Planning to stay in this Valentine’s Day? Whatever your reason for staying in, there is nothing more romantic than recreating a food memory. For example, do you have a favorite restaurant? Do you always order the same dish? How about your honeymoon or last vacation? Did you eat anything that really stood out?

When planning a romantic meal, many get overwhelmed with the classic romantic dishes that are often elaborate and time consuming. Below are a few tips to help you plan a romantic and thoughtful meal.

1. It’s more than just the food. When recreating a memory, think about what you were drinking, what music was playing and how the table was set. If you cannot get an exact match, go for the same feel. For example, if you can’t remember the exact wine you drank, look for something similar and don’t be afraid to ask for help! Most wine shops will be able to assist you in selecting a wine based on your description. For decor, if you remember the color of the tablecloth or that there were candles, use what you have at home or look in local stores for something similar.

2. Play to your strengths. If you have never made fresh pasta before, don’t choose Valentine’s Day to start experimenting. There are a lot of great resources out there, and many high end stores have items like fresh pasta available. You can focus on the sauce and other dishes without having the stress and mess of making your own fresh pasta. Desserts can also be intimidating, which is why local bakeries are a great resource as well.

3. You are recreating a feeling. Don’t get caught up on an exact recreation. Little details helps pull everything together but don’t worry about being so precise. If you remember flowers, but not the type, just get what you like. If you are sure you had ice cream but don’t remember the flavor, get your date’s favorite flavor. In the end, you should enjoy the process as well!