A Romantic Picnic Buying Guide
Planning a picnic  may be the perfect way to impress your partner in a budding new relationship or a wonderful reminder of how much you still love him or her after all these years. But whatever the reason, picnics require more than romance to get them just right--it's about the best location, the perfect gear and all that delicious food. So before you get too carried away with the mushy stuff, think about what it will take to pull your picnic off without a hitch.
Where and When You Eat
The perfect picnic starts with a romantic location, so choose wisely. It's probably best to stick to the familiar--your favourite park, a quiet rooftop patio, or your own backyard--in order to ensure that nothing unexpected happens. Although you may be dying to check out that riverside orchard or that untouched meadow off the beaten path, you never know what you may find lurking there--from bugs to pesky interruptions from passers-by.
if you still insist on surprising your loved one with a brand-new, breathtaking locale, try to stake it out first. Visit the place during the time of day (and day of the week, for that matter) that you plan on having the picnic to see what it's like. Take notes to remind you if you'll need extra bug spray or an umbrella for shade. And don't be discouraged if you have to nix the place altogether. After all, making it special may require a bit of hard work!
A beautiful sunrise, sunset or full moon can really add that extra oomph to your picnic spot, so remember to consider the time of day when planning your romantic meal. This may also dictate some of the gear you need.
For evening or night: - Tea light candles can be concealed in coloured glass tumblers for romantic ambience. And for added practicality, make them citronella.
- Fairy Lights can be hung in the trees for a whimsical feel and some extra light.
- Extra blankets are great for chilly weather, not to mention for snuggling under.
- Tiki torches work well for lighting on the beach.
For daytime: - Bring games and toys. From frisbees, to kites and cards, there's nothing wrong with keeping the mood playful.
- Sunscreen is essential for those extra hot spots.
- Umbrellas or home-made canopies are great ways to create some cool shade.
- Extra sunglasses are never a bad idea if your picnic location is extra bright.
For any time: - A blanket big enough for two, of course!
- Bring a radio or plug your iPod into some speakers to create a romantic soundtrack.
- Don't let anything bug you--bring insect repellent along.
- Fresh flowers are a thoughtful touch if you're in a more urban setting.
- Pillows for extra comfort.
- A first aid kit for unexpected cuts or bumps (don't play too rough, now!)
- Breathmints so no matter what you eat, your kisses are still sweet!
And don't worry, we didn't forget about all the food and its accessories. So keep reading to find out what to eat and how to eat it!
What You Eat
While the food that you and your honey munch on is ultimately a matter of taste, there are some useful tips for keeping things easy and clean, as well as some traditional chow-down ideas that never disappoint.
Remember: - Try to bring foods that won't spoil easily.
- Stay away from messy creams and sauces that are often difficult to pack up and even harder to clean off of your romantic date outfit.
- You can never go wrong with simple, light foods that are easy to hold and and feed to one another.
Try: - A wine and cheese basket. Not only do these come made up with all the necessary accessories, but it will keep you from feeling uncomfortably full.
- Chips, crackers and pita are great snacks that are easy to pack.
- Fruit and chocolate for dessert make for a deliciously sweet combination.
- A fresh baked baguette with brie and grapes makes for a tasty ode to France.
- Tomato basil bruschetta can be a Mediterranean delight.
- If you're not much of a cook, head to the grocer for some French bread, cheese, rotisserie chicken and a bottle of wine.
- If you're short on time, call your favourite restaurant and order some tasty dishes to go.
- Don't forget the champagne, soda, sparkling water, wine or any other drink of choice.
How You Eat It
You may end up needing a lot of little accessories to make actually eating your packed food possible. Check out some of these picnic essentials:
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