How to Redesign Your Home for a Romantic Evening

Sheila: My friend Al Roker is preparing a romantic dinner for his wife, Deborah. He’s got the menu all sorted out but I think he needs a little design help to set the mood. So I’m coming to the rescue. NBC today show cohost Al Roker and his wife Deborah Roberts, an ABC news 20/20 correspondent lead hectic lives but after eight years of marriage and a young family in tow, they still find time for romance. Hi Al. Al: Sheila, how are you doing? Sheila: I’m good. So it looks like everything is under control here. Al: Yes, I’m trying to do this little romantic dinner. I like to do things kind of on the spur of the moment but I need a little help designing wise but I think I got food under control. Sheila: So what’s on the menu this evening? Al: The entre is going to be a lovely rack of lamb and some chopped up rosemary, chopped up garlic, salt, pepper. Veggie is going to be just grilled asparagus and then our starch is going to be minted cuscus. My idea is not to spend a lot of time in the kitchen going nuts with the recipe so it’s very simple. I’m going to sear this in a cast iron skillet. I’m going to get this kind of hot right now because you want a good- when it hits and put a couple of those, throw it in. There you go. Sheila: So while you’re doing this, I’m going to ask you a few questions about Deborah and what she likes. It’s a romance quiz. So tell me what kind of flowers she likes? Al: Hydrangea and calla lilies. Sheila: Any particular scents or fragrances? Al: If I had to guess, I’d say citrus. Sheila: For me the key to a romantic dinner is the dessert. Al: Most people would think chocolate but Deborah is not a big chocolate person. Again going back to the citrus thing, she likes key lime pie. Sheila: So I’ll let Al handle the food and I’ll take care of the design. Al told me that Deborah absolutely loves candles so I’ve taken the liberty of shopping for quite an assortment. Some smell like citrus and some are unscented. I’ve displayed them on glass trays and little trivets and plates, because glass is really reflectant of candlelight. I think it makes a really romantic and intimate setting. Don’t just think red roses for romance. If you’re trying to create an intimate setting, think about getting the kinds of flowers that your partner likes. Deborah loves hydrangeas and calla lilies so that’s what I’ve gotten here. I’ve also included a few white roses just to mix it up a little bit. Finally, I’ve included some lemons and limes in glass jars with water because I love the scent and the color is great. I’ve got a great idea for the key lime pie. Al’s giving me a secret love message for Deborah which I’m going to paint with ceramic paints onto this plate. And you’re going to have to stick around till after they finish the pie to find out what it says. Al: The table looks fabulous. Sheila: Thanks a lot for leaving me here to do this by myself. Al: That’s everything. Remember I said we’re going to do the rack of lamb and had little medium rare so it would be rosy for romance. We’ve got the cuscus with the currants and mint and a little asparagus which is nice because the asparagus plays off of your napkins so incredibly elegant. I’ve never designed food to match the napkins. I think Deborah’s here. Get out. Now any time, don’t let the door hit you. Hey honey. Surprise. Deborah: Wow, this is beautiful. This is fantastic. Al: So is this your idea of romantic? Deborah: This is above and beyond, the candles, you know I love candlelight. The little touches of hydrangeas I love. You nailed it. You did well. Al: You didn’t see Sheila at all today? Deborah: Sheila Bridges, no. Al: She had nothing to do with this. I was just wondering if you’ve seen her on the way in. Deborah: Would Sheila have had anything to do with this? Al: She might have suggested a couple of things. For dessert, I got one of your favorites, key lime pie. There’s a little bit of a message on the pie plate and you’re going to have to finish it up. Deborah: I have to finish the pie to get the message, maybe there’s a way around this.