Hi there, lovely readers! Get ready to fall in love with Valentine’s Day all over again!

Looking for something to make Valentine’s Day 2023 special? Why not take them on a romantic picnic filled with love, yummy treats and memories to cherish forever?

Whether you love adventure and the great outdoors or prefer a cosy indoor setting, we’ve got the perfect picnic ideas for couples.

Let’s get planning your romantic picnic and make this Valentine’s Day extra unique and unforgettable.

What to Bring to a Valentine’s Day Picnic

To ensure your picnic goes off without a hitch, we have a list of must-have essentials and food recommendations to make your day (or night) of love and romance unforgettable.

Essential items for a picnic

1. Picnic Basket or Cool Bag Rucksack
2. Tablecloth or Picnic Blanket
3. Picnic Plates, Cups/Wine Glasses, Utensils like Cheese Board/ Bottle Opener/ Salt & Pepper/ Napkins (this picnic wear can often come in a Picnic Backpack or Picnic Hamper)

Recommendations for Picnic Food Ideas

1. Finger foods that are easy to eat
2. Sweet treats for dessert
3. Non-alcoholic drinks or champagne!

To ensure your picnic basket or cool box is well-stocked with plenty of yummy treats, read on for some picnic food ideas. A rumbling tummy is not what you want when trying to get all loved up! So don’t forget the essentials for a perfect picnic.

Tips on Creating a Romantic Picnic

Creating the right Atmosphere and Surroundings

1. Find a Beautiful or Meaningful Location: Your picnic location can make or break your picnic. Look for a scenic spot with a nice view, whether by a lake, in a park, or even in your back garden. Why not take your Valentine back to where you had your first date or perhaps proposed?
2. Add Some Mood Lighting: Candles or lanterns can create a warm, romantic feeling and set the mood for your picnic. Make sure to bring enough candles or lanterns to light up the area, but be mindful of fire safety.
3. Soft Music: Make a playlist (the modern mix tape) of your special tunes to play on a portable speaker. Music is excellent for creating a romantic atmosphere, triggering special memories, or even getting you in the mood to dance!

Add Those Personal Touches

1. Special Menu Items: Add a personal touch to your picnic by preparing a special menu for your Valentine. This could be a favourite dish or something you’ve never tried before. (see below for two beautiful romantic picnic menus, including a vegan valentines picnic menu)
2. Handmade Decorations: Decorate your picnic blanket with handmade decorations, like a homemade tablecloth, a wreath of flowers or a garland. This will make your picnic feel unique and special.
3. Love Notes or Gifts: Leave love notes or small gifts for your special someone throughout the picnic, whether in their food or the area surrounding the picnic rug. This is a great way to show affection and make the picnic special.

Menu Idea for the perfect Valentines’ Picnic:

Starters:

• Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil (1)
• Charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruit

Main Course:

• Grilled chicken sandwiches with avocado and bacon
• Quiche with herbs and cheese
• Homemade Cornish pasties (2)

Dessert:

• Fresh fruit salad with a drizzle of honey
• Dark chocolate truffles
• Strawberry shortcake with homemade whipped cream

Romantic Vegan Picnic:

Starters:

• Roasted garlic hummus with veggies and crackers
• Grilled portobello mushroom caps with balsamic glaze
• Sweet potato and black bean tacos with salsa

Main Course:

• Grilled vegetable paninis with pesto and mozzarella cheese substitute (3)
• Lentil salad with a lemon-tahini dressing
• Chickpea and avocado sandwiches with sprouts and mustard

Dessert:

• Vegan chocolate chip cookies (4)
• Fresh fruit skewers with a drizzle of dark chocolate
• Vegan fruit sorbet with mixed berries.

Here are a few more great picnic food ideas for a couples picnic:

Sweet Treats:

Strawberry and Champagne Sorbet: Blend strawberries and champagne in a blender and freeze for a delicious and romantic dessert. Serve in individual glasses or bowls.

Sweetheart Brownies: Bake them in heart-shaped pans and decorate them with frosting and sprinkles. These sweet treats are sure to impress your sweetheart!

Savoury Ideas:

Caprese Skewers: Alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil on skewers and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon: Wrap melon slices with prosciutto and serve as an appetizer or light snack.

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts: Stuff boneless chicken breasts with a mixture of spinach and feta cheese. Season and bake until cooked through. Serve warm.

Here are five drink ideas for a romantic picnic

Sparkling Fruit Punch: Mix fresh fruit juice with sparkling water, a touch of honey and a splash of lemon juice for a sweet and refreshing drink.

Sweet Iced Tea: Brew a pitcher of tea with your favourite tea bags, sweeten it with sugar or honey and refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice with fresh mint leaves or sliced fruit.

Rose Sangria: Mix red wine with brandy, orange juice, sliced fruit, and a splash of triple sec for a romantic take on a classic sangria.

