By Marica

If you are stumped for ideas to make your Valentine’s Day with your loved one special, try putting a new stylish spin on the old romantic picnic idea.

We as South Africans are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful country. The weather in Cape Town is excellent this time of year, it just begs for an outdoor celebration.

I search the web for these beautiful images to inspire you. Now this is what a romantic picnic is supposed to look like!

Preparation for a romantic picnic should be quite easy and affordable. Use what you have, or otherwise invest in a few key items that can be re-used in future. Steer clear of cliché red & white colour schemes and cheesy old plastic roses. Here are a few helpful suggestions…

Find a beautiful location – Spier – or Warwick Wine Estates or Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, for example, has stunning estates. Choose a shaded spot underneath a tree (for a little more privacy). If you want a more intimate setting your own garden will do.

Select one or two blankets, throws or even a quilt. You might as well be comfortable so opt for a whole pile of pillows. Go for various fun patterns and complementing colours.

To create an intimate ambience, make use of some mood lighting – Fairy lights draped in a tree, candles in colourful glass holders, lanterns or even tea lights inside clear jam jars and glass bottles hung with ribbon from tree branches (be creative). Oh, and don’t forget the fresh flowers – bunches & bunches of it!

Instead of plastic cups and paper plates, use the real deal. Select some quirky dinnerware and chic wine glasses for instant elegance.

Valentine’s Day isn’t necessarily just for couples anymore – my single friends and I thoroughly enjoy getting together on the 14^th of Feb to celebrate our “single situation” with a fun bash. Expand the picnic idea into a group event by having a fabulous garden dinner party.

E voilà! A beautiful Valentine’s Day picnic without the “cheese”. Happy Valentine’s Day everybody!