The soft, inviting glow of candlelight, black silk sheets wrapped around your skin, the cascade of melodious music spilling over the room from a sultry saxophone, and that smell . . . ooooh yes, that smell . . . what is that, Papa John's?

Valentine's Day is a holiday loaded with clichés. Just the mention of the word "Valentine" immediately sparks an image of a big, red, heart-shaped card adorned by a kindergartner's awkward scribble. By now, however, many of us have learned that there's a lot more to romance than sampler boxes of Russell Stover chocolates and Hallmark cards. There's a near science to "setting the mood" — achieving a delicate balance of relaxation and arousal through color scheme, aromatherapy, food and lighting.

Some of the natural aphrodisiacs out there may come as a surprise to novices. For example, who would have guessed that the smell of hot cheese pizza has been found to be more arousing than the scent of even the most expensive perfume? Obviously you won't want to rub pizza all over your body. That really wouldn't move things along too well unless your partner happens to be extremely open-minded. Putting some cinnamon buns or roasted meat in the oven, however, will make for an enticing aroma. The only thing you'll want to watch out for is getting so wrapped up in your romantic evening that you forget to take the food out of the oven. None of us need an encounter quite that hot!

If you have a little more time and motivation, you may want to think about color scheme. The colors you surround yourself with have a big impact on the mood you set. If what you want to say is "passion," the obvious choice is red. This hue evokes energy and conversation and is great for stimulating appetite. If you need proof of this just look around at the amount of red scattered throughout McDonald's or the supermarket. Red is eye-catching and attractive, but can be a little too harsh at times.

Blue on the other hand is the color of trust and relaxation. It soothes the nerves and evokes a feeling of general calm. Blue's only drawback, however, is that it lacks warmth and intensity.

Violet — red and blue's happy medium — is therefore the best choice for your romantic wardrobe and décor. Violet walls and bedspreads help induce a feeling of comfort in bedrooms. Another plus is that this hue has been shown to help people ease into sleep.

Romance killers to avoid include yellow, which has been shown to repulse and induce anxiety, and orange, which is very harsh, and, as any artist could tell you, can't easily be toned down without producing a muddy effect.

In planning your romantic rendezvous, you won't want to think without regard to your sense of touch. In selecting your wardrobe consider cashmere, mohair and angora, fabrics that look and feel as though you could just sink into them. Polyester and tweed should be avoided like the bubonic plague unless your date has an Austin Powers fetish or else no nerve-endings whatsoever. Silk, satin and velvet are also very sensual fabrics.

Special attention must also be placed on traditional instruments of mood setting such as candles and incense. Being somewhat unschooled in these areas of sensuality myself, I decided to consult Malena Vinocur (sophomore-psychology and anthropology), whose first name coincidentally means "evil temptress." Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina where fairs offering essential oils, incense and scented candles are held on a weekly basis, Vinocur learned about the world of aromatherapy at an early age.

"When it comes to incense and candles, you have to be wary about the message you want to portray and the mood you want to create, because whatever you put out there comes back to you times three," Vinocur said, while sifting through an array of incense sticks in her dimly-lit room.

"Scents, if well chosen, can blind all rationality. For a simple, warm and sensitive message of love, I suggest you use a blend of both love-tempting and protective oils, incense and candles such as sandalwood, jasmine, cinnamon and anise, and try scattering carnation petals around the room.

"However, if you are initiating a hot and heavy evening you might want to try something like a citrus bitter-orange scent, red sandalwood, patchouli and rose buds as a garnish around the bedroom and dinner table. Candles should be in earthen colors and natural or fruity scents that inspire both comfort and desire. Strawberry is one of my personal favorites. Water candles as well as round, self-illuminating ones are particularly expressive," Vinocur said.

Vinocur exercises her enthusiasm for aromatherapy materials by collecting essential oils, incense and scented candles that she uses to set the mood of her own bedroom.

Whatever calculating measures you take to set your romantic mood this Valentine's day, be sure to cater to the personal tastes and desires of your special Valentine. A room full of cinnamon-scented candles, won't, after all, impress your sweetheart if he or she has an extreme allergic reaction to the scent. Be thoughtful yet daring, and whatever efforts you are sure to be warmly appreciated.