Whether you’re trying to impress your new date or want to put some romance back into your marriage, a Romantic Picnic for Two is bound to create some sparks. With just some basic picnic items, a couple of rib eye steaks, and a bottle of Cabernet, you can turn an otherwise dull day into a day of romance, not soon to be forgotten.
Not convinced?
Just think about how often food and romance seem to merge. In fact the bond between food and sensuality is legendary. All good romance novels contain at least one good picnic. Most of the romance movies you have seen contain the start of a romance out in the middle of a field, picnic basket and blanket in hand.
Here are a couple of food facts for you to chew on:
- The grape figured prominently in the sensual rites of Greek Dionysian cults, and well-trained geishas have been known to peel plump grapes for their pampered customers.
- Numerous herbs and spices, (basil, mint, cinnamon, cardamom, fenugreek, ginger, pepper, saffron, and vanilla, to name a few) appear in ancient and medieval recipes for love potions, as well as in lists of foodstuffs forbidden in convents because of their aphrodisiac properties.
One of our most beloved food items, chocolate, is said to be an aphrodisiac.
- The most common gift on Valentines Day is flowers and a box of chocolates.
It seems food and sensuality goes hand in hand. At least for the past several thousand years it has.
Not to mention the cost of a picnic isn’t near the expense of a nice restaurant. And yet a well planned picninc can be far more romantic.
Now that I have you convinced that a romantic picnic is just what is needed, let’s get started planning.
To ensure that your picnic has the desired effect, start off with a quality picnic basket and wine basket. Remember, you’re trying to show someone how much you love them and not how cheap you are. Let’s do this right or you may well be having some lonely nights.
That means don’t just shove some food and a bottle of wine into an old diaper bag! Shop for a good quality picnic basket and wine basket. Wicker is very elegant and will last a lifetime. A good picnic basket will hold everything that you will need unless you are going to be cooking steaks. If you are going to cook, a small tabletop propane grill will do the job nicely and add some warmth to a chilly night.
Of course you are going to want something elegant to lay everything out on. I have found a picnic blanket comes in pretty handy for this. That’s right, don’t use the old Purdue University blanket for this. Live a little and shop for a nice picnic blanket for use just for your romantic picnics.
One quick note, try and not lay it on an ant hill if at all possible. Those little critters have a way of putting a damper on things just when things are getting good.
Once you’re done eating you can push everything aside making room for some well needed snuggling. There are waterproof picnic blankets available if the ground is damp or you are planning on picnicking in a canoe.
Remember, you’re not here for a feast, but rather to enjoy the company of your loved one while blending into the moment the various tastes and surroundings that nature has to offer.
When deciding upon what foods to take select foods to snack on that are simple yet elegant. Try to avoid greasy and messy foods that might be a pain to deal with. Keep the main dish light and easy. Try and avoid items such as garlic and onion that may leave your breath smelling badly. Finger sandwiches work very well and are easily prepared. They also add to an already elegant setting.
Ue your imagination when planning your romantic picnic. Cut sandwiches into heart shapes and wrap chocolates in rose petals.
Here are a couple more suggestions to get you started.
- Grapes are a must. Not only are they sensual in nature with a wonderful taste, they also fit nicely into your picnic basket.
- Small crackers and wafers can be laid out on a platter. Fill a small elegant bowl with dip of choice and place it in the center of the platter. Lay a bunch of grapes on either side. Trim a rose down and lay it next to the bowl. If you put it into a small vase or glass it may get knocked over when reaching for the dip. You can scatter rose petals around the platter for an added effect. A small bowl of flower petals also adds to the picnic theme. Use your imagination. Try and keep the colors soft and easy on the eye.
- Use cloth napkins as opposed to paper ones. Wrap with ribbon or yarn for a band when preparing your layout. Then place a trimmed rose between the band and napkin.
- For your wine, use real wine glasses. Don’t use paper or plastic cups from the house. That’s for koolaide and kids. Romance is about the atmosphere. Somehow I think pulling out your old beer mug and filling it with wine will kill the effect.
- Small chocolates are great items for feeding to each other. As are grapes. If it’s really warm outside it might be best to stick with the grapes as the chocolates may get a bit messy and make cleanup a hassle.
- Some soft music can sometimes add to the surroundings. But I find that the sound of nature is the best bet for relaxing and getting into the moment. Save the music for when you get home where you can dance the night away.
The main object is to spend time with your loved one, alone and preferably secluded. Try and find somewhere that you can relax and feel at ease. If you have to walk a little bit, well then that’s ok. You are still spending time with your partner and hiking can be very enjoyable. Not to mention you probably could use the exercise.
Just remember, whether your romantic picnic is in the middle of a grassy field, or on a beach next to the ocean, or even in your own backyard, a picnic planned with love can not go wrong.
So put some spice back into your life and plan a Romantic Picnic for Two!
Ellen