Picnic For One: The Solo Date You Didn’t Know You Needed

Solo dates are the best way to treat yourself and show yourself some love. Gone are the days of waiting for others to be free when you want to go somewhere, or feeling lonely doing things by yourself. It’s time to realize that you are great company to have, so enjoy the alone time. There are a plethora of ideas for whatever your vibe may be. Today I’ll be sharing one of my favorite solo dates to go on, a picnic for one. 

Why We Need Solo Dates

Whether you are single, dating, engaged, or married, you can benefit from going on a solo date every so often. It’s a great self care activity when you need some me-time.

You can get something out of each solo date you go on. Whether it’s simply just a fun time, a time to reflect, or anything in-between. I’d like to think that a picnic covers all of those bases.

What You Need For The Perfect Picnic 

Before you set out to go on your solo picnic there is some planning that needs to happen. First up, you need to gather what you need to make the date a success.

Decor

While most decor isn’t a necessity for a picnic, there is one thing you’ll definitely want. That is a blanket to set up your picnic space. I like to pick something that matches the season or vibe that I’m going for, but any blanket will do.

Some other decor options to decorate your space a little more could be flowers, pillows, lights/candles, and even fun signs. Here are some ideas that I love

• Outdoor Picnic Blanket: This is a great option for a picnic any time of the year. There are multiple color options you can pick from as well.
• Beach Blanket: This blanket comes in a variety of fun patterns. Bring the best vibes when you get this picnic blanket for your next solo picnic.
• 16×16 Red Gingham Check Pillow Cover: Bring a bit of that classic picnic feel to your elevated solo picnic with this pillowcase. 
• Wooden Folding Portable Picnic Table: While a portable picnic table isn’t a must, it does add to the elevated vibes. I love that this particular one has a place to hold your wine glass. You could fill this table with so many tasty goodies.
• Mlambert Mason Jar Solar Lights: I think these lights would be perfect for a sunset picnic. They add a bit of that magical feel to the vibe.

Food for Your Picnic for One

The food that you have at your picnic is another important aspect of your picnic date. Are you going to keep it classic and light with some finger food and sandwiches, or go all out with themed grub? There are a variety of options for you to consider. If you need some ideas I’ve got a few for you:

• Tropical Oasis: If you’re feeling beachy you’ll want to grab some of your favorite fruit and maybe some tuna fish sliders. Any type of tropical cuisine that is easy to pack up in a basket would work well.
• Summer BBQ: Comfort food is always a great idea in my book. Think deviled eggs, chips & dip, potato salad, and pulled pork sandwiches. It’s the perfect menu for a summer solo picnic.
• Rainbow Fun: Get a little creative with your food menu and try coming up with foods that match the colors of a rainbow. I’m thinking of lemonade, watermelon slices, spinach dip, and more.
• Brunch Munch: If brunch is your favorite meal this theme is for you. Bring on the mimosas and lemonade paired with egg muffins and overnight oats.

Music

If you’re like me you need some background music to set the mood just right. Again you can get creative here and go with a playlist that relates to the theme you picked. You can also just play some soft, chill music that will add great ambiance to your picnic date.

Something To Do

Lastly you want to bring something to keep you busy before/after your meal. Some things that I love to do on a picnic is read, doodle, and journal. Whatever you decide to do, you want to pick an activity that calms you and makes you happy.

For some it could be bringing a guitar and strum some tunes, others may enjoy working on a puzzle. Bring one or two activities, or hobbies, along with you to really tie your solo date all together.

Things to Keep in Mind When Planning Your Picnic for One

You’ve got all the goods, now there are just a few more things to consider before laying that blanket out on the ground. You are almost there though.

Location

An outdoor picnic can’t happen if you have nowhere to set it up. I personally love having solo picnics in my front yard. I feel safe and can truly relax without feeling like someone is watching me or that I’ll get interrupted. Parks are another great option as long as you stay on alert to your surroundings. 

Timing

Another aspect to consider when planning a picnic is the timing. You want to make sure to have it on a day that has no chances of bad weather, and start at a time that will give you plenty of daylight to enjoy.

Think of what the optimal temperature should be for your picnic as well. If it’s hot out you’ll know to plan your outfit accordingly.

The Vibes

Some of the suggestions I’ve provided may seem like a bit much for a simple solo picnic. However, I encourage you to fully lean into these ideas. Romanticizing your solo date is all part of the experience. Even if it seems silly, by making the extra effort to set the perfect vibes, you may find you’ll enjoy yourself even more. 

And That’s a Wrap on Your Picnic for One

Next time you need a little me-time, consider taking yourself out on a picnic. You’ll feel refreshed and recharged after spending some time relaxing outdoors. If you do plan a picnic come back to this post and let me know how it went in the comments.

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