Cooking dinner can feel like just another chore on an endless to-do list. But what if we reframed it? What if dinner prep became a time to unwind, spark creativity, and even bring a little romance to your daily routine? The secret is in creating an experience that feels special and indulgent—without adding stress. Here’s how to romanticize cooking dinner and turn it into a daily ritual you’ll actually look forward to. Turn mealtime into a self care opportunity.
1. Start with Whole Foods That Inspire You
There’s something magical about working with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Reach for rich, creamy butter, fragrant fresh herbs like rosemary or basil, and colorful vegetables that brighten your plate. Cooking with whole, unprocessed foods doesn’t just elevate the flavors of your meal—it connects you to the process of nourishing yourself and your family.
For example, drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over sliced tomatoes, sprinkle them with flaky sea salt, and tear fresh basil leaves right onto the plate. The aroma alone will transport you to an Italian villa!
And please, please, buy some fresh herbs once in a while!!
2. Create a Playlist That Sets the Mood
Music has the power to transform the atmosphere of your kitchen. Choose a jazzy 1950s playlist for a retro vibe or go for soft French bistro tunes to feel like you’ve stepped into a Parisian café. Let the music guide your rhythm as you chop, sauté, and stir. It adds a layer of fun and charm that can make even the simplest recipes feel romantic.
3. Pour Yourself a Fun Drink
Whether it’s sparkling water with a slice of lime, a mocktail with fresh fruit, having a drink in a pretty glass can make the experience feel indulgent. Sip as you cook, and it becomes less of a task and more of a self-care ritual. Bonus points if your drink pairs well with the meal you’re preparing! And seriously, use a real glass. We’re not drinking out of our kids water bottles anymore.
Try out my Lime refresher for a light drink that will also nourish your adrenals! Recipe here: Drink this to handle stress better
4. Light a Candle for Ambience
Candles aren’t just for dinner parties or special occasions. Lighting a candle instantly elevates the mood and adds a sense of calm to your cooking space. Stick to unscented to let your food take center stage, personally I love a beeswax candle. I find the smell pairs well with anything and create instant calm. No clean ocean breeze candles while you make your spaghetti bolognese, please!
5. Take the Stress Out of the Process
Nothing kills the romance of cooking faster than interruptions and chaos. I personally choose the cooking hours as time for screen time for my children or you can set up a quiet activity so you can focus. It’s okay to prioritize an stress-free environment for yourself.
Prep everything you need before you start: gather your ingredients, chop your vegetables, and measure out spices. Cooking is so much smoother when you’re not scrambling to find that jar of cumin halfway through! In the cooking world- we call this Mise en place (everything in place/ set up). I can still picture Chef Dean telling us students- “Get your mise en place! Or you’ll be in the weeds!”
Related: How to simplify nutrition for the overwhelmed and anxious
6. Savor the Process, Not Just the Result
Cooking dinner doesn’t have to feel rushed. Lean into the sensory experience: the sizzle of butter in the pan, the vibrant colors of fresh produce, and the comforting smell of garlic and onions sautéing. Enjoy each step as it comes together.
By turning cooking into a ritual rather than a task, you might just find it becomes one of your favorite parts of the day. And the best part? The meal you create will taste even better because you’ve infused it with care and intention.
Related: How to build a balanced meal
Final Thoughts
Romanticizing cooking dinner is all about finding joy in the process. From using high-quality ingredients to setting the scene with music and candles, it’s these small details that make a big difference. So tonight, try slowing down, putting on some jazzy tunes, and letting yourself enjoy the act of creating something beautiful and nourishing.
And remember, cooking isn’t just about feeding yourself or your family—it’s a way to show love, including to yourself. So why not make it magical?
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