By Lynn Harris

The heat of passion, the burning of desire, that fit girl at the bar (giving you a smouldering glance!) … the language of love is all about everything hot-hot-hot. So how do you keep the dating fires burning during winter? It’s easier than you might think. All you’ve got to do is make a plan to either escape the cold — or embrace it — together. Try these winter tips, and watch the sparks fly!

1. Take to the hills
Bundle up, grab an old scarf and head to the country. Imagine the romance of Autumn’s last falling leaves and after a long hike nipping into a cosy pub and warming yourself by a log fire.

2. Throw a bonfire party
Guy Fawkes Night is the perfect opportunity to throw a party. Invite all your single friends and tell them to bring their mates. You’ll be amazed at how passion will really get stoked as the bonfire heats up. Smouldering looks over the flames will make it a bonfire night to remember!

3. Get into the kitchen
Fixing your super-special individual Cornish game hens and risotto this and truffle that — well, I’m sure it’s delicious. But it kind of misses the comfy, homey, wintry point … and it’s a big production that can be a bit intimidating, for both chef and guest. So, instead make something easy, hearty and mellow together — Chili? Bangers and mash? Onion soup with sexy gooey cheese? — that’ll warm both stomachs and hearts.

4. Couch-surf
Cold outside? Take your date to the beach right in your own home: Rent an assortment of fun-in-the-sun flicks — The beach, Blue Lagoon (or, depending on your sense of humour, Jaws) — and enjoy a day at the celluloid shore … and no irritating sand in your swimming costumes!

5. Visit the tropics
Why wait ’til you’re “serious” enough to travel together, or worry about getting to the airport? Instead, tour the local botanical garden’s steamy south-of-the-equator or white-hot desert flora exhibits and greenhouse the winter blues away.

6. Meet for a hot drink
Martini, schmartini: Rendezvous at a bar that serves good Irish coffees, hot toddies and other wintry spirits. With any luck, you two will still be raising glasses together when Pimms season rolls back around.