Lovely setting

With nearly two weeks to go until Valentine's Day, this could be the year you don't have to dash into a store at the last minute to pick up some chocolates or flowers for your sweetheart. With a bit of planning, you can create a romantic setting that will make you celebration special.

"The key to romantic settings, or as I like to call it a seductive home, is to immerse your surrounding in elements that capture the senses," said Moll Anderson, interior designer and lifestyle expert who recently released her second book, "The Seductive Home," which teaches readers how to bring elegance, sophistication and even an indulgent sense of decadence into their homes. "You create a sensory experience with color, texture, scale, lighting, scent and dramatic focal points that add the wow factor."

Anderson said she enjoys creating romantic settings throughout her home, putting a table for two in different areas.

"That means my husband and I are experiencing our home in a new, different and exciting way. Any spot that you carve out just for the two of you is special. Try it, I promise it will change your life and relationship. Think outside the dining room box," she said.

She completes her scene by adding music, candles and flowers.

"Don't ever forget the flowers. A vase of simple roses adds a touch of elegance," Anderson said.

And when selecting candles, she said to be very careful about the scent.

"Spend as much time picking a scent as you would you own personal perfume. I like to try one special scent throughout my home and also sprinkle throughout unscented candles as well," she said. "Nothing will kill a sensual vibe more than too much of a good thing."

She said her personal favorite is a rich, earthy combination of tobacco, ylang-ylang and bergamot. But, if setting the stage for romance, "think clover, musk, merlot, fig, honey and also vanilla. It's the number one scent men love."

Going hand in hand with candles, Anderson said to keep the lights low, especially in the bedroom. She has dimmer switches on all her lights, including those in the laundry room.

"You can have a sexy space just by dimming the lights," she said.

Though red and pink are traditional colors associated with Valentine's Day, Anderson said that any color that makes your heart race will set the "perfect vibe" for your home.

Shades of purple work well, but there's really no reason to avoid red.

"I love, love setting the romantic scene with the color red. Red is the color of highest energy," she said. "If you're looking to spice up your love life and want something new in the boudoir, choose one of the many exotic, jeweled tones like red.

"It's typically associated with passion, desire and love, which are great things to feel on Valentine's Day, but why limit yourself to just one day of the year. Bring red into your life all year-round for a kick of spice in your life."

Tips to create special settings in your home at any time of year are a prominent part of Anderson's new book. Limited and Gold Box editions are available at Neiman Marcus and a slightly condensed version will be available Feb. 10. at major and online retailers and Barnes & Noble.