A Romantic Picnic

Valentine's Day is ideal for exchanging chocolates,  roses,  and jewelry,  but what about giving a gift  that speaks from the heart? There is nothing quite so romantic as an intimate brunch, lunch, or dinner outdoors for you and your sweetheart to share, whether it takes place on a beach, under the stars, or in a park. A great way to celebrate your love is to surprise him or her with a delicious picnic  packed with all the essentials that will make this Valentine's Day  an unforgettable one. Here's how to pull it off.

Getting Started

Before planning anything else, be sure to scout out the site where you want to bring your honey to celebrate the romantic occasion. Verify the opening and closing hours (if applicable) of your desired location and whether or not there will be crowds at the time when you plan to go, should the locale be a popular one. Other things to watch out for are the weather forecast (there's no cheating mother nature) and the bug factor (mosquitos are not romantic in the least bit). If February is a cold month where you live, the picnic may be best brought indoors in front of the fireplace. 
If you are planning to surprise your significant other with a romantic picnic, be sure that you'll be able to plan the event discreetly. This may take some brainstorming on your behalf. For example, how to get him or her to the location without giving away the secret? Perhaps a Valentine card from a "secret admirer" requesting his or her presence?

Essential Equipment

Picnic Blankets  This is a must-have for any outdoor dining excursion. Pick one that has a soft texture and just a touch of filling to make it more comfortable on the hard ground. It should be large enough so that you can comfortably sit or lie on it with two people. Another important thing is to choose a color that you like so that it can be used time and again. Finally, make sure that the blanket is machine-washable -you are bound to have some spills when you dine without a table!	Picnic Baskets  A picnic basket is a necessity if you make outdoor excursions often. The majority of today's baskets are pre-packed with the necessities for a meal for two, including plates,  silverware,  glasses,  and napkins.  Plus, the unique design allows you to keep everything in place and organized. The best option, if you plan to picnic solely for romance, is to keep the basket small and catered to a two person place setting.	Totes  These are useful if you need a durable bag to contain your food (other than a picnic basket). Try the Built NY French Bull Gourmet Getaway Tote  which comes in a variety of designs and effectively insulates food for up to four hours. The Cosmopolitan Lunch Tote  is another great model that can help to keep your food warm or cool.

Other Items

Pillows  Make sure that they are covered so that they can easily be cleaned afterwards.	Board Games  Choose a game that you both enjoy together, whether it be a board game or cards.	Music  Bring a CD player,  mini speakers  for your MP3 player,  or a portable boombox  to set the mood.	Candles  Candles are good if you are planning a sunset picnic. Make sure they have wide, heavy bases, and that the location isn't very windy.	Bouquet  Bringing along some fresh flowers  as a gift for your Valentine is always a sweet gesture.

Digital Camera  This is a must-have so that you can document the event, even if you only get one good shot. It will be a memory that you'll be happy to have in the future.	Garbage Bags  Bring some sort of container, plastic bag, or receptacle for stashing trash. If you can throw out the garbage on site, all the better, but it's best to be prepared.	Paper Towels  Having some napkins or paper towels on hand is something that is easy to overlook. However, they are essential for mopping up any spills or cleaning off your hands.	Insect Repellent  If you expect bugs, be prepared-this will help a romantic occasion from being ruined completely.	Sunglasses /Sunscreen  For warm weather locations, it is crucial to bring along some sun protection for your eyes and skin.

Choosing the Menu

The most essential element to the picnic, besides comfort, is the food. The bottom line when creating a menu, no matter how you want to organize it, is to make sure that the food is easy to eat. In other words, avoid the following:

• Messy sauces.
• Food that needs refrigeration.
• Anything that requires hacking at it with a knife and fork.

Food 

You should be able to eat with your hands and feed each other whatever you bring. Great food choices include:

• Bread and cheese. A French baguette and Brie  is a popular choice, although any cheese or bread will do. Just be sure that the cheese is the very last thing you place in the picnic basket before departing so that it doesn't spoil. Note that semi-soft cheeses are actually best when left out for about 15 to 30 minutes before eating. If it will take longer than that to arrive at your picnic site, pack a tiny bag of ice to keep things cool.
• Bruschetta . This is an easy-to-make appetizer that consists of toasted bread (such as Italian or French style) and a tomato rubbing with garlic and olive oil. 
• Salads. These are easy to make, transport, and eat, and they can even be a meal in themselves. The trick is to keep the dressing  separate until you are ready to eat it.
• Tomatoes, basil and mozzarella. This classic Italian dish, caprese salad,  travels extremely well and tastes great. Mix in some cooked pasta  and olive oil for a light main course.
• Sliced meats. Pairing a bit of prosciutto  or smoked turkey  with your bread and cheese makes for great tiny sandwiches. Choose the meats according to your tastes and do be sure to avoid these if your partner is vegetarian.
• Mini Sandwiches. Prior to the picnic you can make up little sandwiches so that you don't have to wrestle with anything on site. For a romantic touch, make them on sliced bread and cut them out with heart-shaped cookie cutters. 
• Shish Kebabs . Pre-cooked shish kebabs or satay are easy to eat outdoors since they don't require utensils. Pick those options that will still taste great lukewarm, for example, peanut sauces still taste great cold.
• Shrimp Cocktail . Prepare and clean beforehand and store on ice until you're ready to eat. Don't forget to make or buy the cocktail sauce ahead of time.
• Raw Vegetables . Carrots, celery, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, and peppers stay fresh and crunchy and are perfect for picnics. If you want to dip, the best option is something not cream based, since that has a tendency to sour quickly if not refrigerated. Try hummus  or black bean dip  or simply bring along an ice pouch to keep things cool.  
• Berries . Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and grapes are all great morsels to pop as sweets. Chocolate covered fruits are even better, or consider just dropping them into champagne!   

Beverage 

As for drinks, the winner, of course, is champagne. However, wine,  soda,  or juice  are all good too depending on your tastes. If you want to prepare cocktails  beforehand, make sure to strain them and store in a chilled thermos.  Beer might be considered less romantic, but then again, everyone enjoys different things, and it could be perfectly suitable if that is something you both enjoy. Also, if you're going to bring wine, don't forget the corks -(pictured right). They come in handy and effectively seal your wine until you use it next.

Dessert

Chocolate, brownies  and cookies  are always popular favorites, but how about a nice frozen treat? Buy some large  or small popsicle molds  to help cool you down in the hot weather, or consider whipping up some homemade ice cream.  Just be sure that your items will stay frozen until you are ready to eat!

Related Guides

Chocolate	Champagne Glasses	Valentine's Day	Wine

External Links

• LovingYou.com: Lots of recipe ideas for two people.
• RecipeZaar.com: Over 7000 picnic recipes.