Things to Bring on a Picnic Date: Ultimate Guide

Picnics are a classic, romantic outdoor activity that can bring couples closer together.

Whether celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to spend quality time together, a picnic can be a perfect way. 

However, deciding what to bring on a picnic date can be overwhelming.

To help make your picnic perfect, here are some critical items to bring along on your romantic picnic date.

These items will make your date memorable and help make the experience hassle-free and enjoyable for you and your date. From delicious food and drinks to games and activities, this list of what to bring on a picnic date will surely be helpful for your next romantic date.

Best Picnic Foods and Drinks

Picnics are the perfect way to spend time outdoors with the one you love. When planning your ultimate picnic date, it’s important to think about what food and drinks you should bring. 

You want to ensure you have enough to keep everyone full but also sufficient to make it unique. Take some time to plan what you should bring so your next picnic date is a success.

Non-perishable snacks

Bringing along non-perishable snacks such as chips, crackers, or nuts is a great way to make your picnic date exciting and delicious. 

Make sure you purchase items that are easy to carry and will last for your picnic. 

Here are a few snacks that you can bring along on your date:

• Granola bars
• Hummus or veggie dip
• Guacamole
• Cheese and crackers
• Crunchy vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Dried fruits (such as apricots or figs)
• Mixed trail mix (a combination of raisins, peanuts, almonds, and chocolate chips)
• Pretzels or pita chips
• Popcorn

Drinks

An adequately packed picnic basket or cooler can make or break an outdoor dining experience, mainly if your date includes a leisurely meal in the great outdoors. 

Complimenting the proper food selection with suitable drinks is vital and should be considered when packing for a perfect picnic date.

Remember that certain beverages and containers may require special considerations when selecting drinks for your picnic. 

Relaxation and refreshment are vital factors when selecting glasses from the below list of classic picnic favorites:

• Water: A hydration classic, water doesn’t spoil, and it’s essential for any outdoor outing. Glass containers should generally be avoided due to breakability, so opt for reusable plastic bottles instead.
• Soda: Cans are lightweight and convenient, but glass bottles provide more flavor; remember to pack them away from other fragile items. For variety, consider sparkling waters or hard seltzers as a mixer alternative to soda.
• Juices & Teas: Unopened juice boxes are easy options that pair well with lunch items such as sandwiches. If you’re ambitious, consider pre-made hot or cold teas like jasmine green tea or hibiscus lemonade, brewed right before your trip!
• Wines & Beers: It’s always fun to pop open a bottle of bubbly over lunch (for those of legal drinking age), but like glass soda bottles, pack away wine bottles far from sandwiches and other perishables, think empty corners of coolers or picnic baskets! Carefully choose beers that won’t become too warm sitting in direct sunlight during lunchtime hours; light condensation, which creates clammy cans, indicates that it’s too hot outside for certain beers!

Utensils

Packing some utensils can make for a much more enjoyable experience. 

This is especially true if you bring food that requires utensils, such as sandwiches, pasta, or salads. 

Here are some items that can be useful to have at hand:

• Plates and Bowls – Using actual dinnerware instead of disposable takes your picnic to the next level! If you don’t want to bring real plates and bowls, you could opt for sophisticated disposable options or paper plates and bowls.
• Cutting Board – You may need one to slice fruits or vegetables.
• Knife – For slicing and dividing foods like meats, cheese, fruits, and vegetables into movable portions.
• Forks & Spoons – To eat with!
• Serving Utensils – For serving salads or dishes with multiple ingredients. Choose serving spoons and forks that are easy to manage with one hand while eating with the other hand.
• Utensil Holder – Keep all your cutlery in a convenient utensil holder, so everything is organized when needed! A holder keeps implements neat, whether metal, plastic or disposable.
• Napkins – Have extra napkins for spills or wiping up messes from little hands!

Entertainment

Music, games, and other activities can help create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for you and your date. 

You can bring many items to an outdoor picnic date to make it more exciting and memorable.

From board games to outdoor speakers and more, there are plenty of options for making your picnic date enjoyable. 

Let’s explore some of the best entertainment items to bring to a picnic date:

Music

Bringing music to your picnic date is a great way to set the mood, add background noise, and create an intimate atmosphere. 

Depending on your preferences, you could opt for an energetic playlist for activities such as dancing or charades or a more mellow choice highlighting conversation.

If you can’t decide between different styles, consider bringing two speakers and creating two playlists so everyone can choose what they want. 

This also allows you to adjust depending on how the day unfolds, like if you want to transition from a game of badminton to a relaxed conversation with some romantic tunes playing in the background.

Alternatively, combine with a prominent speaker and trade turns to make your mixes. 

Finding something everyone agrees with so many music streaming services won’t be hard. 

Make some playlists in advance according to activity type and prepare appropriately like if one has a call coming in during lunch, the good songs will be readily available!

Games

A picnic date can be the perfect opportunity to get to know someone or have fun with friends, but ensuring you have the right entertainment is crucial. 

Games are an ideal way to get everyone involved and help build great memories. 

Here are a few classic games you can bring along:

• Frisbee – A classic backyard game, Frisbee is a great way for couples and groups to interact and socialize. It’s easy to learn all you need is the Frisbee (available at many stores) and your sense of adventure!
• Cornhole – This traditional beanbag tossing game is fun for all ages, whether small kids or adults. Most camping supply stores should carry some cornhole sets; if not, it’s also an easy do-it-yourself project.
• Soccer ball – For those who prefer team sports over individual, soccer is always a great option, and most parks will have plenty of grassy areas where one can play without much setup required. The only thing needed is a good quality soccer ball!
• Lawn darts – An increasingly popular game lately (particularly among college students in their twenties), they are usually taken out during warm summer and set up outdoors at nearby parks or open fields. This takes almost no effort if someone has some bare dart boards they can bring along too! Invite your partner or group of friends over for an afternoon of playing this exciting game.

