One of the best parts of the warm, summer weather is venturing into nature with a picnic packed to the brim with delicious eats to enjoy some quality outdoor dining. While a fancy dinner is a grand gesture, there is something intimately romantic and charming about a beach picnic with your special someone.
*This is a collaborative post
But before you head to the beachside, it is important to properly prepare your menu, food storage, and added extras, like picnic mats and accessories, to guarantee a relaxed and comfortable adventure to build lasting memories.
Table of Contents
Picking a Menu
No picnic is complete without an array of delicious foods to chow down on. The perfect picnic food follows two key rules: it can be served and enjoyed at room temperature, and it can be eaten with your hands. Dishes that can be easily portioned and made ahead are popular for a reason, taking the stress out of preparation and giving you and your date the option of a second helping.
While this doesn’t mean you can’t include items that need to stay chilled or that utensils are strictly forbidden, simplicity is key when planning a menu. There are plenty of fantastic, tasty, and sophisticated recipes that fit these key features, alleviating any concerns you may have about the taste and temperature of your chosen treats.
Packing Your Hamper
When packing your picnic hamper, choose your equipment carefully. Nothing will spoil your date quicker than a leaky cool box, broken glasses, or missing utensils. Ensure that all your food containers are stored the right way up and shut tight to prevent any leakages. Anything that may be particularly pungent or more likely to leak should be wrapped in a small plastic bag or a zip-lock bag.
Regardless of the weather outside, but more importantly on hot summer days, a cool box and ice packs should be non-negotiable. They will keep drinks chilled and ensure food stays at a safe temperature. If you would like to avoid the hassle of broken glasses, stick to reusable plastic cups or bottles. However, if you plan to bring wine glasses, a small, lightweight tray to put glasses down when pouring or between sips will not go unused. If alcoholic drinks are on the menu, don’t forget the bottle opener.
Food Safety Tips
There is absolutely no need to risk a funny tummy from spoiled food if you properly plan and pack your picnic food. Cool boxes and ice packs will not only keep your beverages sufficiently chilled but also ensure that refrigerated items stay at a safe, cool temperature. Dishes containing meat, fish, fresh produce, and dairy products should be stored in these areas.
Once you have arrived, resist the urge to lay everything out in an impressive spread. It may not look as spectacular, but keeping food on ice for as long as possible will significantly reduce the risk of spoiling, especially on hot days with plenty of sunshine.
For added convenience, dishes like quiches and cakes should be cut into wedges beforehand and served directly from the cool box. Finally, include antibacterial wipes or gel for cleaning your hands before eating.
Include the Essentials
Outside of the obvious essentials you will need for your picnic, like utensils, plates, and cups, don’t forget to pack a comfortable picnic blanket, small pillows to sit or lie on, and a handheld umbrella should the weather take an unexpected turn.
Additionally, you will likely benefit from including hand wipes, hand sanitizer, bug spray, high-SPF sunscreen, and perhaps a small portable speaker for light background music. If you would prefer to avoid finding beach sand in your car for the next 3-6 months, pop a large bottle of tap water in your car for rinsing your feet, picnic basket, or cool box as needed. While these items are not strictly necessary, they will make your entire date a lot more comfortable and relaxed.
Storage Tips
What you pack for your picnic is primarily influenced by what you like to eat. You may be limited by dietary restrictions, allergies, or the availability of produce. But some foods and dishes stand up better to outdoor eating than others, while some dishes simply need to be stored in specific ways.
If you want to make fresh salads and sandwiches, keep ingredients like dressings, fillings, and optional extras in separate containers to avoid them getting soggy and unpleasant. Chill these components as needed and only combine them once you are ready to eat. Additionally, only add items like goat’s cheese or feta to salads and pre-cut fruits and whipped cream to desserts just before serving.
Enjoy Your Time
Once the special day arrives, pack up your goodies and head to your chosen picnic destination. Snap a few cute photos together, but try to keep your smartphone tucked away as much as possible to enjoy each other’s company to the max.
If you are celebrating a particularly special occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary, or engagement, it may be worth hiring a photographer to capture a few professional images, preserving your memories for years to come.
