Cooking up a successful date

Cooking for someone at home isn't something you would do for a first date, for a variety of reasons.

One of the most important, of course, is that you'll want to meet up in public places with someone until you are sure you know them well enough to ask them into your home.

Another is that it could well simply put too much pressure on things if you feel like your home, cooking and everything else are all being assessed by your date at once early on in your relationship! For date number one, a simple drink or a coffee is often the best way to go.

When you are ready to cook up something tasty at home, though, why not consider these few tips?

Ask what they're into

There's nothing worse than cooking up a roast for someone and then suddenly discovering you forget to ask them if they're veggie – well, unless it's putting the food on the table and then your date suddenly revealing they don't eat meat!

For that reason, it's best not to leave your meal as a big surprise, but at least check dietary requirements beforehand. The same goes, it has to be said, for when you're inviting someone for a meal out. Although all restaurants do cater for veggies, some are much better than others, so if it turns out the person doesn't eat meat, they may have a better idea of spots that will give them good choices.

More generally, it could be an idea to ask your date what they enjoy eating and match your menu to this. You don't have to be totally guided by their tastes, but it will certainly make a good impression if you cook up something because they've said they enjoy it.

Keep it casual

A candle-lit dinner is always fun, but your first experience cooking for someone needn't be self-consciously romantic – indeed, this might come across as trying too hard, and put too much pressure on the experience.

Ideally, you're going for the atmosphere of a relaxed meal with a friend. This will help you to stop yourself getting too stressed about preparing the meal – something that can sometimes cause concern.

Stay in your comfort zone

If you're not a fan of cooking, there's no need to make a home-cooked meal date part of your relationship with the new man or woman in your life.

Should you want to try something new and cook for them, go ahead, but you shouldn't feel the need to go on any dates that cause you stress or mean you have to do jobs you don't want to.

On a similar point, it's useful to choose a menu you're comfortable with and know you won't become stressed making. Yes, you want it to impress, but as any home cook knows, tasty food isn't always the result of complex preparation!