Like the movies

You scoff at dinner and a movie because you know you can do better -- worlds better. You're not wrong, but sometimes, movies -- especially a partner's favorites -- can provide some truly excellent inspiration when it comes time to serve dessert. Take the classic 1986 film 9½ Weeks. Remember that scene where Mickey Rourke tells Kim Basinger to close her eyes, then proceeds to feed her all kinds of things until the two collapse into a wet, desperate embrace?

It's a classic moment in film, and it's fodder for your pleasure. All you need is a 20-piece box from Cocoabella ($45.00) and Lelo's Intima silk blindfold ($59.00).

And who can forget the main concept driving The Pillow Book? The 1996 film immortalized the line, "use my body like the pages of a book -- your book."

Word becomes flesh and flesh becomes word again. You may not be a writer, but with Bijoux indescrets' Poeme dark chocolate ink and quill ($19.95) and a couple of favorite poems or song lyrics, you're ready to go. Hell, there's no reason why you shouldn't write out proof for an equation if that's the sort of ode your mind prefers to recite a lover.

Even if you've got a Twilight fan on your hands, you have options more dignified than standing outside naked in the dead of winter to recreate the sensation of a centuries-old vampire body.

All you need is Jimmyjane's Venetian glass jiletto ($149.00), left to chill in the fridge for a bit before you hit the sheets. A glittery chest is optional -- though if you want to go all the way, try Bijoux indiscrets' Aphrodisia body powder ($26.95) gives flesh a silver sheen and is reputed to capture the intoxicating "essence of night."

You've got this.

Image credit: moviedate.jpg by Duane Romanell