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.
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.
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Tips for a Romantic Picnic
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.
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.
Romantic Picnic Date Decoration Ideas
Little flourishes can make your piece of picnic real estate oh-so romantic without much effort.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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