• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Picnic Lifestyle
  • Recipes
  • Picnic Tips
  • Summer
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Picnic Tips
  • Summer
  • About
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Picnic Tips
  • Summer
  • About
  • Contact
×
Home » Picnic Tips & Ideas

Romantic Picnic Ideas for Couples

Published: Jan 3, 2021 · Modified: Jun 12, 2024 by Kate O'Malley · This post may contain affiliate links. See end of article for more information · Leave a Comment


Planning a romantic alfresco date for two and need picnic ideas for couples or romantic inspiration to set the scene?

These picnic date ideas will have you reaching for the picnic basket and planning a romantic picnic for two.

Young couple kissing at a romantic picnic

I give you all the tips for planning the perfect Valentine’s Day picnic here. But what about some alfresco romance the rest of the year?

From tips for planning a romantic picnic menu (See my picnic date food ideas for romantic recipes) to accessories that set the scene, planning a romantic picnic is easier than you think. You may even want to consider some picnic games for adults to add an element of fun to the event. See my Picnic Checklist to help make your picnic planning a breeze.

Jump to:
  • Tips for a Romantic Picnic
  • Choose Your Picnic Spot 
  • Set the Scene
  • What to Bring on a Picnic Date
  • Planning a Romantic Picnic Menu
  • More Romantic Picnic Ideas

Tips for a Romantic Picnic

Picnic layout with cheese and rustic bread.

Choose Your Picnic Spot 

Choosing a romantic picnic spot shouldn’t be too hard. However, you want to make sure you don’t select a place that is so crowded or noisy; the romance is lost in the chaos. 

Remember, picnics don’t always have to be during the day or outdoors. Even in your backyard, a night picnic stargazing can be as lovely as a sunny afternoon languishing on the lawn. 

An impromptu picnic in your living room (bonus points for in front of the fire) can be just as romantic as a picnic date at the beach or park. 

Also, think outside the square. A picnic is portable, so you can set it up anywhere.

Try a picnic date at the drive-in theatre. Rent a rowboat at your local lake for a floating picnic. Arrange a hiking picnic in spring or a woodsy summer picnic to escape the heat– the possibilities are endless. 

Don’t let flies ruin the romance. See my natural solutions to keeping flies away from a picnic.

Picnic scene with pillows and flowers.

Set the Scene

Don’t forget the little touches that make this picnic a special occasion.

Small things that are easy to do but make a difference – Picnic-worthy champagne flutes over plastic cups. Linen napkins over paper and, of course, a romance-worthy picnic basket to set the scene.

A low foldable boho-style picnic table is a great start to creating a dreamy picnic setting.

Lady putting finishing touches on a romantic picnic scene.

Romantic Picnic Date Decoration Ideas

Little flourishes can make your piece of picnic real estate oh-so romantic without much effort. 

Pink Wisteria garland behind a pink cake.
Image: PartyTouchesUK on Etsy
On Etsy
A pink and white tweed throw with fringes.
Image: DreamyLondon on Etsy
On Etsy
On Amazon
Four pink linen napkins on a cutting board.
Image: Vasi Studio on Etsy
On Etsy

What to Bring on a Picnic Date

These picnic ideas for couples will help you plan the most romantic alfresco dates without too much hassle, from romantic picnic basket ideas to tips for setting the scene.

Gorgeously Romantic Picnic Baskets for Two

What’s more romantic than a classic picnic basket for two?

Picnic Time Heart Wicker Basket

Buy on Amazon
Buy from QVC

Want more basket ideas? I’ve rounded up a collection of swoon-worthy picnic baskets to set the scene for romantic picnics with beautiful accessories to make your picnic a breeze.

Picnic Backpacks for Two

For those romantics who like a more contemporary picnic arrangement or even enjoy a romantic hiking picnic, picnic backpacks complete with full picnic service sets for two have everything you need for a picnic in a very portable and practical bag.

See my pick of the best picnic backpacks here.

Picnic Wine Coolers and Totes

There is nothing more romantic than a simple wine and cheese picnic.

Make each one perfect and practical with beautiful and practical picnic wine cooler bags, wine totes, and wine and cheese picnic baskets.

I’ve rounded up the best portable wine and cheese service sets to suit your picnic style.

Hip couple enjoying champagne at a beach picnic.

Cozy, Waterproof Picnic Blankets

Setting the scene for your picnic date starts with a cozy picnic blanket.

A good picnic blanket should be cozy but large enough to relax (or snuggle) on and with a waterproof backing, so you never feel damp, no matter where you choose to picnic.

See my selection of picnic blankets chosen for their beautiful aesthetic, quality, and practicality.

Check picnic blanket laid with a winter picnic lunch.

Practical & Portable Folding Picnic Table

If lying on a rug is not your thing, or you want to set the scene, a lightweight folding picnic table is your go-to picnic accessory for romantic alfresco meals anywhere.

See my selection of the best portable folding picnic tables of all shapes and sizes to create the perfect romantic picnic date.

Pretty picnic table and chairs setting in front of a lake.

Planning a Romantic Picnic Menu

As with all my picnic tips, portable food is the key to any picnic. However, when setting the scene for romance, you want to make it a little fancy, like any special occasion.

