In this section, I want to provide you with some ideas for creating a romantic atmosphere at all times in your home. Other family members respond well to this kind of atmosphere, so give it a try, include the children in these ideas.

If you are looking for romantic ideas for just couples, try the For Couples Only section.

When we become bored with our surroundings, we tend to become bored with everything that goes on in those surroundings. Have you ever noticed that? We are bored with the people, the activities, the music, the conversation, the food. Sometimes a change of scene is required.

Maybe that is why we like weekend getaways and vacations

When I get bored with my surroundings, I change something. No I don't get rid of Shining Knight, or any of the rest of the family, but I change the bedspread on the bed, or paint the walls, or make new curtains, or move the furniture. Redecorating in some way, even if it is very minor can give you a new perspective and bring a little newness into your life.

I recently redid our bedroom in pale lavender, added a quilt in purple and lavender and made matching shams for the pillows. What a wonderful difference in the atmosphere!!! Try something different, it doesn't to take a lot of time or money to be very effective.

With our hectic life style, families don't seem to eat dinner together anymore. Try to find an evening or a morning when everyone can sit down at the dining room table together.

The idea is to eat a meal, converse, and get reacquainted with each other.

This doesn't have to be fancy or formal, it might even consist of just a dessert if that is all you can get them to agree to in the beginning.

The important thing is to get them together, sitting at a table, with plates, silverware, something to eat and something to drink.

You might have to provide a topic of conversation, and be sure it does not include berating someone for his faults. Write them down if you have to, but think of something each family member is interested in, read up on it if you have to but ask an intelligent question about each persons pet subject, and watch the surprised and pleased reactions.

Scent can create a romantic, relaxing atmosphere in your home. This can come from scented candles, potpourri,simmering potpourri, air fresheners, or a combination of the above.

The idea is to choose a fragrance or combination of fragrance that appeals to everyone. Some people love certain scents that are very disturbing to others. Musk is my example - some people love it, it brings back some very bad memories for me - so be careful. You want this fragrance to only have good association.

I use vanilla as my base scent and combine it with whatever strikes my fancy. Sometimes it is Cherry at other times it is Peach or even a flower scent. The holidays are alive with scent - pumpkin pie, apple spice, bayberry, spiced cider, cloves, cinnamon, ginger - the list is endless.

You can change with the seasons, or you can choose one scent and stick with it. But do give it a try!

Fresh flowers can add so much to the atmosphere of your home. You don't have to spend a lot of money on flowers. Sometimes fresh picked wild flowers can be as beautiful as the most expensive roses. Try a bouquet of Daisys, Indian Blanket, and Black-Eyed Susans set off with some Queen Anne's Lace. Lots of color and beauty and nothing spent but some time to find them in the local vacent lot or roadside.