Ramp Up the Romance with a Lovely Picnic Date

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.

Wicker Picnic Basket Set for 2 Persons

Wicker Picnic Basket Set for 2 Persons, $45.99

Maelstrom Soft Cooler Bag,Collapsible Soft Sided Cooler

Maelstrom Collapsible Soft Sided Cooler, $42.99

Picnic Time Corsica Insulated Wine Basket with Wine and Cheese Accessories

Picnic Time Corsica Insulated Wine Basket with Wine and Cheese Accessories, $82.99

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.

PortableAnd Outdoor & Picnic Blanket Extra

Portable Outdoor & Picnic Blanket Extra, $29.99

Portable Speaker

Craft a special playlist and use a Bluetooth speaker to set the mood.

Wireless Bluetooth Portable Lightweight Compact Travel Speaker

Wireless Bluetooth Portable Lightweight Compact Travel Speaker, $48

Cutting Board/Cheese Board

This is a must for slicing fruit and serving cheese or charcuterie.

Picnic Time Brand Circo Acacia Wood Cheese Board Set

Picnic Time Brand Circo Acacia Wood Cheese Board Set, $36.99

Bottle Opener/Corkscrew

This item comes in handy to open any soda, beer, or wine that you may bring.

Wine Opener

Wine Opener, $13.99

Plates/Utensils

Choose from decorative paper plates or unbreakable melamine plates. Don’t forget to pack a sharp knife too.

Unbreakable Wheat Straw Dinnerware Sets of 4

Unbreakable Wheat Straw Dinnerware Sets of 4, $23.99

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.

Unbreakable Stemless Plastic Wine Glasses

Unbreakable Stemless Plastic Wine Glasses, $29.95

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.

Earthly Co. Reusable Paper Towels

Earthly Co. Reusable Paper Towels, $19.95

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.

MyGift White Glass Mason Jar Flower Vase Set with Vintage Graywashed Wood Display Tray

MyGift White Glass Mason Jar Flower Vase Set with Vintage Graywashed Wood Display Tray, $27.99

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must, especially if you are enjoying a beach picnic.

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, $15.99

Insect Repellant

You will want to keep any pests like ants and mosquitoes away, so pack some repellant!

Ben's 30% DEET

Ben’s 30% DEET, $5.95

Camera

We know everyone has a camera on their smartphones, but wouldn’t it be fun to pack an instant camera?

FujiFilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera + Fujifilm Instax Mini Film

FujiFilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera + Fujifilm Instax Mini Film, $129.95

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!

The Ultimate Game for Couples

The Ultimate Game for Couples, $24.99

Wipes/Tissues/Hand Sanitizer

Accidents happen, so it’s nice to be able to wash up before and after you start eating and drinking.

NEATwipes Hand Sanitizing Wipes

NEATwipes Hand Sanitizing Wipes, $8.99

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!

Whimsical Red and White Kraft Checkerboard Lunch or Cafeteria Food Tray Size

Whimsical Red and White Kraft Checkerboard Lunch trays, $14.99

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.

Best Stainless Steel Coffee Thermos

Best Stainless Steel Coffee Thermos, $19.97

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.

Wine Journal by Wine Folly

Wine Journal by Wine Folly, $25

Sushi

Pick up some sushi at your favorite local restaurant or gourmet grocer. Package it in a portable bento box with chopsticks, and enjoy!

Bento Lunch Box

Bento Lunch Box, $8.99

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!

Plastic Champagne Flutes Unbreakable

Plastic Champagne Flutes Unbreakable, $17.99

We hope you found these picnic date ideas fun and inspiring. Happy picnicking!

Read Next:

3 Outfits and Dates to Inspire Valentine’s Romance

What to Wear For a Date Night

Getting a Second Date: 14 Tips

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