When the sun's shining, there's no better place for a date than the great outdoors. A picnic for two turns even the most mundane afternoon into a special occasion. Outdoor dining is a fabulous way to spend time with your partner while indulging your love of food. Check out these ideas for tempting treats, as well as all the essentials to make your picnic a success.
Why picnics are a great idea for a couple
Picnics are a wonderful date idea because they give you the fun of eating together in a unique setting. You don't have the formality of a fancy restaurant or the tackiness of a fast food chain. Instead, it's just you and your partner under the sky, together with a hamper of good food.
A picnic also allows you to tailor things to your tastes. If you're a keen cook, you can whip up recipes that you know your partner will love. Perhaps try salmon en croute and salad for someone who loves sophistication, or go for a classic sausage roll if it’s someone who prefers to keep things simple.
Picnic food ideas for couples
Finger food is always a good choice on a picnic, as it's easy to eat and you don't need to worry about packing the right cutlery. Of course, you could use pre-bought snacks, but preparing the food yourself will make any picnic more special. Try these mini cheese and onion pork sausage rolls or honey-sesame sausage bites. Dips also work well! You could whip up some hummus or baba ghanoush, served with strips of pita bread or veggies for dipping.
A picnic is the perfect opportunity to draw inspiration from the Mediterranean. Fill your hamper with good-quality charcuterie, cheeses, olives and fruits. Grapes and cherries work particularly well, but oranges can be a bit messy to eat.
Picnic basket ideas and essentials
You'll need to pack a picnic blanket, of course, as well as something to eat off. Finger food doesn't require utensils, but salad recipes call for a fork. If you’re packing cheese, then you’ll also need knives. For an elegant picnic, forget the disposables. Instead, pack real plates and cutlery. Remember, there's nothing classier than cloth napkins! If you're planning a late afternoon picnic, perhaps to watch the sunset, bring a blanket that you can both wrap around yourselves for a cuddle.
If you need to keep food cool, you'll want an insulated cooler bag. You can use ice packs to keep the temperature low. However, if you don't have any, a couple of frozen water bottles work just as well. They'll have defrosted by the time you settle down to eat, giving you a refreshingly icy drink.
Romantic picnic ideas for every occasion
The most common time for a picnic is in the summer months, of course. Make it seasonal with summer recipes that showcase ripe fruit and veg. Don't think that picnics should be kept just for the summer, though. Celebrate a pleasant spring day with asparagus quiche, or enjoy an early autumn picnic with cheese, crusty bread and seasonal stone fruits.
You can even have a picnic when the weather is still a bit chilly. Pack two thermos flasks, one with soup and another with hot chocolate. All you need to complete the meal is some rustic tear-and-share bread for dipping.
Tips for planning the perfect picnic date
Location is essential for a good picnic. An overcrowded beach is no fun. You need some space and privacy to whisper sweet nothings to each other! If you can, scout the area a few days beforehand to find the perfect place to spread out your blanket.
Check the weather forecast. Of course, in the UK nothing is ever guaranteed, but keeping an eye on the weather is always a good idea.
Think about the food that you and your partner both love. There are no set rules for a picnic. If you want to forget about the salad and just go for an indulgent cheese hamper, nobody's going to stop you.
Common picnic mistakes to avoid
Don't pack too much food. Remember, you'll have to carry back whatever you don't eat. So, this is one time when you shouldn't overcater, especially if you have a long walk between your car and the picnic spot.
Be sure to bring a picnic blanket. Ants can be a real pest on a picnic, and a blanket will stop you from sitting right on top of them. Speaking of nature, if you're on a picnic by the sea, watch out for seagulls. It's best not to feed them. Once they think you're feeling generous, they won't leave you alone.
For recipe ideas and meal kits that suit al fresco dining, check out our weekly menu and plans for tasty make-at-home lunches and dinners.
Picnic ideas for couples FAQs
What should I pack for a picnic date?
Be sure to pack a blanket and a cooler bag. Real plates and utensils, along with cloth napkins, will give your picnic a touch of class, while easy-to-eat finger foods are ideal for a fuss-free date.
How do you keep picnic food cold?
The easiest way to keep picnic food cold is with an insulated cooler bag. Prepare things in advance by putting ice packs in the freezer the night before. If you don't have ice packs, freeze a couple of bottles of water instead.
How do you make a picnic more romantic?
Think about timing. A sunset picnic is particularly romantic, especially if you're in the right spot to watch the sun go down. Pack a throw that you can snuggle under together while you admire the view.
What are the best foods to share on a picnic?
Finger foods always work well on a picnic. That means charcuterie, cheeses, olives, dips and, if you have time to cook something, mini skewers. Sausage rolls and scotch eggs are also much-loved picnic classics.
Where is the best place for a romantic picnic?
Ideally, you can go somewhere where you can enjoy all-natural surroundings: the beach, a forest, or a scenic spot in the countryside. However, with the right attitude, even a city centre park can be a romantic setting.