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. Do verify the opening and closing hours (if applicable) 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 surpise 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

A large picnic blanket  is a must-have for any outdoors dining excursion. Pick one that has a soft texture and just a touch of filling to make it more comfortable on hard ground. It should be large enough that you can comfortably sit or lie with two people. Another important thing is to choose a color that suits you 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!

A picnic basket  is a necessity if you plan to picnic 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.

Other Items You Might Want

Pillows  Make sure that they are covered so that they can easily be cleaned afterwards.	Your Favorite Board Game  Choose the game that you both enjoy together, whether it be a board game,  cards,  or parlour game.	Romantic Tunes  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  If your Valentine is a woman, bringing along some fresh flowers  as a gift is 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 Bag  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 paper napkins or paper towels on hand is something that is easy to overlook. However, they are essential to mopping up any spills.	Insect Repellent  If you expect bugs, go prepared. It'll 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 play 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.

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 tomatoe rubbing with garlic and olive oil. 
• Salads. These are easy to make, transport, and eat. They can even be a meal in themselves. The trick is to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat them.
• Tomatoes, basil and mozarella. 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 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. Usually peanut sauces taste great cold, for example.
• 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, brocoli, 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. If chocolate covered isn't in your vocabulary, consider just dropping them into champagne!

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.

External Links

• Loving You -- Lots of recipe ideas for two people.
• Recipe Zaar -- Over 7000 picnic recipes.
• Romantic America -- Grilled foods, fruit and pasta salads, and more.