Don't wait until you're in bed with your guy to unleash your sexy beast. Giving day-to-day activities a sultry makeover will guarantee that the fun things you do (like dinner with friends) are damn hot and the normal stuff (like lunch at your desk) isn't boring as hell.
"You're at your peak when you're surrounded by sexiness," says Jenn Berman, PsyD, psychotherapist in Beverly Hills, California. "So making little alterations to your routine will mean everything you do becomes a whole lot more enjoyable." Of course, how exactly you fire up your most basic behavior takes some creative thinking, so we got great experts in various fields to suggest easy tips. In the immortal words of Emeril Lagasse — and we're sorry about the cheese factor, but the guy just nailed it — let's kick things up a notch.
A DINNER PARTY FOR FRIENDS
It doesn't take all that much effort to make a casual get-together sizzle.
Assign Seating
If you let people sit wherever they want, the girls will just automatically stick with the girls and the guys with the guys, which will kill the chemistry. So before people arrive, whip up a quick seating chart. Write everyone's name on small pieces of paper, and place them on the plates, going in boy/girl order. Then arrange the chairs so that people's butts are touching — yes, for real, so they're actually touching. That small amount of physical contact will make the vibe much more intimate.
Serve Something Spicy
Hot peppers release some of the same endorphins as sex does, so a recipe that calls for them will leave everyone feeling a bit more...satisfied. Just remember that a little spice can go a long way, so if you use jalapeños in a dish like fajitas, remove all the heat-packed seeds first.
Add a Touch of Red
Experts say that red is an arousing color that gets people's blood pumping. Swing by your local florist, pick up a bouquet of red dahlias, and set them in the middle of your table. Or for creativity bonus points, fill a glass bowl with pomegranates, strawberries, or even red marbles. If the dinner is more zany than elegant, like a Fourth of July party, put out a bowl of Hot Tamales (firecrackers could really backfire).
Make a Playlist
If your music veers between Lil' Wayne and Wayne Newton, it'll be more than a little jarring. So pick a theme for your background. Try laid-back reggae, '60s soul, or Spanish music like Gipsy Kings and Andrés Segovia. They are all provocative and ooze sexiness.
Light It Right
Soft lighting is flattering, and when people feel more attractive, it boosts the sexy vibe. Switch your regular lightbulbs for peach-colored ones or group several candles in various areas. Another option: Grab some white Christmas lights and string them around the room.
