Formality is most fun when it can be shared as a special occasion and not as a game of manners. In large groups, too much pomp and circumstance puts guests’ guards up, but one-on-one it feels extraordinary.

Preparing a sophisticated supper for two allows you to set an exceptional moment apart from the everyday. Think of the delight of coming home from a cocktail party to surprise your beloved with a romantic dinner in your quiet candlelit home.

Don't be afraid to "waste" your fancy wedding china, special occasion silver, tall champagne flutes, crystal wine goblets and luxurious linens on a dinner for two. Set them all out, along with your mother-of-pearl caviar spoons, delicate dessert plates, decanters, chargers, ice tongs and knife rests. All of these pieces are jewels for the table: graceful and glittering--now is when they’ll be most noticed and appreciated.

Imagine a table setting in ethereal gold, white or silver with splashes of color only from flowers in low containers so they don’t break your vision of each other. Fill up a sterling silver pitcher with water and set out the ice bucket to keep chilled wine within arm’s reach. Think oysters, caviar and truffles. Enjoying the things you’ve carefully chosen together and individually is the perfect way to share an extraordinarily intimate evening.