well i shouldnt say never but i would almost never follow this on a real date. atleast with the women i date i wouldnt. i would take them to a (nice) park and have a picnic or something out doors but then again i like to date athletic women who aint so prissy

    Report Abuse
  • 11. Posted by stratohog on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 1:08 pm PDT

    Three essentials for the perfect date: Beer,Pizza and a Hot Tub. Anything else is a waste.

    Report Abuse
  • 12. Posted by grisel r on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 1:18 pm PDT

    lol some of these are ok but yeah i would never sit next to my date even if he was my boyfriend i need my space when im eating.

    Report Abuse
  • 13. Posted by Kay on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 1:48 pm PDT

    When a person puts themself out there in a strang (dating) situation it is difficult to know what, where, when and how to present yourself. I do think these 'tips' can be helpful shy and uncomfortable people who have trouble in social settings... I personally am very comfortable with myself and the idea of "if you don't like it, someone else will". But not everyone is like that so if this helps you out... I think these are some great pointers! :)

    Report Abuse
  • 14. Posted by nate j on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 2:05 pm PDT

    Did anyone else get the feel that when talking about the women you were reading a cheesy 80's romance novel?...I'm not a woman but as a kid I peeked into my mom's romance novels to see what she was always smiling about. Come on guys...you know we all did it. LOL

    Report Abuse
  • 15. Posted by chemistry_king_26 on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 2:40 pm PDT

    Always carry mints in your pocket!!! It's a must!! and thanks for using east indian people models in your picture on the yahoo front page... that's what made me click on this article....

    Report Abuse
  • 16. Posted by dkimmel7 on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 2:49 pm PDT

    wow....................................lol.

    Report Abuse
  • 17. Posted by Kelsey on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 2:52 pm PDT

    coming from a married woman that sounds so great I wish my husband would get a clue on how fast food at home with the kids DOES NOT count as a date.... and for all the idiots that think this sounds stupid I bet u don't make it to far in the dating pool.....

    Report Abuse
  • 18. Posted by mattporter04 on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 2:54 pm PDT

    what kind of retards actually listen to this crap?!? you people make me sick!

    Report Abuse
  • 19. Posted by rulegm1981 on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 3:02 pm PDT

    Cologne free? No way! I always get compliments on my cologne. Why would I stop using it on a date where scent is crucial? And sweet-potato fries? I didn't even know that existed! GROSS!

    Report Abuse
  • 20. Posted by sandra_m on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 3:08 pm PDT

    Wearing a nightie to dinner? Who writes this crap??

    Report Abuse
  • 21. Posted by msprimjob on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 3:10 pm PDT

    I like the subtle advertisements in their suggestions....lame.

    Report Abuse
  • 22. Posted by busabunim on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 3:31 pm PDT

    They are good guidelines for people 25 and up. Of course there are exceptions.

    Report Abuse
  • 23. Posted by javetta_m on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 3:46 pm PDT

    Not a very good blog. Most of these are just basics that you find in any magazine like Cosmo or something.

    Report Abuse
  • 24. Posted by hüseyin d on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 3:56 pm PDT

    i love these guys..they make me laugh

    Report Abuse
  • 25. Posted by deadguy3k on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 3:58 pm PDT

    These authors are cheesy. I'm not sure what city they live in, Barcelona or Sevilla perhaps. Most of the suggestions are nonsense to me.

    Report Abuse
  • 26. Posted by ohhrah on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 4:09 pm PDT

    Listen, this does not work for every woman, I have gone out with multiple woman, and what works for one it doesn't work for others. All you have to do is be yourself. A woman will know how far she will go with you as soon as she meets you, remember you don't choose her she choose's you.

    Report Abuse
  • 27. Posted by Smelly P on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 4:24 pm PDT

    ....place your well-manicured hand on the table? All of these dating advice articles are full of crap. Who is the Ms. Manners who writes this drivel?

    Report Abuse
  • 28. Posted by HONESTO M on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 4:38 pm PDT

    wine n dine , all good !!! they forgot line 30.) light a blunt after dinner then sex.... yea boyeee!!!

    Report Abuse
  • 29. Posted by rr c on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 4:44 pm PDT

    when females say they feel the male should pick up the check ont the first few dates- THROW THEM OUT IN THE STREET.

    Report Abuse
  • 30. Posted by Car on Thu, Jul 23, 2009, 4:46 pm PDT

    I'd never stoop so low to be that slutty on a date.

    Report Abuse

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT

You must sign in to leave a comment

Yahoo! Food Videos

Most Watched Food Videos

My Food

help

Recent Activity

Open

Keep track of what you've seen recently

Articles
No recently viewed items
Recipes
No recently viewed items
Searches
No recently viewed items