The Next 50 Dates

etting the Stage:
Here's where you guys go wrong. You propose on your girlfriend's birthday. You may think this is a romantic gesture, but all it really feels like is you're making the one day of the year that's about us, about you. That's not to say, though, that you can't still propose on a birthday. Just make it your own for the ultimate romantic gesture. Throw yourself a birthday soiree, and just after you thank her oh-so-graciously for her gift, tell her that though her gift was lovely, there's really only one thing that you want this year — for her to marry you. Trust me, there won't be a dry eye in the house!

Bring the Kids:
Sure, just keep them away from the booze!

Dress to Impress:
It's your birthday and you're going to ask your girl to marry you, so you've gotta look extra hot. Put on a pair of dark pinstripe pants, a lightweight cashmere sweater in an unexpectedly bold color, dark leather shoes, and a matching belt. Manly.

Hopefully she doesn't know you're about to propose, so you'll have to help her out. There are some occasions when only a dress will do, and this evening is one of them. Get her to wear her sexiest. It should be curve-hugging in all the right places, hitting right below the knee, and with a deep, plunging v-neck. Casually point to her open-toed heels (closed is too formal) and tell her they'd look hot with her sexy dress.

Devil's in the Details:
Skip the sit down and go for tons of tapas. If you can splurge, hire your favorite restaurant to send over piles of finger foods.

Give your champagne a twist with a lemon garnish, a teaspoon powdered sugar, and a dash of bitters. Delightful!

If you can't afford a live band, spring for a DJ. Play upbeat songs that will get the party going, but opt away from the obvious — "Celebration" and "Good Times".