We often see flower petals used as symbol of romance, but how do you actually *use* rose petals to create romance?

First, you need to get some flower petals. Florists tend to use "closed" roses for arrangements and bouquets. They slowly open and the customer gets more enjoyment from the flowers. If blooms are too mature, they will not last long, and they are discarded at the flower shop... and there is your source of petals. You can ask a florist to save "blown" blooms for you. It helps if you occasionally buy flowers there. You can also offer to buy the discarded roses. Then you just pull the petals from the roses and discard the stems. Put them in the fridge.

Then, you need a plan. Where do you want these petals to lead? To the dining room, where you have set up a romantic candle lit dinner? To the bedroom? The bathroom, where you have a lot of candles and a warm bubble bath for two? You also need to calculate the arrival time of the object of your affections... you don't want them to come in and find a trail of limp shriveled flower petals. About a half an hour before the expected arrival, sprinkle a liberal trail of rose petals from the front door to the place you want your beloved to go. You could also leave notes... "Take off your clothes and follow this trail." Or you can mix a few candy hearts in with the petals... those little ones with messages on them. Where you only able to get a few handfuls of petals? Stretch with confetti from the party store.

A note of caution: rose petals can stain clothing, light-colored carpet, or sheets. When it is time to clean up, sweep gently or Shop Vac. Who said love wasn't messy?