| When couples think of a special romantic dinner more | | | | their bathroom, and stayed out of sight while we |
| likely they think of a costly affair at an upscale | | | | were there. The advantage was, I could set up my |
| restaurant than a picnic dinner. Choose a night, make | | | | table ahead of time. Still, you can ask your partner to |
| reservations and hope your table is not near the | | | | wait in the car while you set up the table and chairs |
| kitchen, the bathrooms or next to an obnoxiously | | | | in a open to the public spot. |
| loud group who thinks everybody is interested in | | | | If this is a surprise, heighten the drama by asking |
| what they have to say. | | | | your partner to wear a blindfold while you set the |
| But couples do not have to plan to the extend a | | | | scene, then lead him or her to the picnic spot. |
| bride does for an outdoor wedding reception which | | | | Now for the food. Keep it simple, easy to eat yet |
| is, in the literal sense, a picnic, to have an elegant, | | | | something a step above everyday fare. |
| yet inexpensive, romantic picnic dinner. | | | | - Start with crackers (something besides soda |
| The first thing is getting something to carry the | | | | crackers) and a couple of spreads such as wine |
| dinner service, tablecloth, napkins and glasses. You | | | | cheese, pate, vegetable or something else that |
| probably have containers around the house that | | | | catches your eye. |
| would work, or, you could make a one time | | | | - Quiche is good as a main course because it is not |
| expenditure for a romantic picnic basket that contains | | | | an everyday food yet can be eaten at room |
| all the above listed items. | | | | temperature. You can buy it in the frozen food |
| Unlike a dinner at an upscale restaurant, a good picnic | | | | section, bake it and cut it up before packing as many |
| basket is reusable for a lifetime, not just a one time | | | | pieces as needed. Or buy individual portions. |
| event. In any case, it is important to have an | | | | - Small fruit, such as grapes or larger fruit cut into |
| insulated container for food safety which is a part of | | | | bite size pieces. |
| good picnic baskets. | | | | - For dessert: cheesecake with whipped cream. For |
| Besides food, the only other items needed for your | | | | ease, use the real whip cream in a can. Use a |
| upscale romantic picnic is a small folding table and two | | | | squeeze bottle of chocolate to swirl on the plate and |
| folding chairs. | | | | put strawberries next to the cheesecake. The idea is |
| Your picnic can be at a park, a wayside by the river, | | | | to dip the strawberries into the chocolate and feed |
| or a spot in a lovely yard. When living in an | | | | them to your partner. |
| apartment I asked friends if I could use a corner of | | | | - Beverages: Wine (non-alcoholic if preferred) with |
| their beautiful yard for a picnic with my boyfriend | | | | dinner and coffee with dessert. |
| (who later became my husband). | | | | Dress as you would for any special romantic outing |
| They were very gracious, even said we could use | | | | and enjoy your private exclusive table. |