Here's How To Create The Perfect Romantic Indoor Picnic
Nothing says, "I wanna spend a little bit of quality time with my man" quite like a well-planned out date does. And personally, I agree with someone I was talking to recently who said that the traditional dinner and a movie can get kinda old, pretty fast, mostly because it's so predictable and typically lacks creativity.
So, in honor of doing something that's a little outside of the box, when's the last time that you and yours went on a picnic? And to add a bit of a twist to it — an indoor one. If it's been a minute or you never have and you'd like a few tips on how to make one happen without a hitch, I've got 15 tips that can help your first — or 10th — indoor picnic be one of your best dates ever!
1. Buy a Picnic Basket
Let's start off with the obvious. Whether you're outdoors or inside, there is absolutely no way that you can have an authentic picnic without a picnic basket. If you're wondering if you've got to break the bank in order to cop one, you don't. Places like Target and Walmart typically sell them for around $25 and, the cool thing is, once you've got one, you won't need another for several years to come.
2. Pitch a Tent
Once you've got your basket in tow, it's time to create a bit of ambiance. Since you're going to probably be in your living room, den or basement, something you might want to consider doing is pitching a tent. For a basic one, all you need is a sheet, some clothespins and maybe a few twinkle lights. Then you can put some throw pillows and blankets on the inside of it. Once you're done making your tent, you'll probably be surprised by how cozy you'll feel underneath it. Anyway, if you want to give it a shot, Our Mini Family is a blog that can walk you through the steps. You can check out their instructions here.
3. Or Bring in a Tree
I've shared before that one of my favorite décor additions in my home are two big faux trees (kinda sorta like the one in this picture). I have one in my living room and one in my bedroom. I dunno what it is about 'em; they just seem to make my space feel "warmer".
If you've got one as well, something that can make you feel almost like you are outside is to position your tree in such a way where it is the centerpiece of your indoor picnic. If you want, you and your partner can use paper clips to attach notes for you and your partner to read before or after your meal. It really is a very sweet touch.
4. Play Nature Sounds
While playing some of your favorite music in the background is always a great way to set a romantic mood, more and more, I am coming to like the sound of nature sometimes. I fall asleep to ASMR rain sounds. Sometimes, I like to hear waves crashing instead. Again, I am never (ever) gonna knock a good R&B playlist. Still, why not try the sounds of wind blowing or waterfalls with birds chirping, just to see if you like it? YouTube has free ASMR videos that will literally play for hours (just go to the site and put the sound that you are looking for in the search field).
5. Sprinkle Some Flower Petals
Whether you go with a tent, a tree or nothing but a blanket on the floor, definitely get yourself some fresh (preferably rose) flower petals. They absolutely scream romance. They also add a nice aroma to the space and they're an easy way to make your picnic something really pretty to look at. A lot of grocery stores sell petals in boxes (so do florists) or you can always buy a half-dozen stems and pull the petals off yourself.
6. Go with Natural Lighting, Candles or Lanterns
OK. One more thing about the ambiance. When you want to cultivate a romantic mood, lighting really is everything. If you're planning to have your picnic during the daytime, open up your window treatments and let some natural light shine through. If it's going to be during the evening or nighttime hours, light some scented soy tealight candles, go to a local arts and crafts store to get some cheap lanterns or change the color of your overhead lighting or lamps to bulbs that are a red, green, blue or purple hue. Soft lighting is really sexy and will definitely help to set the mood.
7. Wear. Less.
One of the best things about having a picnic indoors instead of outside is you can wear whatever the heck you want because you are in the comfort, convenience and privacy of your own home. So, pull out some lingerie in your partner's favorite color, wear nothing but a cute frilly apron or — wear nothing at all.
After all, nothing says, "This ain't your family reunion kind of picnic" like having barely anything on. Right?
