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Anniversary Dinner Ideas
Starters, mains, desserts and a cocktail for an anniversary dinner at home that suits you both.
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The one rule worth keeping is to pick dishes you'll both enjoy. One Mumsnet poster wanted something uncomplicated and settled on fish pie, because they both love it. Lemon8 says the same: think about your partner's tastes first. So ask what they're in the mood for, then choose a starter, a main and a dessert between you. This list covers a dinner for two at home. It leaves out booking a restaurant and hiring a private chef.
Why these items are on the list
- Red pepper shrimp starter. Tevin Wicks' recipe: shrimp sautéed with red pepper flakes, tomatoes and white wine. Spicy, simple, lovely shared with wine.
- Pumpkin soup starter. Lemon8's version simmers pumpkin puree, cream, broth and nutmeg about 15 minutes, then blends smooth. Add crusty bread for dipping.
- Pan-roasted New York strip. George Zappas bastes it in butter, garlic and thyme. Ask first, though; one Mumsnet poster was off red meat.
- Garlic parsley butter ribeye. Lemon8 says about 4 to 5 minutes a side for medium-rare, then let the garlic parsley butter melt on top.
- Seared salmon with lemon butter. Chef John Geschrei pan-sears it in olive oil, with blistered grape tomatoes, garlic-wilted spinach and lemon butter sauce.
- Salmon or trout in filo. Herb butter wrapped in filo. A Mumsnet commenter called it quick, not too heavy and lovely with champagne.
- Fish pie, cauliflower cheese, asparagus. A shop-bought fish pie keeps it uncomplicated. Follow with raspberries, meringue, cream and champagne, as one poster did.
- Loaded mashed potatoes. Lemon8 says boil the potatoes 15 to 20 minutes, mash with butter and milk, then stir in cheddar.
- Blueberry cheesecake, dairy-free. Chef Christian Farah's no-bake, plant-based version has an almond crust and blueberry mousse layer. Handy if anyone avoids dairy.
- Fresh mango with puree. Dice fresh mango and layer it with mango puree, or just drizzle the puree over the top.
- Sweet dessert wine or champagne. Lemon8 pairs either with macarons and a mango dessert; grab a bottle during the grocery shop.
- Rosemary mule cocktail. Bridget Karr's: muddle rosemary, sugar and juice of half a lime, then whiskey, vodka or gin, topped with ginger beer.
- Menu themed on a past trip. Lemon8 suggests regional dishes from a holiday you loved. Pick the theme before the dishes.
- Table set with flowers. Lemon8 rates the setting as important as the food: a tablecloth, nice dishware and flowers in the middle.
- Candles and a shared playlist. Soft lighting and songs you both like set the mood. Easy to skip, so put them on the list.
Pass the phone across the table and let your partner veto things before anyone shops. Then tick off what's in the basket.
When to use it
Use it when you're planning an anniversary dinner at home and want a few ideas to choose from.