Strawberry Lemonade: Blend fresh strawberries and lemon juice with sugar, water and a pinch of salt for a sweet and tangy non-alcoholic drink.

Hot Cocoa with a Twist: Warm up with classic hot cocoa, but add a touch of spice with cinnamon or nutmeg or a splash of flavour with peppermint or vanilla extract.

Indoor Romantic Picnic Ideas

What is an Indoor Picnic?

An indoor picnic is a picnic that takes place inside a building rather than outside. This can be a great option if the weather is not ideal or if you’re looking for a different type of picnic experience.

Recommendations for Indoor Picnic Locations

1. At home – Have a cosy picnic in the comfort of your own home. You can spread a blanket on the living room floor and enjoy a romantic meal together you can even break out the picnic basket!
2. At a park shelter – If the weather outside isn’t great, you can still have a picnic in a park shelter. Look for one that has plenty of natural light and a cosy atmosphere.
3. At a rental space – Rent a private space, like an Airbnb or a hotel room, and create a romantic indoor picnic atmosphere. Set up a table and chairs, light candles, and enjoy an exceptional meal together.
4. In a museum, castle or art gallery – Have a cultural picnic in a museum or art gallery. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a romantic lunch while admiring the art and exhibits.
5. In a botanical garden – Visit a botanical garden and have a romantic picnic amongst the flowers and plants. This is an excellent option for those who love nature and the beauty of botanical gardens.

Remember, setting the mood with lighting, music, and special touches is the key to creating a romantic indoor picnic. The more personal and thoughtful you can make your indoor picnic, the more special and memorable it will be for you and your loved one.

We hope this guide to creating the perfect romantic picnic for valentines day will inspire you.

From finding a beautiful or meaningful location to adding personal touches like special menu items, handmade decorations, and love notes or gifts, there are many ways to make your picnic unique and special. To recap, here are our final thoughts and recommendations:

Make sure to find a location with special meaning or a scenic view, and set the mood with romantic lighting such as candles or lanterns and soft music.

Personalise your picnic by creating a special menu, using handmade decorations, and leaving love notes or small gifts.

And make sure to have lots of yummy food to share and nibble on together. Music is the food of love – but let’s be honest, FOOD IS MY LOVE FOOD, and that’s the same for most women!

FAQS

What is St Valentine’s Day?

St. Valentine’s Day is a saints festival celebrated on the 14th of February. It all started as a way to honour Saint Valentine, a martyr from the third century.

Over the years, Valentine’s day has evolved into a celebration of love and affection shared between sweethearts, besties, and family.

Nowadays, folks around the world exchange Valentine’s cards, gifts, flowers, and sweet nothings to show their love and appreciation for one another.

What to bring to a Picnic on Valentine’s Day?

A cosy picnic blanket
Plenty of cushions
A wicker picnic basket filled with yummy treats
Candles or lanterns
Soft music on a portable speaker
Handmade decorations
Love notes or small gifts

What makes a Romantic Picnic?

A beautiful and meaningful location
Mood lighting
Soft music
Personal touches like special menu items and handmade decorations
Love notes or gifts to show affection

Fun Facts about Valentine’s Day

Surprising Trivia and Fun Facts about St Valentine’s Day:

Did you know that the first recorded Valentine’s Day love letter was sent in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London?

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is also known as a day when women give chocolates to men. In addition, a special kind of chocolate called ‘giri choco’ is given to colleagues and acquaintances.

In ancient Rome, the holiday Lupercalia was celebrated on the 15th of February and is believed to have influenced the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.

The world’s largest chocolate manufacturer, Barry Callebaut, produces approximately 150 million chocolate hearts for Valentine’s Day each year!

References:

(1) – Bruschetta Recipe – BBC FOODS

(2) – Homemade Cornish Pastie – THESPRUCEEATS

(3) – Vegetable Panini – THEGRAZINGGARDENER

(4) – Vegan Choco Cookies – CHOCOLATECOVEREDKATIE

Of course I love to take the hard work out of buying UK Picnic Sets for you with my honest reviews. So here are 5 of my top VonShef Picnic Sets to get out and about with in 2023 and beyond.

VonShef Ash 4 Person Picnic Backpack

The VonShef Ash 4 Person Picnic Backpack Bag is a very stylish, compact and lightweight Picnic Backpack Set. This is comfy to wear and perfect for hiking out for lunch or a beach picnic.

It comes with waterproof blanket (L115 X W135cm). It also contains a 29 piece BPA free dining set which includes salt and pepper shakers, a large plastic chopping board and a corkscrew with bottle opener.

The picnic rucksack is made of premium woven grey finish & leather-style detailing. An aluminium foil-lined insulated cooler compartment keeps food chilled for longer. There are extra side pockets from wine bottles and more.

Manufacturer two year warranty included.

The backpack measures L32 X W21 X H42cm.

