Left the planning too late and didn’t get those reservations for that New York hotel and New Year’s Eve in Times Square? Don’t despair. It isn’t where you spend New Year’s together, it’s that you are together that counts.

So when planning your romantic New Year’s Eve make sure you take into account what it is you both like to do and maximize the togetherness. A romantic dinner for two is always in order. Be traditional and serve champagne. For a romantic evening the details do count so buy those special champagne glasses, borrow your neighbor’s ice bucket. If you have a fireplace, light a fire. Keep electric lights dim and use candlelight to dine by. Be creative and have a picnic in front of the fire. Prepare ahead of time by burning a CD of all the songs that have meaning for you as a couple and include some favorites of each of you.

Guys, if you plan to propose, New Year’s Eve is a very romantic time to do it. As the clock creeps towards midnight, reminisce about your first date and the history of your relationship. Tell her that she has been the best part of your past and that you want your future to include her. Present the ring and the proposal just as midnight strikes. The tried and true ring-in-the-wine-glass is a romantic way to pop the question.

Spend a quiet and romantic evening together and see what develops!

Happy New Year!