Tips For A Romantic Picnic That Will Impress Your Love
When my husband Frank was wooing me in our early days of dating, we often hiked at Conservation areas or parks where we could enjoy a romantic picnic. He would come up with delicious sandwiches and simple salads to boost up my energy after a good walk.
Food always seems to taste better outdoors, not to mention it can be much less expensive than a meal at a restaurant.
Very often we get all wrapped up (no puns intended) in the food details that we forget the other necessities needed for a romantic lunch for two.
Whether you’re tacking on a picnic to a romantic hike for two, or just want to do a romantic picnic date, there are some things to consider in preparation.
I’ve pulled together a list of tips for a romantic picnic that might inspire you:
Picnics Under Self-Isolation Laws
We’re living in tough times in 2020, but this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of romance with your loved one.
When I originally crafted this post, travelling to places and going to parks was a given.
Fast forward to 2020 and we’re now looking a whole new ball game.
While some of these tips may apply where you live, if you’re like us, under strict rules not to use public parks, I share some brief tips on how to still have a romantic picnic at home.
- Use your home as your picnic setting! If you have a backyard, use your lawn to your advantage. Spread out a blanket on a nice day, in a shady spot and enjoy food you would enjoy on a picnic.
- If you don’t have a backyard, use your living room floor! Play nature sounds with birds or a stream in the background. There are some really great nature landscape visuals you can play on Google and mirror to your TV screen. Open up the windows for a fresh breeze.
- Since you’re at home, you can easily break out a bottle of something alcoholic. You don’t have far to go if you need to lay down after too many drinks.
Romance Is What You Make Of It
First of all, this post isn’t going to be about going all with fancy-schmancy lunch baskets and set-ups. Although if this is your thing then GO FOR IT!
We would go on picnics when we were dating and before the kiddo arrived. And it was always nice to be able to do something different than eat out at a restaurant.
This is where the romance comes in. It’s just you and your partner/love/spouse/significant other. Enjoying the fresh air and a nice meal together.
Secondly, how big into the romance you go is up to you. But the key goal is to have a wonderful time together.
Now on to the tips!
Food Ideas For A Romantic Picnic
What to serve to impress? There are some foods that can be easily packed up and served outdoors:
- Pack a selection of fresh deli cuts such as prosciutto, salami and ham, along with a few hard cheeses and crackers for a charcuterie plate
- Make gourmet sandwiches at home with freshly purchased baguettes or crispy buns – try this delicious combination: prosciutto, brie cheese, tomatoes and basil leaves
- Make chicken fingers ahead of time, pack them in a cold pack and serve with your favourite BBQ or spicy Thai sauce for dipping
- Put together a couscous salad with a touch of sweetness and savoury ingredients, as they keep better than mayonnaise-based dishes
- Bean salads with a vinaigrette make for an easy to enjoy fresh salad
- Consider a flavoured sparkling water. In Canada, unless picnicking in your backyard, it’s illegal in most provinces to drink alcohol in public locations. The exception is campsites in Ontario provincial parks. Don’t spoil the mood by being fined!
Picnic Dessert Ideas
You can’t have a romantic picnic without something sweet! While you may not be able to whip out some ice cream without it being half-melted, you can enjoy some of these yummy finger-food treats:
- Chocolate-covered strawberries
- Dried fruits such as dried cherries or blueberries for nibbling
- Fresh cut-up seasonal fruits (strawberries, melon pieces, etc.)
- Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies
- Butter/pecan tarts (carefully packaged to reduce stickiness)
Outdoor Protection During A Picnic
This is one of the most forgotten tips for a romantic picnic. We’re not talking about THAT kind of protection… Think about the elements and how they can potentially affect your sweetheart. Nothing’s worse than having them say to their friends, “I got this sunburn because my boy/girl-friend took me for a surprise picnic and I didn’t have sunscreen with me.”
Here are some things to bring:
- A tube of sunscreen
- Hats to protect your head and ears
- Huge golf or beach umbrella to hide under (also good if it starts to rain)
- Insect repellent
- Extra blanket or sweater in case the wind becomes chilly
| Related: Walking At Humber Bay Park And Palace Pier Park In Toronto
Fun Activities For A Picnic
After the food is put away, sit back and let your stomachs settle for a bit. The romantic for picnic doesn’t end then!
- Enjoy some fun time together with soap bubbles
- If dining in the evening, play around with sparklers
- A good old fashioned frisbee or inflated beach ball will get you moving and laughing
- Card games can make for a perfect lazy way to enjoy the time outdoors
- Make sure you have a camera handy to take photos of your loved one
Other Key Things To Remember For A Romantic Picnic
Depending on where you go, consider ways to set up the picnic for comfort. Whether you are at a busy park or a more secluded spot here are a few things to consider:
- Keep foldable chairs in your car as they make for comfortable seats anywhere you end up having your picnic
- If using a large cooler, make it into a makeshift table if there are none at your location
- If you don’t have foldable chairs, a blanket or outdoor mat is a must, even if you are using picnic tables (place it on the seat for extra padding)
- Don’t forget napkins, utensils and hand wipes. Also, bring a knife if you need to cut something.
- Play music via your phone and portable speakers – moderate the volume to not disturb others around you
- Bring resealable plastic containers for any uneaten foods; a garbage bag is a must
The most important thing to bring to a romantic picnic is a positive attitude. Enjoy the day outside!
If you’re doing a romantic hiking excursion, you may want to add a picnic. For this, you may need to use an insulated pack in your knapsack.
Consider a romantic picnic as the scene for your proposal if you have a sweetie who loves the outdoors.
Bon Appetit!
QUESTION: What are your tips for a romantic picnic?
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