8. Enjoy Your Meal...in Stages
Speaking of providing things with a bit of a twist — as we get into some cool food ideas for your romantic picnic, why not serve things in stages? By that I mean, with appetizers could come some compliments. With cocktails could come a little bit of dancing or kissing. After dessert…well, comes dessert. Because it's just gonna be you and your boo, build up the anticipation of every part of the meal by incorporating some much-needed — and I'm sure, appreciated — affection. It will make the picnic that much more special.
9. Serve Romance-Themed Appetizers
Now for the actual foods. While most of us know what an appetizer is, were you aware of the fact that the literal definition of the word is it's a small portion of food or drink that makes you want to have even more? Since the theme of this particular picnic is romance, when it comes to the appetizers that you serve, try and think of what will make you and your partner feel like you want to be more in each other's space. Little shrimp cocktails. Smoked salmon bites. Baked asparagus. Skewered ravioli. Fig and goat cheese bruschetta. Vietnamese chicken and vegetable spring rolls. Wafflized mozzarella sticks with salsa. The idea here is to come up with an appetizer idea that is delicious, not super difficult to make, and will be easy for the two of you to feed one another — because there is something about letting your partner feed you (as you do the same to him) that is low-key sexy as hell.
10. Make Some Fondue
Speaking of sexy, is there anything better than some chocolate fondue? It's great for dipping fruit, cookies, angel food cake (or any cake, really), marshmallows, graham crackers, licorice, bacon (ever had beef bacon? Whew, chile!) — pretty much anything that you enjoy dipping chocolate into. And since you're considering breaking everything up into stages, if neck kissing or finger sucking is on "the menu", fondue is a great way to implement it. (If you don't happen to have a fondue pot, you can learn how to make chocolate fondue without one by going here.)
11. Have Strawberries on Deck
Speaking of fruits to put into your homemade chocolate fondue, did you know that back in the days of Ancient Rome, strawberries were considered to be the symbol of Venus, the Goddess of Love, due to their shape and color? That's a big part of the reason why they are also on the list of foods that are an aphrodisiac.
Chocolate-covered strawberries. Strawberries, whipped cream and orange liqueur. Arugula salad with strawberries in it. Strawberries, pomegranates and dried rose petals. Strawberry-ginger lemonade floats. These are just a few creative ways to incorporate strawberries into your indoor picnic meal.
12. Create a Cocktail
Speaking of lemonade, something that I'm all about, for pretty much any occasion, is a signature cocktail. It's fun. It's unique. And when you're coming up with one that only has you and yours in mind, it can be uber romantic too. If you're totally down yet you're just not sure where to start (because I won't lie, mixing the wrong stuff together could land you in your bathroom rather than your bedroom), a blog called Life by Olivia has a quiz that could help to point you into the right direction. Check it out here (also, putting "how to create a signature cocktail" in the search field of your favorite search engine can help you out as well).
13. Order the Main Meal
OK. I definitely don't want you being in the kitchen all day and night. Matter of fact, please keep in mind that all that I've said so far, you can "remix it" however you wish.
Yet if you do decide to follow through with everything, my two cents would be to order the main meal. Heck, why not? There have been appetizers, fondue, strawberries and a one-of-a-kind drink — so, order a pizza, some Chinese or even favorite dishes from two different restaurants and have it delivered. It's not uncommon at all for folks to pick up traditional picnic foods from places like a local deli because, when it comes to a picnic, it's more about the atmosphere and presentation than anything else.
Remember that.
14. Enjoy an Aphrodisiac-Themed Dessert
C'mon. What's a romantic meal without a dessert that has an aphrodisiac theme to it? Anything with chocolate in it would qualify. So would watermelon gelato, cinnamon rolls, sweet potato pudding, champagne cake (that's gluten-free), mango vanilla slice, apple pomegranate cobbler and banana cream pie. What all of these have in common is they are delicious desserts that have foods that are considered to be aphrodisiacs in them. They are a great way to transition from dining to…what may be next.
