If you believe in the adage that a way to a person's heart is through their stomach, you're in good company. And with the most romantic holiday of the year around the corner, you have a perfect excuse to show your love by cooking up a storm. It may require a little more elbow grease, but statistics show that most of us prefer to avoid restaurants on February 14th. Whether you're cooking for two, planning a special dinner for the family or hosting a Galentine's Day party for your girlfriends, you might want to draw inspiration from Chef Emma Beqaj, owner of Emma's Eatery, who has whipped up the perfect menu for you and your loved ones.

The Menu

OYSTERS

VONGOLE

MIXED LEAVES

BLOOD ORANGE TART WITH CARDAMOM PASTRY CREAM

Emma's Beqaj brings her farm-to-table food philosophy to Emma's Eatery Catering, where she prepares both intimate dinners and large events. A winner of Food Network's Chopped Canada, Emma focuses on simple but delicious food made with the highest quality ingredients.

The Table

Wondering how to create a lovely table for your next dinner? It's not as complicated as you may think. The first rule is to break a few rules: step away from the idea that everything has to match, combine vintage plates with new glassware, and don't be afraid to pair classic and modern pieces.  Other ideas include:

1. Instead of a dinner plate, use a low, wide soup bowl for your main course for a restaurant feel in your home.

    

2. A tablecloth always adds warmth and dimension to your table, and makes you want to linger long after the meal has ended. Check out our new no-iron crushed linen tablecloths from Italy here.

    

3. You can never go wrong with fresh flowers, but remember to keep them low, and consider single flowers in small bud vases spread around the table for a more relaxed look.

    

4. Candles, candles, candles; you can never go wrong, or have too many.

Set the Table

Enhance the Mood