How to Plan the Perfect Picnic Date

With summer on the horizon, a picnic date should be the next date you plan. Longer days and warmer weather set the stage for a romantic rendezvous that is sure to make a lasting impression. Break away from the bustle of day-to-day life and connect with nature for a cosy, intimate moment.

However, a picnic date is easily squandered without proper planning. It may be a relatively simple date idea, but just a couple of oversights could cost you a follow-up. Avoid that risk by following our guide to planning the ultimate picnic date. From choosing a location to the materials you’ll need to bring, we’ve covered everything you need to know below.

Why Plan a Picnic Date?

The location you choose for a date is a reflection of yourself and influences the way your date perceives you. If you choose a fancy restaurant, your date might think of you as a high roller. If you choose a carnival, they might think of you as playful and fun. Choosing a picnic shows that you care about nature, and that may just be what seals the deal.

A study by Zoosk found that 78% of singles want to date someone that cares about the environment. Many people say they care, but planning a picnic date in which you’re immersed in nature is proof. In fact, the same survey also found picnicking to be one of the most popular environmentally-friendly dates.

Don’t Make it a First Date

A picnic date is an especially good idea for getting to know someone new. You’ll be able to converse and connect with each other easily without the background noise of a restaurant or bar. Plus, putting in the work to organise the picnic and prepare food and drinks shows how much you care.

That said, it may not be the best idea for a first date. If it turns out to be a disaster, for example, there is no easy way to get out early. You’re better off saving a romantic picnic for a second date or even a third, once you’ve established chemistry. After all, picnics are quite intimate, which may be uncomfortable when meeting someone for the first time.

The First Steps to Planning a Picnic Date

Once you’ve decided to wow your new partner with a romantic picnic, it’s time to begin planning. Start by considering the two factors that will determine where and when to organise your date.

Weather

Weather will make or break a picnic date. Even the slightest drizzle can sour a pleasant moment, leaving both of you wet and uncomfortable and your meal ruined. Check the weather forecast in advance and choose a day that you can be fairly sure to have good weather.

A picnic makes for a practical summer date, as that is when the weather is most likely to be agreeable. However, if you plan your picnic date for a particularly hot day, make sure to choose a location with shade. Just as you don’t want to be cold or wet, you also don’t want to be sweltering!

Location

This is your opportunity to show your date that you’ve been paying attention. Think back to discussions you’ve had in the past to come up with a location you know they’ll like. Or, if you’ve met your partner on a dating site like eHarmony, browse their dating profile for inspiration. Do they prefer the beach or the mountains? A city park or a somewhere more off the beaten track? This personal touch is likely to win you major dating points.

Wherever you choose to have your picnic, make sure that there are other people around. If you’re just getting to know this person, having others around will provide a sense of comfort and security.

What to Pack for Your Picnic

A picnic date is the perfect opportunity to impress your partner by showing them how thoughtful you can be. A well-planned picnic is sure to impress, while a poorly planned picnic may have the opposite effect. Forgetting important materials is where many people go wrong. So, don’t leave your home before you have all of these items:

• A blanket or quilt – for you and your date to cosy up on. Many blankets have a vinyl layer on the bottom to prevent any moisture from soaking through. If your blanket doesn’t, consider laying a plastic tarp underneath.
• A cooler – to keep drinks and other snacks fresh, even under the sun. This may be handy if you’ve prepared a dessert that needs to be kept cool.
• A picnic basket – to complete the classic picnic feel. It doesn’t have to be a traditional wicker basket, as long as it’s not a plastic bag from the store.
• Disposable cutlery and plates – one of the easiest items to forget is one of the most important. Even if you’ve prepared finger foods, you should pack a couple forks and knives just in case. Choose disposable, even biodegradable, options for quick and easy cleanup.
• Disposable cups – or glasses if you are drinking wine.
• Napkins – to prevent or clean up mess.
• A waste bag – so you have somewhere to keep trash. You love the environment, remember? Keep it clean by disposing of all your waste when the date’s over.
• A bottle opener – otherwise, how will you enjoy that bottle of wine you’ve brought along?
• A knife and cutting board – if you’ve packed a baguette in your picnic basket, this may be a nice touch. Plus, once you’ve sliced your baguette, you can use the cutting board as a tray for cheese and charcuterie.
• Hand sanitizer – no one wants to hold hands with sticky fingers!

Food & Drink Ideas

The last, and most enjoyable, step of planning the perfect picnic date is building the menu. You should plan a snack spread, a main course, a dessert, and something to drink. You may choose to buy pre-prepared foods at the store, but making them yourself adds a nice touch. Remember to ask your date if they have any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Here are some useful tips and ideas to help you decide what to bring.

Snacks & Starters

Start off your picnic with a light spread to munch on while you chat. Choose from any number of light snacks and finger foods, such as these:

• A cheese plate – Whether you pair it with a fresh baguette or some crackers, a cheese plate adds a touch of class to any picnic date.
• Chips and dip – Tortilla chips and guacamole or pita chips and hummus…whatever fits your fancy!
• Fruit salad – For a sweet starter that might also ignite a spark between you and your date. After all, many fruits are aphrodisiacs, including banana, watermelon, and pomegranate.

Main Course

Keep your main course simple. Something you can eat with your hands without getting them messy is ideal. Here are a few ideas:

• Sandwiches – Build your own submarine sandwich with quality cold cuts or build a fresh veggie sandwich on a fluffy loaf. Be creative – this is your time to show off your cooking skills!
• Wraps – Or burritos are simple to put together, tasty, and mess-free. They’re also a lighter alternative to a sandwich in case you plan on filling up on snacks first.
• Savoury pie – If you don’t mind eating them at room temperature, this a hearty option that is sure to warm your date’s belly.

Dessert

Avoid desserts that need to be chilled, such as mousse, some cakes, or cream puffs. This is not the time to get fancy. Instead, stick to something simple, like the following:

• Cookies – Chocolate chip is a classic that your date will surely love.
• Chocolate-covered strawberries – If you really want to win your date’s heart, impress them with these. They’re simple to make and so romantic.

Drinks

For the finishing touch, choose the right refreshments to keep your date’s glass full during your romantic picnic.

• Wine and/or champagne – A good bottle of wine is the finishing touch to any perfect picnic date. Make sure to choose a wine you know your date will enjoy. If you’re feeling extravagant, you can even go for a bottle of champagne!
• Water – Being out in the sun is dehydrating, especially if this is a summer date. Bring along a big bottle of water to make sure you and your date stay hydrated.

Pack It Up & Get Ready to Impress

For a truly romantic summer date, a picnic is the way to go. It’s simple, yet thoughtful, and a welcomed break from the norm. Follow these guidelines and you’ll have the perfect picnic date planned in no time!