How to Pack for an Evening in the Park
- 1
Use or purchase an elegant or romantic picnic basket. Usually they are made out of wicker or other wood, with large handles and a deep bottom. There are many different types of picnic baskets now. A good one is a large suitcase style basket, that is opened to a whole array of dishes, salt and pepper, and silverware on the top, and a deep base to store food, wine and glasses. Stock the basket with an extra soft blanket or shawls, and match the color to some linen napkins, tablecloth and three votive candles you can place in pretty containers around your area. Tiki torches work well, and can also keep bugs away. - 2
Pack a meal tight, because the tighter it is packed, the cooler it stays. Since you are aiming for a more elegant meal, deal with packing foods that come with sauces and may be messy to give it a more romantic feeling. Plastic Ziploc bags and tinfoil are good storage options. Pack sandwiches in butcher or parchment paper so they don't become soggy, and place gourmet sandwiches on harder, thicker bread to prevent sogginess as well. Chic menu items include minis sandwiches (with fillings such as goat cheese and watercress, or ham with sharp cheddar melted), crackers with smoked salmon and cream cheese already applied, fresh strawberries with chocolate dipping sauce, mini wraps, mini s'mores, fresh fruit, swordfish and pepper skewers, tomatoes and heirloom mozzarella salad, and many more. - 3
Pack desired beverages in a separate cooler such as sparkling water, juices, Champagne, beer or wine. You can bring a separate bottle holder to keep out on the blanket if you are serving something that must stay chilled, such as Champagne, white wine or sparkling water. Another good investment is a shoulder beverage bag that carries a couple beverages or a bottle of wine, as well as glasses and a wine/bottle opener. - 4). Find dishware that is elegant whether it is paper, plastic or china. Pick nature-style patterns since you will be outside. Find mini-wine glasses (many picnic baskets already come equipped) that are not easily breakable. Bring metal or plastic silverware, depending upon what you desire.
- 5). Bring a little flashlight so once it gets darker you can pack up your set-up easily. It's also good for spotting trash in the grass that you may have missed from breezes or scattering.
