Whether it’s your first date or your 100th date, is there anything more romantic than a picnic date? We rounded up some easy picnic date ideas to inspire you and help you plan the perfect picnic.
Where To Picnic
The first thing to consider is location. Thinking about the mood you would like to create may help you choose your locale, but any secluded spot will work!
Beach
The beach is a romantic site for a picnic date because watching the waves and hearing the ocean sounds add to the dreamy atmosphere. Plus, you can take a walk on the boardwalk, look for seashells on the sand, or play a game of Frisbee.
Park
Visit your local park or take a drive and look for a new place that you haven’t been to before. When you finish eating, you can even go on a nature walk.
At Home
Set up your picnic in your own backyard. You can even set it up indoors if you prefer! Just clear out some furniture, lay down a blanket, and voila!
What To Pack
Planning your perfect picnic date really comes down to being organized and thinking about portability. You don’t want to overpack, but you don’t want to be hunting for a bottle opener to open your soda, either. This list of items is everything you need!
- Picnic Basket/Cooler Bag
- Blankets/Towels
- Portable Speaker
- Cutting Board/Cheese Board
- Bottle Opener
- Plates/Utensils
- Drinking Glasses
- Napkins
- Food/Drinks/Condiments
- Flowers
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Camera
- Games
- Wipes/Tissues/Hand Sanitizer
- Trash bags
Picnic Basket/Cooler Bag
We love a classic wicker picnic basket to carry all your goodies. Some even come complete with service for 2. Tote along an insulated cool bag to keep all your beverages cold too.
Blankets/Towels
A waterproof blanket will keep you dry and comfortable if the ground is damp. You may want to pack additional towels or blankets in case you get chilly.
Portable Speaker
Craft a special playlist and use a Bluetooth speaker to set the mood.
Cutting Board/Cheese Board
This is a must for slicing fruit and serving cheese or charcuterie.
Bottle Opener/Corkscrew
This item comes in handy to open any soda, beer, or wine that you may bring.
Plates/Utensils
Choose from decorative paper plates or unbreakable melamine plates. Don’t forget to pack a sharp knife too.
Drinking Glasses
Unbreakable glasses are the best choice for a picnic date. If drinking wine, high-quality plastic wine glasses add a nice touch. These Prime Women YETI picks would be great too.
Napkins
Paper or cloth napkins in a pattern or shade that coordinates with your theme are a must. These are an earth-friendly and reusable option.
Food/Drinks/Condiments
Obviously, it’s not a picnic without food and drinks! Check out our menu ideas below, and be sure to pack any condiments you may need specific to your menu, such as salt & pepper, mustard, ketchup, mayo, pickles, etc.
Flowers
Place some flowers in a small basket as a centerpiece. A few succulents or some fragrant herbs in a mason jar would be a nice touch.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must, especially if you are enjoying a beach picnic.
Insect Repellant
You will want to keep any pests like ants and mosquitoes away, so pack some repellant!
Camera
We know everyone has a camera on their smartphones, but wouldn’t it be fun to pack an instant camera?
Games
For a beach picnic, pack along a Frisbee, a deck of playing cards, or a board game that passes the time nicely on a sunny day in the park. There are plenty of games geared toward couples that can be fun too!
Wipes/Tissues/Hand Sanitizer
Accidents happen, so it’s nice to be able to wash up before and after you start eating and drinking.
Trash bags
Finally, be sure to pack some trash bags so that you can clean up after you enjoy your picnic date. Remember to separate your recyclables so that you can keep your date as planet-friendly as possible. If we all pitch in, we can make a difference.
Menu Ideas
The key to a successful picnic menu is not to pack anything too messy! Other than that, we think you should pack whatever you like! Here are some menu ideas to help inspire your own picnic date ideas.
Traditional Picnic
Sandwiches, fried chicken, potato salad, pasta salad, fruit, pies, and brownies all make up traditional picnic fare. These cute plastic carry baskets are a great touch and handy too!
Afternoon Tea
Pack some finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, and jams. If you want traditional hot tea, brew one of these anti-aging teas and pack it in a thermos to keep warm.
Instead of hot tea, how about some cold iced tea? And, for something a little different, mix up 2 iced matcha lattes and carry them in a thermos. Try this single serve Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte Recipe from Pinch of Yum below:
Iced Matcha Latte
- I tsp. matcha green powder
- 1 cup of milk of your choice
- 1-2 tsp. honey or agave sweetener
In a lidded jar, mix the matcha green tea powder with a little bit of water to form a paste. Add the milk and sweetener. Cover the jar with a lid, shake well, and then pour into an ice-filled glass.
Wine Tasting
Pack a few bottles and some fruit, cheese, hummus, and crackers. Sample some new wines and jot down your tasting notes in a wine journal.
Sushi
Pick up some sushi at your favorite local restaurant or gourmet grocer. Package it in a portable bento box with chopsticks, and enjoy!
Dessert, Anyone?
Who wouldn’t love a picnic with nothing but sweets? Chocolates, cookies, mini cupcakes, and mini bundt cakes all make for a beautiful spread. Complete the menu with a chilled bottle of bubbly!
We hope you found these picnic date ideas fun and inspiring. Happy picnicking!
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