If you don't have room to put everything away then make the best of what you have. Get a large box and put as much as you can in it. Put it somewhere out of the way and disguise it with a throw-over or table cloth. If you can make the top flat then stand a vase of flowers on it! Other rooms to tidy up are entrance halls, bathrooms and bedrooms.

Keep lighting subtle and intimate. Use lamps, wall-lights and candles only. Experiment with different coloured lightbulbs (40 watt max) to create the ambiance you want. Remember people generally prefer to see what they are eating so keep the table fairly light while you're eating. If you can do so safely (without creating a fire hazard) place candles all around the room for a subtle, romantic effect.

What could be more romantic than eating under the stars? If the night is warm and you have a secluded garden then move the setting outside. A patio heater is great for added warmth as the evening cools down. Oil lights can be found in most garden centres and are great for illumination. Place candles in wind-proof holders on the table.

Music should be soft and subtle, there is nothing worse than trying to talk quietly and romantically and not being able to hear or be heard. Choose music that you know you both like or buy one of the "Love Songs" collections from your local music shop. If there is a particular song that has meaning to you then play it ... it gives you the opportunity to say "Remember they were playing this when we...".