By Thomas Holley

Before you pick up the phone to make reservations for that romantic dinner for two...STOP. Instead of battling traffic, waiting in line for your table and being at the mercy of the other diners sitting at your elbow, why not jump on the pontoon and head out to the water?  With a little imagination, foresight, and moonlight, you can create a romantic dinner for two that your date will never forget.  The most important part of creating this memorable evening is in the planning.  You don't want to be in the middle of dinner and realize that you've forgotten something important like silverware or a corkscrew.

So, let's start at the beginning and work through the details.  First of all, check the weather.  Nothing will ruin your dinner quicker than a storm or rough water.  Secondly, dock your boat prior to picking up your date.  Trailering and launching can often be stressful and it's important that you and your date are completely relaxed from the moment you step on the boat, until you step off.  Make sure all of your supplies are loaded into the boat prior to arriving with your date. Check for the exact time the sun is setting and plan to arrive at precisely that moment.

Using easy to find outdoor light strings, ensconce your pontoon with dangling icicles of light,  (Don't forget to plug them in before you arrive with your date.) a few well-positioned flower petals on the deck wouldn't be a bad idea either.  There is nothing more romantic than walking your significant other down the pier to a softly glowing pontoon enveloped in the pinks and blues of a setting sun.

When planning your meal, you have several options. Although many boats are equipped with grills, nothing takes the fire out of romance quicker than having to cook before you can sit down.  For this reason, it's recommended that you consider cooking your meal at home first or picking it up from your favorite restaurant.  Keeping it hot or cold is no problem with a thermoelectric cooler.  This is a wonderfulproduct sold by Coleman that can not only keep your food at serving temperature but will hold ice and beverages as well.  Food umbrellas are the perfect way to keep pesky insects out of your meal and can be purchased inexpensively.

Setting the table is important and if your boat is docked, this can be done prior to the start of your date.  If you're planning on heading out to the middle of the lake, however, you may have to wait until you've chosen your spot to complete this task. There are several picnic sets available that will keep all of your dining items in one place or for a little more class, pack it all up in a beautiful wicker basket.  Your date will be pleasantly suprised as you pull your table settings, candles, and champagne from the basket with a little flourish. Don't forget the tablecloth!

When you've finished your meal, simply pack it right back up in the basket.  Clean up's a breeze.  Follow dinner with an amazing dessert from the local bakery and a delightful cup of fresh brewed coffee and then sit back and enjoy the romantic music you have softly playing in the background.  If you follow these easy tips and throw in a few special touches of your own, the next time you suggest dinner, don't be suprised if it has to be on the boat.

Thomas Holley is owner of http://www.Pontoon-Boat-Products.com

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