How to create the perfect atmosphere for a date at home

You've arranged a date at home and you want to show that you've put a little extra thought into it. You want it to be relaxed, genuine, and not seem staged. How do you achieve that without stressing out? I have some ideas for you that work.

1. Make the space smell nice

Nothing puts you in the mood faster than a scent in the air.

• Light a candle with a subtle scent, such as vanilla or soft wood .

• Leave the candle burning 20 minutes before the other person arrives, so that the space can naturally fill up.

• Avoid very strong or "heavy" scents. You want your guest to think "how nice it smells here" and not "what happened to me".

One night I lit Black Cherry & Sandalwood and before the door was even closed, I heard "it smells great!" From that moment on, the atmosphere was won.

2. Make a playlist that doesn't scream "effort"

Music is more important than you think.

• Put on a playlist of relaxed, atmospheric music. No radio, no songs that change style every three minutes.

• Start calmly and let the list progress on its own.

• Choose music that you can listen to without having to pay attention to it constantly.

One time he was playing a jazz playlist in the background and after a while the date flowed so naturally that I didn't even realize how long the hours had passed.

3. Take care of the lighting

Lighting is the most misunderstood part. And yet, it can make or break the evening.

• Turn down the lights. Leave a lamp or two on.

• Between the light and the candles, your home will look warmer and more personal.

• Avoid white, "hospital" light.

I had visited a house where everything was perfect... but they had left the cold ceiling lights on. Nothing saved the atmosphere.

4. Keep food simple

You don't need to prepare elaborate menus.

• Make something you know how to do well.

• Ideally, something you can have ready or complete in 5 minutes.

• Better simple and delicious, than complicated and unsuccessful.

I once made homemade pizza with few ingredients and in a relaxed mood. Eventually, the food became a reason for conversation and laughter.

5. Don't worry about everything being "perfect"

The most beautiful thing about a date at home is the feeling of relaxing.

• Not everything needs to be flawless.

• Showing that you're having a good time is the nicest thing you can convey.

• If something goes wrong, have fun with it.

What do you prefer? A space that looks like a photo shoot or a house that makes you want to sit and relax?