With summer set to arrive ahead of schedule, it’s time to make the most of the glorious sunshine. Coffee walks with friends, Sundays spent by the sea, and of course, your first picnic of the year are all beckoning, so make sure that everything is perfect with our guide to what to pack for a picnic date.
This doesn’t just mean a basket and a bottle opener (although you’ll be lost without them!), but also those intentional details that turn a simple patch of grass or a sandy dune into a romantic setting. Swap your reservation at a crowded restaurant or busy cafe for a more intimate spot and read on to find out how to secure that second date with the perfect picnic!
What To Pack For A Picnic Date
Little touches make a big difference when dining alfresco. They curate the atmosphere and show just how much thought has gone into arranging the date, but they can also make or break a picnic.
Without the convenience of nearby shops or an open kitchen, you must arrive fully prepared, so familiarise yourself with what to pack for a picnic date ahead of time and free up your focus on the day to spend entirely on your partner.
A Blanket
There’s something truly magical about sharing a picnic blanket in the shade with your favourite person, but don’t just bring a standard throw from home.
Your blanket needs to be big enough for not only the two of you, but also your spread of food and utensils, as well as any books, puzzles, or craft activities that you have planned. It also needs to be thick enough to support you both for the full duration of the date, and to keep you as comfortable as you would be at home or whilst dining out.
Look for a thickened or padded option with handles that is easy enough to fold back up and carry to the car, and bring a few small cushions for extra comfort.
A Cooler
Before we get onto what to pack for a picnic date, you’ll need somewhere to store it all. Introducing a carryall cooler, to carry all your goodies!
Depending on how much use you’re hoping to get out of your cooler, and whether you’re already planning a few picnics with pals over the summer, it makes sense to go for a large option. You’ll need plenty of room for all your savoury snacks, bottled beverages, and sweet treats, as well as space to stack your tableware and utensils at the top, so opt for a cooler with at least a 13L capacity.
Extra compartments with zips, a waterproof base, and an insulated lining are all non-negotiables, so take your time when investing in the right cooler for your date.
Table Linens
Just because you’re dining in the open doesn’t mean you can’t dine in style, and now it’s time to start turning your patch of grass into a date setting with plenty of colourful table linens.
Add a touch of whimsy with a set of 4 folded napkins – bonus points if they match your colour scheme or the pattern of your picnic blanket! Choose 100% cotton for that extra special touch, and let your tablescaping instincts take over with elegantly folded napkins draped on plates or even tucked into napkin rings.
Finish up with a small pack of paper napkins stored away in the cooler, since spills do happen, and irritating insects are certainly not invited to the picnic!
Tumblers
There should be no compromises made in pursuit of the perfect picnic date, save one: glassware.
Avoid the hassle of having to pick up any smashed glass on a sandy beach or a grassy viewpoint with shatter-resistant tumblers. These plastic glasses are designed for outdoor use and come in a range of different colours and styles – even goblets – so stock up on 2 tumblers for water and 2 goblets for any alcohol or sparkling drinks.
Pair with a water jug to decant your bottles upon arrival and plenty of ice cubes, kept cool in one of the many insulated compartments of your carryall.
A Bottle Opener
No picnic is complete without a bottle opener!
Don’t get caught without one on your date. Stock up well ahead of time on a bottle opener and corkscrew, and pick out a bottle of something truly special to bring with you. Or, if you’re feeling extra prepared, why not invest in a wine accessories kit? These portable kits include openers, aerators, pourers, and even vacuum stoppers, to help you serve and store your wine whilst away from home.
Don’t forget to bring any batteries if your opener is an electric one, and store any leftover wine safely inside the cooler to prevent any spills on the way home!
Shop The Picnic Essentials Online
Picnics prove that dates don’t need to have a big budget and a packed itinerary to create lasting memories. All you need is good food, good weather, a good view, and of course the most important ingredient at any picnic: the person you’re with.
Now that you know what to pack for a picnic date it’s time to switch off, have fun, and connect under the summer sun with Roxtons’ full Goodies For Foodies range.