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Picnic Date Ideas

Summer is underway; long days, the hum of people mowing their lawns, the scent of freshly cut grass and smoky barbecues, and the warm breeze and bright blue sky setting the scene for a season of sun-worshipping and al fresco dining. Picnic Season is here, and with bags of English charm, it is capturing the nation's hearts once again.

The picnic has curious connotations, conjuring up images of both other-worldly romance and the sticky summer holiday affairs of our youth. 19th century romance; lying gracefully on a picnic blanket with a parasol in a meadow, a Mr. Darcy type cutting a dashing figure as he emerges from a lake. Either that, or the somewhat frenzied picnics of our childhood, where windbreaks on the beach did little to keep the sand from our food; dubious egg mayonnaise sandwiches, salty crisps, warm pasta salads and pork pies.

However, the humble picnic has made a comeback and it is now a glorious gourmet affair, with outdoor eating being the romantic dinner du jour. Long gone are the days where romantic dining was considered to be exclusively an extravagant restaurant and a black-tie-caviar-and-champagne affair; now it is considered equally as elegant to eat in the intimacy of rambling rural idylls, beautiful beaches, or on magnificent mountainsides.

Most of our hotels offer romantic picnics, where every little luxurious detail will be taken of, but the beauty of the picnic is that you can do it however you like and anywhere you like, and you don't need to be on holiday to create your own romantic retreat. Here are a few tips for making your own romantic picnic, so you can soak up the summer sunshine in style:

1. Get an old-fashioned picnic basket

Yes, they may be practical, but a cool box just doesn't have the romantic charm of an old-fashioned picnic basket.

2. Sip on something sparkling

It wouldn't be a romantic picnic without something sparkly to drink, be it champagne, prosecco, or something else. Make it that little bit more special by adding something sweet. A peach purée will make a traditional Bellini, some elderflower cordial will give it a classic English twist, and blackberries and thyme add a sweet summer feel.

3. Choose a scenic location

Consider both how scenic and practical your picnic spot is. You want somewhere serene and secluded with lovely views, but think of parking and facilities so you don't need to traipse around.

4. Seasonal strawberries 

Strawberries are a picnic essential. Cream and sugar may be a summer standard, but warm cream is a no-no. Get creative with your Kilner-style jars – strawberry desserts will travel well, and they look gorgeous too. 

5. Plan a garden surprise

You don't always need to venture further afield to enjoy the romance of a picnic. Surprise your loved one with a picnic in the garden, and enjoy a spontaneous afternoon of fun in the sun.

6. Set the scene with night time lighting

When the weather holds out, there is a certain magic about dining as the sun goes down. Strings of fairy lights or the soft glow of candlelight will help to set the mood for romance.

7. Macarons

They are perfect picnic food – petite and easy to pack, and they look super pretty.

8. Pack a big blanket

However dry the grass may seem, take the softest most comfortable blanket you can lay your hands on.

9. Don a flowery dress

For some old-fashioned allure, don a classically whimsical floral summer dress (this lends itself terribly well to pretending you're in that 19th century romance with Mr. Darcy emerging from a lake).

10. Fun and frolics with an old-fashioned game

Take a game to play in the great outdoors, something gentle and a bit silly. Boules is a bit of a classic (and can be enjoyed with a Pimms in hand).

11. Sophisticated sandwiches

Sophistication can still be achieved with the simplicity of sandwiches – upgrade elegant classics, such as smoked salmon, cucumber and cream cheese, by getting creative with presentation.