15. Pull Out Some Throw Pillows/Blankets. Then Nap Together.
Whether I'm having a picnic outdoors or inside, there is something about a full stomach and the right blanket that makes me feel cozy enough to want to go to sleep. You're indoors. You're with your boo thang. Why not put your head on some of those pillows, get up underneath a blanket and cuddle until you fall asleep? I can't think of a more wonderful way to end a romantic picnic — and possibly gear up for something else…once the two of you wake up (if you know what I mean). #wink
Join our xoTribe, an exclusive community dedicated to YOU and your stories and all things xoNecole. Be a part of a growing community of women from all over the world who come together to uplift, inspire, and inform each other on all things related to the glow up.
Featured image by Getty Images
- 10 Creative Date Ideas For Couples On A Budget - xoNecole ... ›
- Great May Date Ideas - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness ... ›
- This Is How To Have A Quiet & Romantic Christmas At Home ›
- Use May to Bring Some Spark Back - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next June (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
You've Never Seen Luke James In A Role Quite Like This
Over the years, we've watched Luke James play countless characters we'd deem sex symbols, movie stars, and even his complicated character in Lena Waithe's The Chi. For the first time in his career, the New Orleans-born actor has taken on a role where his signature good looks take a backseat as he transforms into Edmund in Them: The Scare—a mentally deranged character in the second installment of the horror anthology series that you won't be able to take your eyes off.
Trust us, Edmund will literally make you do a double take.
xoNecole sat down with Luke James to talk about his latest series and all the complexity surrounding it—from the challenges taking on this out-of-the-box role to the show's depiction of the perplexing history of the relationship between Black Americans and police. When describing the opportunity to bring Edmund's character to life, Luke was overjoyed to show the audience yet another level of his masterful acting talents.
"It was like bathing in the sun," he said. "I was like, thank you! Another opportunity for me to be great—for me to expand my territory. I'm just elated to be a part of it and to see myself in a different light, something I didn't think I could do." He continued, "There are parts of you that says, 'Go for it because this is what you do.' But then also that's why it's a challenge because you're like, 'um, I don't know if I'm as free as I need to be to be able to do this.' Little Marvin just created such a safe space for me to be able to do this, and I'm grateful for everything I've been able to do to lead to this."
Courtesy
Them: The Scare, like the first season, shines a light on the plight of Black Americans in the United States. This time, the story is taking place in the 1990s, at the height of the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. While the series presents many underlying themes, one that stands out is Black people and the complicated relationship with the police. "For the audience, I think it sets the tone for the era that we're in and the amount of chaos that's in the air in Los Angeles and around the country from this heinous incident. And I say it just sets the tone of the anxiety and anxiousness that everybody is feeling in their own households."
James has been a longtime advocate against police brutality himself. He has even featured Elijah McClain, the 23-year-old Colorado man who died after being forcibly detained by officers, as his Instagram avatar for the past five years. So, as you can imagine, this script was close to his heart. "Elijah was a soft-loving oddball. Different than anyone but loving and a musical genius. He was just open and wanted to be loved and seen."
Getty Images
Luke continued, "His life was taken from him. I resonate with his spirit and his words...through all the struggle and the pain he still found it in him to say, 'I love you and I forgive you.' And that's who we are as people—to our own detriment sometimes. He's someone I don't want people to forget. I have yet to remove his face from my world because I have yet to let go of his voice, let go of that being [because] there's so many people we have lost in our history that so often get forgotten."
He concluded, "I think that's the importance of such artwork that moves us to think and talk about it. Yes, it's entertaining. We get to come together and be spooked together. But then we come together and we think, 'Damn, Edmund needed someone to talk to. Edmund needed help... a lot [of] things could have been different. Edmund could have been saved.'
Check out the full interview below.
Luke James Talks Ditching Sex Symbol Status For "Them: The Scare", Elijah McClain, & Morewww.youtube.com
Featured image by Getty Images