This picturesque evening may sound simple to set up, but there are many pitfalls that could trip you up along the way of planning this romantic picnic. 1.1k. Any blanket will do, as well as an old comforter, tablecloth, or even flatbed sheet in a pinch. Find out how to pack the perfect family picnic,from kid-friendly picnic foods and snacks to yummy drinks as well as tips for keeping food fresh. You'll need a large picnic blanket - choose something soft in colors you love. Champagne, or another sparkling wine, is essential to every romantic date. Keep Your Cool: How to Keep Your Food Cold This way, you will avoid soggy bread, and you'll only need to chill the perishable ingredients instead of the entire sandwich. Pack things carefully to avoid breakage. Likewise, if you bring hot food to your picnic, use a thermos to keep it at a safe temperature of above 140 F. Any food held between 40 F and 140 F is in the danger zone where bacteria can flourish and lead to food poisoning. For the Cherry Tomato and Ricotta Tart recipe, click here. Here’s my full list of what to bring on a picnic! Pack the Most Romantic Picnic Food. Make sure you can recreate this scene by transporting as much as you can in your old-school, woven picnic basket. You may want to be intimate with your date, but that doesn’t mean being forced to squeeze up uncomfortably tight just so that you can both fit on the picnic blanket. Pack food that you can share such as strawberries. Add napkins to match and, for a romantic touch, a vase or pitcher full of fresh wildflowers. The picnic is one of the annual joys of warm-weather (and sometimes cool-weather) eating, and our guide to packing the best picnic ever will ensure you have a perfect time, wherever you are—even if the logistics are a little different this year.June 18 is National Picnic Day, but the season of outdoor eating is just getting started. Caprese salad is incredibly simple to prepare, but is also one of the most elegant, and popular summer salads. Layer up a picnic baguette with salami, spinach, basil, pesto and mozzarella for a mouthwatering bite with or create a colourful veggie rainbow sandwich. For the Spicy Rosemary Roasted Nuts recipe, click here. 75 Picnic Food Ideas for Your Picnic Basket | Taste of Home Always throw a trash bag or two in your bag for easy clean up when the picnic's over. Additional Items You Might Want to Bring. Whichever style you choose and whatever you call it, you need something to transport the food, the drinks, and the place settings. Bringing anything pungent to your picnic date is going to kill the mood instantly. If you’re younger or need to drive, you should pick the non-alcoholic alternatives. What is a picnic without foods and beverages? Whether you go all out and pack cotton or linen napkins or simply opt for paper ones, anything is better than nothing. Salty, spicy, herb-coated nuts are the perfect accompaniment to that chilled sparkling wine that you’ll be sipping on as soon as you’ve laid out the picnic blanket. If your picnic food isn't perishable and you will be driving your car close to the picnic location, a traditional picnic hamper will be charming. Trash Bags. While picnic food is essential for a seamless afternoon, there are many other picnic items that you definitely won’t want to forget. Grab your water bottle, or pack something fun to sip on. For the Popcorn With Sriracha Butter and Parmesan recipe, click here. Champagne has long been known as one of the most romantic alcoholic beverages in our culture. Use your best storage boxes and jars, wrap everything up neatly, and don’t be tempted to just throw everything in your stained Tupperware. You can pack champagne, non-alcoholic champagne, or even seltzer water in flutes for a picnic. 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