Romantic Picnic Ideas: What to Bring and Eat

[ГОЛОВНЕ ФОТО (прев’ю): пара на пледі на заході сонця з кошиком для пікніка й букетом троянд]

View full-size photo

A romantic picnic is a date that needs no table booking, yet stays in the memory longer than any restaurant. A blanket on the grass, a basket of treats, flowers and a sunset turn an ordinary evening into something special. Here is how to plan a romantic picnic: where to go, what to bring, what to eat, how to decorate the spot and what to do if the weather turns.

More on this topic: a romantic night in, flowers for a first date, surprise party.

Where to have a romantic picnic

The best spots are quiet with a view: a peaceful corner of a park, a riverbank or lakeside, a meadow out of town, a hill overlooking the city, your own garden or a rooftop (if you have access and it is safe). Check the spot beforehand: are picnics allowed, is there shade and a flat area for the blanket?

When: the most romantic time is 1.5–2 hours before sunset, when the light is soft and warm and the heat has eased. A sunrise breakfast picnic makes a lovely surprise too.For more party planning guides, see how to plan a party.

Romantic picnic food

Food should be light, mess-free and fine for a few hours outside: bruschetta, a cheese board, hummus with vegetable sticks, wrap sandwiches, canapés, strawberries, grapes, cherries, macarons or tartlets. Leave hot dishes and mayonnaise-based sauces at home.

Drinks: lemonade, iced tea or sparkling wine (where allowed). Bring a cool bag with ice packs so the cheese and fruit stay fresh.

[фото: дерев’яна дошка з сирами, ягодами й брускетами на пледі]

How to decorate the picnic spot

A large blanket or rug, a few cushions, a low table or wooden tray, battery fairy lights, candles in jars (safer in the wind) and flowers in a small vase make the spot look like a photoshoot. A boxed or basket arrangement on the blanket won’t tip over.

If it’s a surprise, ask a friend to set up while you “just happen” to walk nearby. For secret celebrations, see surprise party, and if the weather lets you down, move the picnic indoors — see a romantic night in.

[фото: плед із подушками, свічки в склянках, гірлянда й букет у кошику на березі річки]

Romantic picnic checklist

• Blanket, cushions and a waterproof groundsheet
• A cool bag with ice packs
• Plates, glasses, napkins and a cheese knife
• Battery fairy lights and candles in jars
• A bouquet or boxed flowers
• A speaker with a playlist
• Insect repellent and a warm jumper
• A rubbish bag — leave no trace

Flowers for a romantic picnic

Flowers are the centrepiece of a picnic: give the bouquet at the start of the date, then set it on the blanket as decoration. Soft garden-style arrangements, roses with gypsophila or boxed flowers that won’t blow over suit the outdoors best.

View full-size photo

See flowers for your girlfriend and flowers in a box.

View full-size photo

FAQ

How do you plan a romantic picnic for your partner?

Choose a quiet spot with a view, arrive 1.5–2 hours before sunset and bring a blanket, cushions, light food, candles in jars and flowers.

What food should you bring?

Bruschetta, a cheese board, hummus with vegetables, wraps, berries and fruit, macarons and lemonade or iced tea.

Where can you have a picnic in the city?

A quiet corner of a park, a riverbank, a rooftop (if you have access) or a balcony with a view.

What if it rains?

Move it indoors: a blanket on the floor, candles, fairy lights and the same picnic basket.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

About the author →