When thinking about food ideas for a picnic date, I prefer to avoid heavy main course-type meals and stay with smaller, easy-to-manage, and elegant dishes.

No one wants to be wrestling a giant greasy burger on a romantic date. 

Girl being fed a snack by her boyfriend at a picnic.

Tips for Planning a Romantic Menu

  • Think small, elegant appetizers, romantic sandwiches, and sophisticated salads.
  • Extra points for sharing plates such as a classy charcuterie board for a wine and cheese picnic or assorted sharing plates of dainty appetizers.
  • Of course, any romantic date should end on a sweet note. Pack something delicately sweet or decadently naughty, depending on the mood. 
  • Of course, a glass of champagne or wine is always romantic. 

See my best picnic food ideas for couples for more inspiration.

More Romantic Picnic Ideas

  • Valentines couple making heart shape with their hands in front of a picnic.
    Valentine’s Day Picnic Ideas
  • a couple enjoying a picnic on the grass with a classic picnic basket and wine.
    Romantic Picnic Baskets for Two
  • A collage of photos showing different romantic picnic foods.
    Romantic Picnic Date Food Ideas
  • Avocado and smoked salmon heart shaped sandwich topped with sprouts on a wooden cutting board.
    Smoked Salmon and Avocado Heart Shaped Sandwich

Remember that the essence of a romantic picnic can be as simple as a sunset beach picnic, a cozy blanket in a secluded park, or a scenic rooftop setup. A romantic picnic isn’t just about the food or the location. The key is to tailor the experience to what you both love. Add personal touches, from favorite foods to a playlist of songs that mean something to you both.


More Simple Picnic Ideas & Tips for Beautiful Picnics

  • A picnic setup with croissants, watermelon, grapes, olives, cheese, salami, and two glasses of white wine on a table. A wicker basket is in the background.
    Delicious No Cook Picnic Food Ideas
  • A picnic by the water in Italy with white wine, grilled vegetables, a salad, strawberries, and a plate with bread and a meat dish on a stone surface.
    Italian Picnic Recipes and Ideas
  • A picnic setup on a white blanket with sliced melon, watermelon, pomegranate seeds, croissants, juice, and bowls of blackberries and raspberries.
    Breakfast Picnic Ideas to Get Up Early For
  • A picnic setup on a grassy area with a woven basket, two wine glasses, a bottle of wine, a corkscrew, a cutting board with cutlery, and a gray cloth.
    The Ultimate Picnic Checklist

About Kate O'Malley

Picnic enthusiast, passionate cook, and the creative force behind Picnic Lifestyle. With a globe-trotting background and a keen eye for local ingredients, she's mastered the art of crafting delectable picnics and portable feasts (especially for long travel days). Kate's passion for al fresco dining comes alive in this guide, curating perfect picnics for every occasion.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Meet Kate, the unrivaled picnic fanatic who loves nothing more than to whip up a portable feast.

More about me →

Download Your Free Picnic Checklist

  • A picnic setup on a grassy area with a woven basket, two wine glasses, a bottle of wine, a corkscrew, a cutting board with cutlery, and a gray cloth.
    The Ultimate Picnic Checklist
Shop My Favourite Picnic Products at My Amazon Storefront

Summer Picnic Ideas

  • Summer picnic spread with chicken, hummus and coleslaw.
    Simply Perfect Summer Picnic Food Ideas
  • A collage of four vibrant, healthy dishes, each featuring a variety of vegetables, grains, and garnishes.
    Fresh Summer Salads for a Picnic
  • A picnic scene with two sandwiches wrapped in cloth, coleslaw on a plate, and a knife on a wooden cutting board, all atop a pink cloth.
    Summer Sandwiches for a Picnic
  • A collage of four chicken picnic dishes: a chicken baguette with figs and cheese, chicken balls on toothpicks, chicken wraps with salad, and finger sandwiches tied with chives.
    Easy Chicken Picnic Recipes
  • A colorful beetroot and orange salad with walnuts, cheese, and greens, served with a fork on the side.
    Salads With Fruit and Nuts for Every Season
  • Attractive couple enjoying a picnic with friends on the beach.
    Beach Picnic Ideas for Fuss-free Beach Days
See more Summer Picnic Ideas →

Popular Posts

  • 21 Best Picnic Games to Keep Everyone Entertained
  • A picnic setup on a white blanket with sliced melon, watermelon, pomegranate seeds, croissants, juice, and bowls of blackberries and raspberries.
    Breakfast Picnic Ideas to Get Up Early For
  • A picnic setup with croissants, watermelon, grapes, olives, cheese, salami, and two glasses of white wine on a table. A wicker basket is in the background.
    Delicious No Cook Picnic Food Ideas
  • A split image showing powdered sugar-dusted muffins on the left and strawberry rice crispy treats stacked on the right.
    20 Picnic Desserts That Don’t Need Refrigeration
  • Stacked chicken salad sandwiches with crusts removed on a wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs.
    Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches
  • Group of people enjoying a beach picnic with lots of food laid out on a picnic blanket.
    How to Keep Food Cold at a Picnic

Footer

↑ back to top

Terms

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • About

Disclaimer – Picnic Lifestyle participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Many posts on this site also contain links to other affiliate sites offering products or services we recommend. This means if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Copyright © 2020-2025 Picnic Lifestyle