Avoid the crowds and show your partner how much you really care with a romantic evening at home.

Maybe you haven’t always been the perfect partner. Maybe you occasionally go out with your friends rather than stay home, or perhaps you’re guilty of leaving the kids with your spouse in the pursuit of a more noble cause — like shopping. But Valentine’s Day and redemption are just around the corner.

A great meal deserves a great wine. Learn how to make the choice with our easy tips.

The only rule is; if you like it, then it’s good. Wine is subjective and taste buds are unique so forget about what other people say, if you like it, that’s all that matters.

Wine pairing basics; The key to choosing a great food wine is to select a bottle that compliments what’s served — you don’t want either one outdoing the other. Big bold flavours like those from beef or game meats need an equally bold wine, while delicate flavours from leafy salads or lightly seasoned fish require something more tame.

These tasty drinks will help make your party a smash hit.

Stumped for a great bevy to serve at that cocktail party you’ve been too busy to plan? Or do you need a special drink to entice your guests’ palates on Christmas Eve? Try one of these classics; unlike that iPod case you got last year, these never go out of style.

Chances are you’re doing some entertaining over the next couple of weeks and it’s always a great idea to greet your guests with a house cocktail (at least to start the evening) rather than offering to cork a bottle of wine or pop a beer. Why not offer your guests a velvety smooth glass of homemade eggnog instead? And we’re not talking the store-bought kind with a jigger of rum added to it — though that also has its place.

We’re talking about whole eggs whisked into a frenzy with sugar and vanilla until they’re light and airy. Stirring in whole milk and heavy cream until the mixture is silken and heavenly. Then ratchet up the adult enjoyment factor by adding a boozy concoction of cognac, rum and rye (we’re good-ol’ Canadian boys after all). Chill until you’re ready to serve, then top each glass with that sweet peppery kick of freshly grated nutmeg.