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Home » Picnic Tips & Ideas

Valentine’s Day Picnic Ideas

Published: Jan 3, 2022 · Modified: Jul 3, 2024 by Kate O'Malley · This post may contain affiliate links. See end of article for more information · Leave a Comment


When it comes to planning a Valentine’s Day picnic, there are some romantic tips and picnic essentials that will make your Valentine swoon.

If you have decided to surprise your Valentine with a picnic, it doesn’t have to be super fancy, but attention to detail can go a long way.

I covered all the best tips for a romantic picnic for two and easy-to-make romantic picnic food ideas, but these romantic picnic accessories and tips will help you create the perfect Valentine’s picnic.

Man surprising his Valentine with a picnic in a vineyard.

Valentine’s Picnic Ideas and Essentials

It might be a romantic woodsy retreat, a Valentine’s Day wine and cheese date on the beach, stargazing in the backyard, or an indoor picnic by an open fire.

Whatever you choose, consider the scene you will set, consider comfort, and most of all, make it a special, romantic occasion. You may even consider some fun picnic games to play with your loved one.

Romantic Picnic Tip: If you’re planning a romantic brunch picnic, I’ve got loads of gorgeous picnic brunch recipes that are easy to make but very elegant.

Picnic Basket

Set the scene starting with a romantic wicker picnic basket. A wicker picnic basket is romantic and extremely practical, with everything you need. I reviewed some of the most romantic picnic baskets for two here, but these are two of my favorites for both practicality and the romance scale.

Picnic at Ascot Original Cheshire Willow Picnic Basket with Service for 2 and Blanket

Buy on Amazon
Buy from Target
Buy from QVC

Picnic Time ‘Heart’ Willow Picnic Basket with Deluxe Service for Two

Buy on Amazon
Buy from Macy’s

Comfortable Waterproof Picnic Blanket

No matter if Valentine’s Day falls in summer or winter, depending on where you live, a comfortable and cozy waterproof picnic blanket is a must. It sets your piece of picnic real estate and spares you from sitting on cold or wet surfaces.

A quality waterproof picnic blanket is a great investment for many occasions, not just picnics. More of my top picks for beautiful waterproof picnic blankets are here.

I adore this thick, waterproof picnic mat by Layzy on Etsy for a chic, romantic picnic. It comes in various colors and patterns and rolls up easily into its own bag.

Lazy picnic blanket in a bag.
Picnic scene under a tree with a comfortable picnic blanket.
(Images: Layzy Official | Etsy)
Shop on Etsy

Extra Cosy Blanket

Even if you enjoy a summer Valentine’s Day, but especially if it is a romantic winter picnic, an extra blanket will never go astray.

Use it as an extra warm layer to sit on or wrap around you in cold weather. Or, if the weather turns cool in the evening in summer, a light throw is always very thoughtful.

Expecting a chilly Valentine’s Day? See my tips for planning a winter picnic.

Couple enjoying a romantic winter picnic in the snow in front of a fire.

A beautiful blanket can also make a cherished Valentine’s gift – win, win.

These beautiful handmade throw blankets made with baby Peruvian Alpaca wool by AlpacaThreadz are lightweight, warm, and incredibly soft. They make a beautiful picnic throw and a very romantic picnic gift.

Alpaca throw blankets displayed on a chair.
Alpaca throw blanket hanging on a rail.
Available on Esty

Set the Scene with Romantic Decorations and Accessories

Depending on the time of day, small decorative statements can make a big impression, as can the smaller details of your picnic kit.

Couple lying on a blanket in the backyard at night enjoying a romantic night picnic.

Make it magical with Fairy Lights.

Candles are always romantic, but a simple strand of fairy lights can make a night picnic magical. Place string lights in jars for a firefly effect, or dress your picnic table with a floral fairy light garland for a romantic setting.

Fairy light floral garland.
Image: Party Touches UK on Etsy
Foliage String Light | on Etsy
Six mason jars filled with string lights.
Image: Mason Kreations on Etsy
String Fairy Lights | on Etsy

Pack Your Best Linen

Don’t scrimp when it comes to setting your table or blanket spread. Ditch the paper napkins and opt for some luxe linen instead. It is one of those small touches that make a big statement.

These French linen napkins make a romantic statement and come in sets of 2 or 4 and loads of gorgeous colors. They will make a classy addition to your picnic basket for all occasions.

Linen Napkins by Vasi Studio | on Etsy
Four pink linen napkins on a cutting board.
Image: Vasi Studio on Etsy

Add a Little Valentine Decoration

Add some romantic decorations to your picnic setting. This can be as simple as a paper garland strung from a tree or little romantic floral flourishes.

Pink papaer hearts for Valentines day decorations.
Image: DecoPomPoms on Etsy
Paper Valentine Hearts | on Etsy
Pink Wisteria garland behind a pink cake.
Image: PartyTouchesUK on Etsy
Wisteria Garland | on Etsy

Tip: I also love this wisteria garland as a spring decoration for an Easter Picnic.


Create Atmosphere with Music

A little bit of music can really set the mood. Don’t just rely on your smartphone speaker for a romantic vibe. Bring along a small wireless speaker for some low-key quality sound.

I love this JBL Clip Speakerphone because it is wireless, has 10 hours of playtime, is waterproof and tough, fits in the palm of your hand, and clips onto your picnic basket with the integrated carabiner.

JBL Clip 3 Wireless Speakerphone

Buy on Amazon
Buy from Walmart

Picnic Table & Chairs

For those who don’t feel like snuggling on a rug, there are lots of very portable foldable picnic tables and chairs on the market to set a sophisticated and romantic picnic setting.

A Romantic picnic scene next to a river with colourful row boats.
This is one of my favorite, lightweight picnic setups for long, lazy picnics.

I reviewed some fabulous folding picnic tables of all sizes here. Combine a folding table with some comfortable but lightweight canvas folding picnic chairs, and you can create a comfortable and chic romantic picnic setting for two anywhere. If you like a romantic boho vibe, see my top picks for foldable low boho picnic tables.

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon

Wine Essentials

Whether you plan to wow your Valentine with bubbles or have a very suave wine and cheese affair planned, drinking wine at a picnic can be awkward. These helpful accessories will take the worry out of enjoying a glass of wine alfresco.

Picnic at Ascot Deluxe Wine Tote with Real Glasses

A favorite in my review of the best picnic wine totes, this cooler bag has everything you need for serving wine at a picnic, including real glasses for a luxe touch and cheese accessories.

Buy on Amazon
Buy from Macy’s

Insulated Champagne Tumblers

While not as elegant as a glass champagne flute, these insulated champagne tumblers are sleek and practical solutions to enjoying bubbles alfresco. They keep your bubbles cold and you don’t have to worry about precarious flutes being knocked over.

Buy on Amazon

Wine Stakes or Wine and Cheese Table

Avoid awkward spills with these clever solutions to using stemmed glasses at a picnic.

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon

Remember, some of the best romantic picnics can be the most simple. You don’t have to go overboard with gimmicky romantic gestures because small, elegant statements can go a long way.


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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.

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