Re Awkward silences..... nothing better than saying something like "well, gee, dont you just abhor these awkward silences", make light of it, then she wont be so tense about them either. As soon as she smiles and acknowledges it (and she will), you will both relax.
As others have said... LISTEN, ensure you make eye contact while doing so, it shows sincerity.
Whilst at tdinner however, still take charge of the situation re dealing with ordering, wines etc. Dunno how others feel about this, but i recall a few times where i didnt stick to protocol (latting the lady order first etc) it didnt go down well.
Open doors, pull out seats etc, still a bit oldfashioned perhaps, but its still the right thing to do.
You'll be fine.
