Tips for a creating a romantic Valentine's Day meal in your own home

Here's news to make a lover's heart pound faster for all the wrong reasons: Valentine's Day is only a week away on February 14 - and the big question is, what are you doing to make it special?

Chocolates and flowers are the usual approach, but Life!Weekend has some budget-friendly ways you could try.

Instead of fighting for a reservation at a restaurant packed with other lovebirds there to share the same set menu, make your Valentine's Day unique by returning romance to your home.

Start by dimming the lights and set the table with flowers, candles and a nice tablecloth. Then create a three-course menu, including chocolate mousse. Check out our step-by-step recipes, courtesy of Chef Anthony Yeoh of French restaurant Cocotte.