With these games (and perhaps more creative ideas from your own experience) in hand, you can create unforgettable experiences on your date!

Books

Bringing a book can help make the afternoon even more enjoyable. 

You will find many great options, whether it’s a light and fun read or something more intellectual. 

When deciding on a book to bring, remember that picnics are shared experiences, so think about choosing something you might enjoy reading aloud together. 

Here are some popular books for picnics:

• Romantic novels: If you want something light and easy that sets the mood for romance, try popular fiction such as Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook or Eric Van Lustbader’s The Bride of the Sea.
• Fantasy novels: If you and your date share an interest in fantasy literature, consider classics like JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy or books from the Harry Potter series.
• Classic favorites: For fans of classical literature, iconic works like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice or Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment can make great reads during an afternoon picnic.
• Comedic novellas: For those looking for something short but full of humor, consider authors like David Sedaris or Kurt Vonnegut; their stories provide enough laughs to last through several afternoons!
• Comic Books & Graphic Novels: Comic books can also be fun, with many different story genres available. Whether your tastes lean towards superheroes from Marvel comics or nostalgia-inducing Archie comics strips, there is something perfect for any taste paired with a picnic lunch!

Necessities

Whether you’re planning a romantic picnic for two or a casual hangout with friends, there are some important items that you should not forget to bring. 

Here is a list of items you should pack for a romantic picnic:

• Picnic blanket or mat
• Picnic basket or bag
• Food and drinks
• Tableware (plates, cups, cutlery, etc.)
• Napkins
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• First aid kit

Blanket

Whether a small picnic in the park or a romantic lunch in the countryside, a blanket is an absolute must for any outdoor date. 

Make sure to bring a large enough blanket that is comfortable enough to sit and lay on together. 

Choose one made with natural materials like cotton or wool that is durable and easy to clean. 

Look for weather-resistant options like tartan or camping blankets if you’re likely to encounter wet weather.

You may also consider bringing an air mattress or sheet if you stay outdoors. 

This way, you won’t worry about getting your clothing and blanket covered in dirt or grass while enjoying your picnic together.

Sunscreen

If you plan on having your picnic outside, it is crucial to protect your skin and eyes with sunscreen. 

UV radiation can cause sunburns and long-term skin damage. Sunscreen prevents this, so bringing some along on your date is vital! 

Look for sunscreens with a minimum of SPF 30 labeled “broad spectrum,” which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. 

Remember to reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating excessively. 

Also, wear a hat and sunglasses for added protection from the sun’s rays.

Bug Spray

Bug spray is an essential item that should be included. The last thing you want is to be distracted or uncomfortable during your time outdoors. 

A few bug-repellent sprays can help ensure your picnic experience is enjoyable and insect-free.

In addition to bringing a can of bug spray, consider what items would make the picnic experience comfortable and enjoyable. 

For example, pack a ratchet chair or blankets to have somewhere soft to sit. If you’re going out after dark, bring a flashlight in case the sun goes down, and no street lights are available. 

Bring water bottles for hydration and snacks for sustenance! And don’t forget the plates, utensils, napkins, and cups; these will come in handy if there’s no dishware available at the location.

Extras

Beyond the typical picnic essentials, there are a few other items you might want to bring to make your picnic date even more enjoyable. Depending on the type of date, you may want to carry various things to add to the fun or convenience of the outing. 

There are many options to choose from, so let’s explore some of the possibilities:

• Games include cards, board games, or outdoor games like Frisbee or bocce ball.
• Snacks such as chips, crackers, nuts, or other finger foods.
• Beverages such as soda, water, or juice.
• A blanket or additional seating to relax on.
• A speaker to play music.
• A camera to capture memories.

Flowers

Making an impression on a picnic date doesn’t have to be complicated. Adding fresh flowers to your space will help set the right mood. 

Choose blooms that you love to appreciate their beauty together when you stop for lunch.

Many flowers won’t wilt in the heat before you reach your destination, such as everlastings, gomphrena, and statice, so consider those if you plan to have a long journey together or prefer something longer lasting once you arrive. 

You can also pick up additional flower bouquets from local florists on your way, which will make for a pleasant surprise once the basket is opened up on the picnic blanket!

Candles

A picnic with outdoor lighting can add another level of romance to your adventure. 

Many outdoor settings lack proper and accessible lighting, which is necessary for setting the right mood in the evening. 

Since you cannot always guarantee that there will be enough candleholders, bringing your flameless candles can provide a much-needed light source for the night. 

Flameless candles give a warm, inviting glow and come in various styles and sizes to fit any setting. 

Depending on your aesthetic goals, they can also be decorative objects that evoke nostalgia or repose.

Of course, you will want to ensure that all flameless candles you bring must adhere to all fire safety rules so that nobody gets hurt. 

Bringing different types of candles (tealights, votives, jar candles, etc.) and other props (lanterns, string lights, etc.) can create an enchanting atmosphere for any nighttime picnic date!

Camera

A camera can be essential for capturing and commemorating the crucial moments shared between you and your significant other. 

Whether a professional camera or just your phone, having a camera with you allows those special moments to be captured with excellent quality. Photos of your picnic can become lasting memories or fun additions to social media albums!

Not necessary, but highly suggested bringing along a camera is an easy way to capture the precious memories made while picnicking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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