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Dinner Date & a Movie With Myself (Updated 7/26/26)
38
items Solo date nights with a little effort. I’m pairing a movie, homemade dinner and accoutrements that fit the mood and listing the recipes, kitchen finds, and drinks to pull it all together.
Sections
6
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Amélie (2001)
Mahogany (1975)
Practical Magic (1998)
Love Jones (1997)
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Mood: Expensive Italian Vacay
Tom Ripley believes it's better to be a fake somebody than a real nobody. He worms his way into the lives of a wealthy playboy and his girlfriend, plunging into a scheme of duplicity, lies and murder.
Featuring: Matt Damon, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ca...
The Talented Mr. Ripley - Watch Full Movie on Paramount Plus
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This recipe yields four servings, so I divided each measurement in half. I took the leftovers to work the next day.
I also swapped out mezzi rigatoni for the linguini.
Pasta with Lemon, Garlic and Roasted Tomatoes
These bowls are perfect for small portions of things like yogurt and cereal and also pretty enough to use as serving dishes.
CERAMIC BOWL SET
Makes grating fresh garlic and lemon zesting so easy. Tastes much better than the jarred stuff.
Ceramic Grating Plate (Includes Garlic Peeler & Brush)
I purchased these vintage coupe glasses in a set of two last holiday season. Perfect for cocktails or even serving a simple dessert if you want to add a bit of old world style.
In The Roundhouse
Love this set so much.
And After Dinner… The Espresso Cup Set
So comfortable and fits well. I prefer my lounge wear with oversized shirts, so I sized up.
Baby Waffle Wide-Leg Lounge Pant
The best flavor in my opinion.
Crisp Apple
Amélie (2001)
Mood: Whimsey Parisian Solitude
French-language romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Written by Jeunet with Guillaume Laurant, the film is a whimsical depiction of contemporary Parisian life, set in Montmartre. It tells the story of Amélie Poulain, played by Audrey ...
Amélie - Apple TV
The French grilled ham and cheese sandwich, made with gruyere, parmesan, ham and a simple béchamel sauce, toasted in the oven. I serve mine with whole lemon fig marmalade.
Easy Croque Monsieur Recipe - Tastes Better From Scratch
Non-alcohol version : Mix blackberry syrup or juice with a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage like sparkling cider or club soda.
Perfect Kir Royale
Book date alternative when you’re craving a bit of whimsy/romance/light-heartedness. In tiny Lansquenet, where nothing much has changed in a hundred years, beautiful newcomer Vianne Rocher and her exquisite chocolate shop arrive and instantly begin t...
Chocolat by Joanne Harris
Charcuterie perfection.
Marigold Mosaic Acacia Wood Inlay Serve Board
Looks and feels gorgeous! Perfect for any cozy/whimsy night at home.
Madison Park Marselle Oversized Faux Fur Throw Blanket
Perfect fit, light weight.
Mid-Rise Pull-On Open-Leg Pant
Mahogany (1975)
Mood: 1970's Black glamour, ambition, silk scarves, dramatic lighting, and a woman deciding she wants more.
Tracy Chambers, a Chicago woman, is discovered by photographer Sean (Perkins) and becomes a model named "Mahogany," leading her to Rome and international fame, but she must choose between her career and her love for activist Brian.
Mahogany (1975)
The ultimate one pan sheet meal.
Sheet Pan Steak and Potatoes with Green Beans (Paleo, Whole30)
A deep and full bodied wine with aromas of very ripe sweet strawberries and chocolate. Perfectly balanced, soft, extremely easy-drinking with strong felt finish. My favorite this year so far!
Kakhuri Gvinis Marani Kindzmarauli Semi Sweet Jug
Such a cute lamp. Its small, and not bright, but fits the mood and adds to the atmosphere during this film.
LAX Gadgets LED Crystal Lamp
Sophistication in a box.
Posh Ballon Glasses, Set of 2
My favorite scent from Glasshouse! Robust and fills the area.
Radiance In Bloom Diffuser
Practical Magic (1998)
Mood: Cozy, witchy vibe meets candlelit kitchens, midnight margaritas, and second chances at love. Even if it is self love first.
"Always throw spilt salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can."
Practical Magic (1998)
Rich, creamy, and filling. Serve it with a warm, rustic bread.
Chicken Pot Pie
Finding the perfect plus-size oversized cardigan comes down to choosing the right blend of fabric, drape, and cut to match your vibe. I figure Sally would wear something like this, so why shouldnt I?
Festi Button-Front Cardigan
The ultimate cousin to the margarita. Swap orange liqueur for grapefruit soda.
Paloma Cocktail
Just like the photos. I have a blush colored set and had to get these as well.
Short Stories Set of 4 Bowls
What else are you going to serve your cocktails with?
Claro Pitcher
Great scent and beautiful presentation. Light a few of these for ambiance.
Baltic Amber - Small Jar Candle
Love Jones (1997)
Mood: Black love, smoky rooms, soft tension, with a bookish, sensual edge.
A romantic drama about a poet (Larenz Tate) and a photographer (Nia Long) in Chicago who fall in love, exploring themes of art, commitment, and modern relationships through jazz, poetry, and late-night conversations.
Love Jones (1997)
Rich and creamy, a little spicy, and romantic just like this movie.
Add-ons:
* Caesar salad or garlicky greens
* Garlic bread
* Sparkling water, red wine, or a blackberry mocktail
* Chocolate mousse or espresso brownies for dessert
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
White bowls are fine, but black ones make this dinner look intentional.
Teocera Matte Black Pasta Bowls Set of 4
Pretend your date space is a jazz lounge, because why not?
Coupe Glasses
It’s a sturdy pot with a strainer insert and comfortable handles.
Things to consider before purchase: It’s large, and its height makes it a little difficult to fit in smaller sinks to wash and fill.
All-Clad Simply Strain 8-quart Multipot
Four tracks perfect for getting in the mood while prepping your meal.
Hank Mobley - Hank Mobley (Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series) LP
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Mood: Stylish, slow, music-heavy, and full of old-world romantic weirdness. Vinyl records, dim lamps, and beautiful vampires who need therapy.
Only Lovers Left Alive is a 2013 gothic comedy-drama film written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, starring Tom Hiddleston, Tilda Swinton, and Mia Wasikowska. It follows Adam and Eve, a centuries-old vampire couple navigating art, science, and a depress...
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Add a bitter greens salad with balsamic glaze.
Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Dark fruit, bubbles, a little edge. Tart cherry juice keeps the drink deep, moody, and not too sweet. Adult use only. Start low, go slow, and don’t drive after THC intake.
Black Cherry Spritz THC Mocktail Recipe | Nowadays
Heavy and perfect for an at-home dinner that deserves better than paper plates.
Marin Matte Black Stoneware Dinner Plate