Romance is like the beautiful and soulful music playing in the background of your mind. Being romantic is an expression of our innermost self. It's like an aphrodisiac. And when you are eagerly waiting for him to join you over a lunch, dinner or just a cup of coffee, you sure want him to feel special because the occasion is special and so is your valentine. So, be ready to be a perfect valentine hostess and make the occasion a memorable one.

Plan ahead of time

If you decide to celebrate at home, you can realise your wildest fantasy. Mail him an invitation, a love coupon or a sms with cute smileys and confirm his acceptance. Plan your décor, mood, food and drinks. Make sure everything is in place, from setting of the living room to the cutlery on the dining table. The place where you two are going to sit should have a romantic, cosy and comfortable ambience. Nothing should be there to distract you.

Think about the music you would like to play. It should be either his or mutual favourite or something that is soothing.

Just the two of you

The adage "Two is company and three is crowd" should be strictly adhered to. Make sure you are not disturbed by anybody else's presence as long as you two are together. Be it at home, a restaurant, a beach, a club, a garden or a car. If at home, turn your phone and mobile off. Heartfelt emotions and feelings require moments away from the din and prying eyes of the world.

Say it with flowers

The freshness and fragrance of flowers never go unnoticed. So don't forget to put flowers where you two are going to be. Fill vases with exotic flowers as they are the most appropriate and beautiful symbol of love. You can get tulips, orchids or any other beautiful flower. If he has a special liking for any particular variety, try your best to get it. Flowers add to the romantic mood.

Play with candles

If you are planning for a romantic dinner, the flame of a candle should symbolize the fire of love that is burning inside you. So use candles to create a warm, inviting and sensual ambience. Candles provide mystery and lighting a candle is like turning on your inner self. Arrange candles of different colours, sizes and fragrances around the room. Red colour stands for love, vigour and health. Therefore use red coloured candles and they would work like a charm. Pink candles stand for attraction or affection, winning of love and are great for those cuddly romantic moments. White candles symbolize purity and greatly enhance the romantic atmosphere. Incense is another great addition to creating the mood. It's almost like a love drug and extremely exotic. The atmosphere will decide how the evening unfolds. You can also place balloons spelling 'I love you' around the place.

Show you love him

Tell him all the reasons you fell in love with him and why you continue to do so. Don't ask him to do so for you, unless he himself says it. Talk about him — his hobbies, favourite topics, family, likes and dislikes.

Do whatever you can do to make him feel that he is so very special to you. You can wear a ring or a locket with his name's initials on it. Keep your eyes fixed on him and smile often. Compliment him on his looks and appreciate the choice of the clothes and accessories.

You can play a hostess even when you are going boating, on a long drive, in a coffee shop, for a romantic movie, or for a surprise couple party or simply to the disco to share the moments of togetherness. If your man is the sporty sort, plan an evening at the bowling alley or a pool parlour. Carry some snacks with you or eat at the local cafeteria. Also take a few favourite music CDs along to listen while driving. In a coffee shop or a small and quiet restaurant, book a table for two preferably in a corner. Let him hold your hand as you move closer to your love and life together.