The Romantic Power of a Picnic

Looking for a way to bring romance back to your relationship? Interested in finding an intimate activity to share with a new partner? Consider the good old-fashioned picnic! Whether it’s a bottle of wine with cheese and crackers under the stars or a daytime meal playing hooky from work, there’s something about sharing food outdoors that is truly special.

 

The most important ingredient in a flawless picnic outing is preparation. There’s nothing worse than getting to your destination with gorgeous baguette sandwiches and fresh strawberries in hand, and then realizing that you forgot the blanket. Not to say you couldn’t still have a good time, but recognize that planning ahead can produce a magical experience. You don’t have to go out and buy a hundred dollar picnic basket – all you need is some good sturdy cloth shopping bags and a checklist.

 

 

Picture you and your lover lying on a blanket, opening up the bag of goodies. What would you want to see? First of all, don’t forget the blanket. Make sure it’s big enough for both of you to lie down on head to toe. Next, throw in some cloth napkins or at least a roll of paper towel, and wet wipes if you have them. Sticky fingers can be sexy, but not on a picnic. Also grab a plastic bag or two for any trash you may accumulate. Easy clean up keeps you from having to trek across the park to the garbage can. The rest of your booty depends on your thematic food choice.

 

 

You know what I’m about to say. Cold fried chicken and potato salad! Of course this sounds easier than it is, so don’t curse me when you’re knuckles-deep in breadcrumbs with oil splattering your apron. Just head to your local deli or supermarket deli counter and don’t call it cheating! But if you are going old school, consider sweet peas and apple in your potato salad and fresh ground pepper in the breadcrumbs for your chicken. Best to bring a cooler packed with ice when mayonnaise is involved, so while you’re at it, throw some cold beer or sodas in as well. If apple pie is too messy, consider chocolate chip cookies for dessert instead.

 

 

Sandwiches are a huge picnic favorite because they’re easy to eat without making a mess, and they travel well. Go Continental with crusty Italian bread filled with sweet Capicola, hard goat cheese and arugula. Then break out the Tupperware in individual servings for a ripe tomato and basil salad. If you’re going to eat early in the day, drizzle the salads with olive oil and balsamic before you go, otherwise, pour the dressing into another small Tupperware container to dress the salad on the spot. A nice bottle of red washes down an Italian meal like nectar of the Gods, but if you’re not in the mood, consider a rubber-sealed pitcher of iced tea instead. Throw in a couple of plastic glasses and voila! Molto Bene. Traditional Italian biscotti are a wonderful and portable dessert. 

 

Consider the option of grabbing a pizza from your favorite pizzeria and carrying it to the park. This low-maintenance option works well in the city, and gives you the option of spontaneity, provided that you keep a blanket in your car for such moments. Or find a park with picnic tables instead. Just don’t forget the drinks and napkins!

 

 

I know what you’re thinking. I know how to have a conversation! But sometimes when couples get into a romantic situation like a lazy Sunday afternoon picnic, they get tongue-tied just when they’re supposed to be connecting. Or worse, they talk about work and the stress of the kids (who have been taken to Grandma’s), missing the whole point of relaxing together. 

 

If you end up with this problem, change the topic to your hopes and dreams instead, big and small. Ask your partner where in the world he would like to visit on your next vacation, and encourage him to imagine where you would go. Or tell her what you feel grateful for in your relationship, whether it’s honesty, passion or consideration – or all three. Keeping conversation on the positive side makes your picnic excursion much more special, and much more of a break from your regular lives.

 

Never underestimate the romantic power of a picnic. It gets you both away from your routine, your television, your usual distractions, and give you a chance to appreciate being with each other. And except for the cost of the food, it’s practically free!