One thing that I have noticed when going out with the Mrs. is how quickly the bill can rack up. This got me thinking as to what I am really paying for: is it the food, the convenience or the atmosphere? Now don’t get me wrong I find restaurant food to be quite good, but I cannot help but think that the convenience and atmosphere is the cause of the markup and the experience. Atmosphere. When I think about atmosphere I think about making memories. Events go a long way, but the feelings experienced last a lifetime. Are you really going to remember that time you went to the new restaurant down the street or are you going to think about how your friend, family member, or significant other made you feel? The thought of doing something memorable goes a long way. So here are some tips I have on how to make dinner at home just as memorable as dinner at a restaurant, if not more.

 

1. Add Some Flowers- Adding some flowers is a cost effective way to add ambiance to a room and the best part is that with a little TLC they will last for more than one occasion.

 

2. Spruce Up the Table- I’m not saying to whip out the fine china, but placing a nice tablecloth or runner can go a long way.

 

3. Try Plating- I’m sure you are familiar with the saying “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Well, regardless of the eye people take pleasure in beautiful things, so why not try to plate your next meal? After all, we have five senses for a reason!

 

4. Break Tradition- Are you someone who has the same meal every weak? Do you have pasta Thursdays in your family? An easy way to add some spice to your week is to break tradition and make something you normally would not make. In my experience people go out and order what they think are extravagant and difficult meals to make when in fact with a little bit of work you can make your favorite restaurant dish at home, and love it just as much.

 

5. Remember the “+1 Effect”- Any great artist or musician will tell you that they key to any great work is that when they thought they were finished with a piece they always added one more thing which usually resulted in a better product.  So, if you’re not a fan of changing up pasta Thursdays maybe add some greens to your chicken parm, or add a side dish you normally would not serve.

 

Convenience. I hate to break it to you, but cooking at home might always be a little inconvenient. An easy remedy to this is to try and get others involved in the cooking process. They, or you, might be reluctant at first but the pride and satisfaction they feel while eating their creation will be worth the casted away hesitations.

 

I’m not saying that you should never go out, but save some money and make some memories by creating memories inside your own home.