Picnic Date Food
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Busy moms don’t get enough date time. That’s just a fact. Sometimes I think about ways to make date night easier, with less planning and less money spent. A romantic picnic is a great way to do that! But what food do you bring on a picnic date? Where do you go for a picnic date? What do you need to pack for a picnic date night, and most importantly, what is the best picnic date food to bring on your romantic outing? Let’s take a look at some simple to put together picnic date tips and picnic date food ideas for at home or at your favorite romantic venue.
Simplicity is Key!
- Any food that can be made in advance and stored in a biodegradable to-go container is your best bet. They are easy to pack up into whatever you’ll be using on the go!
- Serve food that can be eaten at room temperature or only slightly cooled, which you can do with ice packs.
- Food that you can eat with your fingers is an easy choice, but if you need utensils simply wrap up each set in a simple cloth napkin for easy use.
- Use biodegradable picnic supplies (plates, knives, forks, and cups) so you dispose of the mess when you’re finished. (I don’t know of a single person who wants to do dishes on date night).
Picnic Date Food Ideas:
Always choose what’s in season and readily available. That makes for the freshest salad. Package up individual servings so you don’t need to bring serving utensils. The link above for easy summer salads will bring you to some of the freshest, easiest salads I make. In fact, if you like – your salad can be your meal.
Pasta salads can be served warm or cold and it’s just as good either way. Add a little balsamic drizzle to the top for an extra special touch.
Create a Simple Charcuterie “Table”
Bring along a piece of butcher’s paper and your favorite charcuterie ingredients (you can check out some of my favorites right here). Spread them out in bite sized, pre cut pieces and presto, a charcuterie table on the go!
If you are looking for something a little fancier and don’t mind a bit of work putting it together, each of these recipes are ones that can be made in advance and be served at room temperature!
More Picnic Food for a Date:
- Pinwheels made with prosciutto and Alouette cheese.
- Anything on a skewer from caprese salad and grilled chicken to fruit kebabs.
- Cold fried chicken.
- Cut veggies and either pre-made, or homemade dips.
- Sandwiches made on a fresh baguette.
- Thrifty Little Mom’s Zesty Cucumber Crisps
- Fruit salad
- Chicken salad on mini croissants.
- Greek salad kebobs
- Quiche or Frittata
- Bakery bought stuffed breads
- Desserts in a jar
- Olive tapenade and crackers
- Hand pies
- Cold Sesame Noodles
- Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits
Cocktails for Your Picnic
My recipe for success with cocktails is very simple – make one cocktail you’ll enjoy. If you’re entertaining, add a red and a white wine. For perfect picnics with your sweetheart, one cocktail will do, and make it one you can carry along in a thermos to keep it nice and chilly! (Also, don’t forget the water)!
- Sparkling Pear Cocktail
- Prosecco
- Hot Spiked Apple Cider (for a fall picnic)
Creating the Ambiance: Picnic Date Ideas
Make sure the ambiance is spot on. Here’s a tip – shop your home for what you need. I’m sure you try to surround yourself with things you love – so simply re-home them for an evening!
- Use simple linens to set your picnic table or your blanket.
- Clear glasses that catch the candlelight.
- Move lanterns or candle holders from inside to use outdoors to light up your space.
- Gather from what’s around you to decorate! Use flowers from your garden, or fresh herbs as a super simple centerpiece that you can place into a mason jar.
- Light the space with battery powered white Christmas lights or simple string lights.
- To add to the romance make sure there are a few extra comfy throw blankets available.
- Keep bugs away in summer by having a scent-free bug spray on hand.
- Bring a bluetooth speaker and set the mood with a little music!
Picnic Date Night Essentials
Everything you need to help make you put together the perfect picnic date night! From picnic date food, to our favorite picnic blankets - it's all right here!
Apollo walker Picnic Backpack Bag for 2 Person with Cooler Compartment, Detachable Bottle/Wine Holder, Fleece Blanket, Plates & Cutlery
This backpack has everything you need including a place to hold the bottle of wine. If you're a one stop shopper kinda gal, this is the perfect solution for you!
Extra Large Picnic Blanket - Water-Resistant
No wet bottoms with this blanket! The perfect addition for beach picnics or picnics on the grass! It's really cute and we love the handle!
JBL Clip 4 - Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker, 10 hours of playtime, speaker for home, outdoor and travel - (Blue)
Take your tunes with you and set the mood for your romantic date night picnic!
Aku Tonpa Flameless Candles Pillar Real Wax Electric LED Candles with timer
These are a staple in our home - we've ordered them several times. They are lightweight which makes for easy transport, and they are perfect to set the mood for your date night picnic!
EvermadeGREEN Disposable Palm Leaf Plates and Wooden Utensils Eco Friendly Alternative to Bamboo Plates, Wooden Plates or Paper Plates
Who wants to clean up after eating picnic date food? Nobody that we know. Have these on-hand to use for beach picnics, backyard parties, or date night.
Eco Friendly Disposable Food To-Go Containers With Airtight Lids.
The perfect way to pack up your picnic date food dips or sauces!
Kraft Brown Take Out Boxes 30 oz - Leak and Grease Resistant Food Containers
Pack up that pasta salad for your picnic and get ready for date night!
Where To Enjoy Your Picnic Date Food
xoxo,
JJ
