Blake Lively insists it's vital her man appreciates her impressive domestic skills.

The Gossip Girl beauty has been dating Ryan Reynolds since October of last year, and has described what qualities she looks for in a partner.

Blake loves cooking and says her beau should value her culinary skills first and foremost.

"When I look for a partnee r there has to be a strong connection. He needs to be my best friend, whether he's macho or sensitive - it doesn't matter. Halso has to make me laugh. I enjoy someone who's a lot of fun to be with," she told British magazine more!

"He also needs to be kind, patient, caring and not take himself too seriously. And of course, he needs to appreciate my cooking! I'm very domestic."

Blake added that rustling something up in the kitchen makes her feel desirable.

"I really like to cook. Cooking makes me feel sexy. I think there's something so sensual about it - the smells, the touches, the flavours, the experience of creating something," she explained. "And you know, when you're doing it with someone you love, creating that together, I think it's really attractive."

Blake can't wait to have children in the future. The 24-year-old star has been getting in some practice with her extended family.

"I want to be a mom someday. I'm upset that my nieces and nephews aren't my own children," she sighed.

"It's something I can't wait for and I'm so excited about."