Nothing is more romantic than an intimate picnic after your elopement! With the right food, location and setup, you can create a dreamy atmosphere to enjoy with your loved ones. Not sure where to start? Here’s five tips to throw the perfect picnic!

Pick a Spot with Plenty of Room to Enjoy

Look for somewhere that offers scenic views, a grassy area to lounge and maybe some natural shade (especially during the summer time!). While the ideal spot would be somewhere completely private, you can also create your own little corner under a tree or along the water. Here’s a few popular spots to picnic in the Tampa Bay area: Curtis Hixon Park, University of Tampa (common grounds along the riverfront), Honeymoon Island State Park, Vinoy Park, North Straub Park and Fort De Soto Park.

Pack all the Essentials

While we love wicker picnic baskets, sometimes they aren’t the most practical option. Try bringing along an insulated tote bag to carry anything that needs to stay chilled for your meal. Here’s a quick list of some must-have items for your picnic:

• Picnic Blanket
• Plates, Cups and Utensils (don’t forget a bottle opener/corkscrew if needed!)
• Comfy throw pillows to sit on
• A serving board to chop, slice or place any food items you’ll be snacking on (it’s great to have one as a mini grazing board)
• Small speaker for some music
• Trash bags, paper towels and napkins
• All the food! 

Get Creative with Your Recipes

Skip the boring peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and try out something different! You can never go wrong with a yummy cheese and charcuterie board, fresh fruit and a pasta salad. Here’s a few fun recipes to try out if you’re looking for some inspo:

• Creamy Southwest Pasta Salad Recipe
• Texas Style Potato Salad
• Tomato and Balsamic Bruschetta
• Rainbow Tortilla Pinwheels
• Lemon Cream Crumble Bars
• Watermelon Skewers with Prosciutto 

Transport Food Properly

Make sure to plan accordingly for the foods that you’re bringing along on your adventure. A small cooler or insulated tote is recommended for cool items, or try some reusable bags for larger items. If you’re short on tupperware, consider using serving platters and mason jars for sides or dessert.

Make Sure to Cleanup After

When all is said and done, be sure to pick up after yourselves. Bringing a garbage bag can make cleaning up super quick and easy. Throw all of your plastic containers and serveware into your reusable bags or basket to clean once back home. If you brought any glass bottles to your picnic, be sure to handle them with care to avoid any mess with broken glass. And of course, enjoy your picnic together!