t happens every year. You make those frantic last minute phone calls for a reservation at your favorite restaurant, only to find that the only way you can be accommodated is to arrive by 5:00 and be out by 6:15. Too early? Not what you had in mind? Then, it'll probably be 9:30 for the next open reservations.

Why fret? This year, why not try that romantic restaurant dinner Feb. 12th or 13th­and follow our suggestive, alternative guide for romancing your beloved. (Remember, we are in the height of season in February, so even the Monday before Valentines Day may be a difficult reservation to accomplish think ahead and explore our options)

Option Number 1:

Plan that romantic dinner at home. However, why should one have to spend so much time in the kitchen? Hire a personal chef. Select your partner's favorite foods, with a few of your own as well, and relax in the environs of your own love-castle. For ultimate privacy, (this one is a gem), we recommend a candlelight dinner by the pool. Sprinkle the pool with rose petals, chill the champagne in an ice bucket filled with wild flowers and have the table set with beautiful candles. Beef Wellington for two, Caesar Salad prepared tableside and, for dessert, Strawberries Romanoff, followed by port and imported cheeses­while someone else does the clean up. Last hurrahs with flaming Spanish coffees­and you have a magical evening that will keep the flame burning long after the holiday has passed.

Option Number 2:

Plan a Romantic Picnic. Now, it does not even have to be on the beach. Perhaps your own backyard will give you the ultimate privacy.

There is something to be said for baguettes and patés, bowls of Granny Smith apples and brie cheese, chilled lobster tails and, of course, a chocolate covered bottle of champagne (Chocolate, Nuts and More) that turns the evening into something special. Votive candles surrounding your picnic blanket and the background of wind chimes: welcome to romance heaven!

Option Number 3:

Select your favorite restaurant: ask them to prepare a very special dinner for two TO-GO. Something may get lost with the take out, but you need only to heat and touch up with a sauce or two, toss the salad in your own bowl, flame the dessert, etc.­you'll have created a non-stressed, culinary feast with minimal time and effort.

Option Number 4:

Forget the entrée, salad and starch get right to the dessert!

Option Number 5:

For the early birds, try a luscious breakfast in bed! Croissants with fresh peach preserves, raspberries and whipped cream, poached eggs with asparagus and lump crab meat topped with orange hollandaise sauce and mocha late. Of course this is assuming that you are not rushing off to work. If so, think about the ultimate breakfast in bed the weekend before. It will be an utter surprise and may just last the whole week through.

Option Number 6:

Why not both cook for each other? You can each select a few dishes or specialties to prepare and share the kitchen. Perhaps a dance or two around the house will make this evening the most romantic of all. Don't worry if the cuisine isn't compatible, the delight of enjoying each others company, and the art of cooking your specialty, for someone you care about is all it takes!

Option Number 7:

All of the above! Why not select one for each month? Make special cards for each special evening that you have planned and give your valentine a journal to record all the culinary treats that you have experienced together. This one may just land you on Oprah for Most Romantic!

Remember, like all special occasions, with less stress the more you will enjoy the event, so planning ahead goes a long way.