VonShef Ash 6 Person Picnic Holdall Bag

The VonShef Ash 6 Person Picnic Holdall Bag is perfect for a larger family picnic or social gathering. It’s hard to find lightweight picnic sets for six people but this one is my number one for ease of carrying.

The VonShef Ashe Six Person Holdall Picnic Set contains a 41 piece BPA free dining set. This includes washable napkins, a serrated butter/cheese knife, salt and pepper shakers, a large plastic chopping board and a corkscrew with bottle opener.

The VonShef picnic holdall is made from hard wearing yet soft touch polyester in a luxurious flannel effect soft grey. Chrome and leather-style detailing give the holdall a great look. A large aluminium foil-lined insulated cooler compartment keeps food chilled for longer. Its waterproof lining stops moisture and liquid leaking from the picnic set. There are extra side pockets from wine bottles and more.

There is no picnic blanket in this picnic holdall set but plenty of room to add one. For a luxury picnic rug I recommend the XL Waterproof 100% Wool Travel Rug, made in UK for Bushga. For a hard wearing large picnic blanket try the Femor Large Picnic Blanket (waterproof). Or for light weight but waterproof picnic blanket get the pocket sized Matador Pocket Blanket.

Manufacturer two year warranty included.

The backpack measures L53 X W25 X H33cm.

VonShef 4 Person Roll Top Picnic Backpack

The VonShef Ash 4 Person Roll Top Picnic Rucksack is their newest Picnic Cooler Backpack Set. Taking on the American love of roll top, waterproof, floating backpacks for heavy outdoor use this is the perfect picnic set for hikers and campers.

This roll top picnic backpack is made of premium woven grey finish & black web strapping detail. It uses aluminium foil insulation technology to keep food / drinks chilled.

The picnic set is in a handy, removable carry case. You get the basics in this set – 4 x stainless steel cutlery sets and 4 melamine dinner plates. So we would advise you add in reusable water bottles for drinks.

The aluminium lining and picnic set are removable so this can into a day-to-day backpack. Its the only one on the market we could find that dual purpose.

Again this Roll Top Insulated Picnic Cooler Rucksack doesn’t come with a blanket.. If you want a traditional Picnic Blanket I recommend the REDCAMP Picnic Blanket, 195x200cm. If it has to be a waterproof Picnic Blanket then the VonShef Picnic Blanket with Waterproof Lining/ Faux Leather Carrier Handle 147 x 180cm. Or my personal favourite because its pocket sized and lightweight is the Matador Pocket Blanket.

Manufacturer two year warranty included.

The backpack measures L36 x W13 x H60cm and the Picnic Set carry case D25 x H5cm. Total weight: 830g.

VonShef 4 Person Picnic Baskets Wicker Picnic Basket Set

If you want a traditional picnic basket that draws attention (and admiring comments!) then the VonShef Two-Tone Picnic basket for 4 or 2 persons is for you.

The basket has a stylish blue fabric interior and a contrast tan faux-leather trim. There are straps and pockets for securing the contents, and plenty of room inside for those bits and pieces you want to add – the basket measures (approx) L39 X W27 X H18cm.

In your VonShef Picnic Basket for Four you get:

• Cotton napkins x 4
• Stainless steel cutlery sets (forks, knives and spoons) x 4
• Ceramic dinner plates x 4
• Plastic wine glasses x 4
• Salt and pepper shaker set
• One bottle opener
• A matching picnic blanket with waterproof backing picnic blanket

The blanket is in a beige herringbone fabric with a black waterproof living (PEVA) – it’s quite small at 135 by 115 cm so I’d advise to bring a supplementary picnic blanket if you’re going out as a family!

VonShef Large Picnic Backpack – 4 Person Picnic Set

This VonShef Picnic Rucksack is UNDENIABLY STYLISH. The khaki canvas and brown distressed faux leather backpack is built for the adventurer in all of us!

Made from quality canvas, it’s soft to touch yet remains hard-wearing to withstand the outdoors. Backed with a waterproof coating, no moisture or liquid can penetrate into – or out of – the bag. Padded & Adjustable Shoulder Straps mean you can carry it comfortably. Or use the top carry handle to take along with you by hand.

You can remove the cooler bag, side bottle holders, picnic blanket, cutlery wrap and all additional accessories to double the useable capacity. Hubby thought it was great as an overnight bag for clothes and toiletries!

It comes with four-person picnic set including stainless steel cutlery, plates and glasses. A wine bottle opener and salt and pepper holders are included. Also, removable wine and bottle holders complete the full-service, heavy-duty VonShef picnic rucksack.

It also has a hand-waterproof picnic blanket that secures the bag.

Manufacturer 2-Year Warranty Included

The backpack measures L41.8 x H33.6 x W24.4 cm, and the Blanket is L115 X W135cm—total weight: 3.5 Kg.

Do you have a favourite Best VonShef Picnic Set to recommend? Please share it in the comments box below.