When I think of Italy, I can’t help but think of romance. The food, the wine, the language, the landscape … ah, that’s amore! But even if you can’t escape to the sun-drenched Italian countryside, you can bring a little bit of Italy home. Just incorporate a few of these ideas into an at-home date night with your hubby for a little Italian-inspired amore.

The Food
To begin, set a menu with well-loved Italian eats. A great start to any Italian meal is bruschetta. I could eat gallons of this stuff! It’s also super simple to prepare, and it makes great use of summer’s ripe tomatoes and basil. Use this recipe by Tiffany of the Cucina della Mamma cooking blog. For the main course, follow the bruschetta with our own Martin’s lasagna. A delight you’re sure to love. And once you and the hubby have had your fill of the good stuff, satisfy your sweet tooth with a serving of gelato. If you have a Paciugo nearby, pick up the good stuff from there or snag some from your local gourmet grocer. PaIr the gelato with a cup of Illy coffee.

The Libations
Any sommelier at a fine restaurant or wine connoisseur at a gourmet grocer or market can suggest an Italian wine to complement your menu. If you select a red, try to decant the wine to allow for full flavor and body before enjoying. If you prefer something a bit sweeter, try a bottle of Prosecco, a dry sparkling Italian wine. And if you’d prefer to avoid alcohol altogether, simply serve a bottle of San Pellegrino.

The Music
Set the mood with a little music by Italian-born singer Andrea Bocelli. Dean Martin also has a good rendition of That’s Amore, which can be downloaded at iTunes.

The Entertainment
After dinner, snuggle up on your couch with a film that celebrates Italy. Choose from one of these movies, as suggested by MadeMan.com: “Under the Tuscan Sun,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Life is Beautiful,” “Il Postino,” “Only You,” “Where Angels Fear to Tread,” “A Room With a View,” “The Godfather,” “Three Coins in a Fountain” and “Roman Holiday.”

photo istockphoto.com