I can’t believe Kyle and I have already been living in Columbia for a whole year—it still feels so new. For such a small town, it’s filled with charming hidden gems, and one of my favorite discoveries so far has been Shelter Gardens, a peaceful five-acre botanical garden that feels like a true outdoor oasis. Wanting to surprise Kyle and give him a much-needed break from work, I decided to plan a special afternoon just for the two of us. With a basket full of treats and two bottles of my favorite AVA Grace wine in tow, I pulled together a romantic summer picnic to enjoy together. If you’re looking for thoughtful ways to surprise someone special, you’ll love these romantic picnic ideas!

Considering the fact that I had never planned a surprise picnic before, it turned out even better than I could’ve imagined. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful setting, and I’m so thankful that Catherine Rhodes was there to capture every moment. Keep reading for a handful of romantic picnic ideas for him, plus a handy checklist of what to bring on a picnic date!

What to Pack: A Special Bottle of Wine (Or Two)

First and foremost, the art of the perfect picnic date centers around wine. Cheese and fruit were on our menu, so I wanted something crisp and light. I grabbed a bottle of AVA Grace Sauvignon Blanc and AVA Grace Chardonnay. For outdoor entertaining in the spring and summer, these two are hard to beat. The citrusy taste is so refreshing– it’s almost impossible to not feel happy and serene while you’re sipping it. Plus, I love how beautiful the bottles are. It just feels like they’re made for making memories. 

Side Note: If you are packing wine, don’t pack it in your picnic basket. It’s too heavy. Use a distressed wooden crate to carry the wine bottles and glasses, and use your picnic blanket as buffer to make sure nothing breaks. Not only does this free up space in your picnic basket, it also serves as a makeshift table for holding food, wine, or flowers. 

Also, try to find a picnic basket with plates and cutlery included like this one. When mulling over what to take on a picnic date, a good picnic set covers pretty much all the logistical components. 

What to Pack: His Favorite Finger Foods

Once you’ve got your wine picked out, what to bring on a picnic date depends on your personal taste. As long as it’s easy to eat, you can pack sandwiches, takeout, or opt for something more simple, like fresh fruits and veggies. Kyle loves cheese (don’t we all?), so I wanted to put together an awesome cheese board with some fresh fruit to give him our version of the perfect picnic date.

When it comes to a crowd-pleasing cheese plate, I’ve literally bookmarked the “Anatomy of a Cheese Plate” chapter in Kate Spade’s All in Good Taste. I guess you could say I’ve learned from the best. Here’s everything you need to make the perfect cheese board:

• Soft and creamy cheese (like a brie or camembert)
• Firm cheese (like a cheddar or gouda)
• Hard cheese (like a parmigiano-reggiano)
• Cheese knives (one for each cheese)
• Plain bread (baguette or sourdough) and/or neutral crackers 
• Savory sides (like olives, prosciutto, salami, cornichons, almonds, and/or tomato and caramelized onion jam or fig chutney)
• Sweet treats (like fig or raspberry jam, walnuts, honey or maple syrup, grapes, and/or dried or fresh fruit)

It gets hot this time of year, so fresh fruit is always a nice (and healthy) snacking option, too. 

What to Pack: Mood Setters

Setting the right scene is key when it comes to planning a memorable date, and these romantic picnic ideas can help you create the perfect atmosphere! Start by choosing a peaceful spot, like a secluded park or a quiet garden, where you won’t be interrupted by crowds, kids, or pets. To elevate the mood, pack a fresh bouquet of flowers—easily carried in a wooden crate for that extra touch of charm. Don’t forget practical essentials like bug spray, a speaker for soft background music, and plenty of napkins or paper towels for easy cleanup. If you’re bringing champagne, be sure to pack an ice bucket to keep it perfectly chilled throughout your romantic picnic.

What to Pack: One Final Checklist

Planning for the perfect picnic date should be fun, not stressful. I say that because I was very stressed while planning ours. To help y’all ensure you’ve nailed what to bring on a picnic date, here’s a summary checklist:

• Picnic Basket (including plates and cutlery like this one)
• Picnic Blanket (that’s spacious and comfy like this one)
• Good Wine (AVA Grace Sauvignon Blanc and AVA Grace Chardonnay are two of my favorites!)
• Wine Glasses
• Wooden Crate (like this one for safely carrying glass)
• Easy Finger Foods (like cheese, fruit, sandwiches, or takeout)
• Fresh Flowers
• Bug Spray
• Napkins or Paper Towels
• Something to Play Music (like a phone or small speaker)

I’m a lucky girl, and it’s moments like these that make Columbia feel like home. What does your perfect picnic date look like? 

Today’s post is sponsored by AVA Grace Vineyards. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make Diary of a Debutante possible!