Top 7 Tips for the Perfect Romantic Picnic

There's nothing more romantic than a picnic date, in my opinion. My husband and I have been on countless picnics together and I'd like to share what I've learnt about packing the perfect romantic picnic for two.

Picnic dates are so much fun. The fresh air, natural beauty and delicious finger foods make this the perfect casual date for a couple that loves spending time together.

There's no movie to focus on, long menu list to consider or any other distractions. Just you and your sweetheart, the great outdoors and some delicious things to nibble on.

I've got some romantic picnic ideas for you, from couples boardgames to bring you closer, to choosing what to wear.

So scroll down and start planning that perfect romantic picnic with my 7 top tips.

photo credit: Dita Margarita via photopin cc

This is no time for a boring cheese sandwich and plain water to drink. A romantic picnic calls for food and drinks that set the mood for love.

Avoid heavy foods that are difficult to digest, and steer clear of raw garlic and onions. Look for attractive foods like bright, glossy, fruits, colourful salads, and attractive tarts or quiches.

As for drinks? If you normally choose white or red wines, now's the time to try something different. Sparkling wine, French champagne and ros are all good choices.

And there are plenty of gourmet non-alcoholic drinks, too. Here are some of my fave picnic drinks to share with a loved one.

Brut Cuve Non-Alcoholic Sparkling WineCHECK PRICE

Rimes Traditional French LemonadesCHECK PRICE

IZZE Sparkling Pomegranate JuiceCHECK PRICE

Sparkling ICE Black RaspberryCHECK PRICE

Steaz Iced Tea - Organic Green Tea with Blueberry, Pomegranate & AcaiCHECK PRICE

Kombucha Wonder Drink, Green Tea & LemonCHECK PRICE

The book below is amazing for picnic food ideas that are easy, seasonal and look great. I highly recommend it as an investment if you love going on picnics (or even for party food ideas).

PICNIC: 125 RecipesCHECK PRICE

This is the only picnic basket you'll need, and it's ready to go.

A quality, good-looking basket that will hold your cheese, wine, and other foods in style.

Sure, you probably want to impress your date with those sky-high heels or fancy new jeans. But don't fall into the trap of getting overdressed.

This is a relaxed date, remember? You'll be sitting on the grass, eating with your hands and far away from the comfort of your home. You don't want to get sore, cold or uncomfortable, which will stop you enjoying yourself.

Here are my tips for a comfortable picnic:

- Pack a couple of cushions for relaxing after the meal. There's something wonderful about a nap on the grass.

- Wear clothes that you can sit down in comfortably (no short dresses, low-rise jeans or high heels)

- Keep it cute and casual. Being overdressed on a picnic date is kind of awkward

- Remember to pack a shawl, cardigan or jacket to keep you warm. You might end up staying out until the evening.

- Remember to pack sunscreen and mosquito repellent

- Bring a comfortable picnic blanket that can easily fit two people without you having to contort into strange positions.

photo credit: epSos.de via photopin cc

This picnic blanket might look like any other, but it has hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon and a very high rating. Why?

Well, it's stylish (there are 4 modern, colourful designs to choose from), water-resistant and easy to fold up into a discrete, small package. Perfect to keep in the car and whip out for picnics, as well as at the beach, in the backyard, at sporting events or at home as a child's play mat.

Take advantage of this fun time together by playing a board game, completing a puzzle or playing music.

There are some great board games for couples that will encourage you to talk about yourselves and each other in ways you never have before. They're designed for newly dating couples as well as those that have been married for years to help bring you closer and discover new things about each other.

What better time to play one of these insightful and fun games for couples than during a romantic picnic. But if you don't feel like getting deep and meaningful right now, I suggest a classic travel game instead. After all, it's the quality time together that matters more than what you're actually playing.

Authenticity - The Relationship BoardgameCHECK PRICE

Table Topics for CouplesCHECK PRICE

Pocket Ungame - Couples VersionCHECK PRICE

My husband and I have been on dozens of picnic dates, and without fail we forget the camera. I look back on all those great times we had out in the nature and wish we had some photos to remember it by.

Don't make my mistake! Pack your camera the night before the picnic in a bag you know you're bringing along.

Of course, you don't want to spend the entire date snapping away and ignoring your sweetheart. But a handful of photos of yourselves, the beautiful location and your delicious food will be appreciated in a few years when you reminisce about this time.

For some ideas to help make your pictures great, check out these 5 tips for better self portraits.

If you're like me and nearly always forget to pack a camera, this is the product for you.

I loved the idea as soon as I saw it. Three useful camera lenses that quickly and easily clip on to your iPhone, meaning you'll always have a great photo-taking tool with you.

They take up hardly any space and give fancy, professional-looking pictures. In fact, I think I prefer the Olloclip to my actual camera.

It's important to choose a location that appeals to you, that is accesible and most importantly, won't be too busy! You don't want your romantic date to be shared with every other couple in your town, as well as screaming children and dogs that want to steal your food. Arrive early, and avoid tourist spots for best results.

Couples that love the water can organize a picnic at the beach, near a river, waterfall or lake.

Active couples might like to carry their picnics on their backs during a beautiful hike, then eat at the end of it.

Couples that live in the city, or those that experience bad weather on the day can picnic at home. Move the dining table out of the way and set up your picnic in the living room. Make sure you switch off the T.V and unhook the phone - you want some uninterrupted time together.

Have a nice backyard? Why not set up a picnic blanket there under the shade of a tree.

Every romantic picnic needs a little something sweet.

- Make some cupid's arrow cupcakes.

- Share a box of decadent Belgian chocolates or truffles

- Make gourmet strawberries dipped in chocolate. Click the link for a step-by-step tute with pictures.

- These incredible Valentine's Day cake cookies have to be seen to be believed.

There's a reason French truffles have a great reputation with romantics all over the world - women can't resist them! I should know. My now-husband surprised me with a box of these when we started dating, and the rest is history.

Click the picture to go through to checkout and find out why these have such a good rating on Amazon.

photo credit: swambo via photopin cc

If you're like most modern people, it's not very often that you get to relax on the grass and savour the moment.

So slow down a bit. Pay attention to your date, breathe in fresh air and enjoy those delicious treats you've packed.

So tell me: have you ever been on a romantic picnic? What was the best part?