Nature is such an amazing backdrop for romance, especially when you can take advantage of a changing season such as spring or fall. Using nature to your benefit, you can plan a complete date night that includes dinner, a movie and dancing. The best part is it can be as expensive or inexpensive as you desire.

To make this an amazing date night your partner won’t forget, you’ll need to do some research to find the best possible location. The natural step is to have it at a local park, but you’ll need to check some things out first. Here’s a quick list:

• You’ll want to find out if the park you have in mind has certain limitations on when you can access it. You can’t exactly have a candlelight night under the stars if the park closes at 5pm. Most parks post their hours on a sign leading into the park.
• Is the park suitable for the date night you have in mind? Will there be tons of children celebrating birthdays? Is there a secluded area away from the main park traffic? Is it safe?
• Does the park have any limits as to what you can bring in to it? Are you allowed glass containers or alcoholic beverages? Again, most parks have signs posted with this kind of information.

While dinner, a movie and dancing are typical date night activities, your setting will make it feel like a fresh romantic idea! For preparations you’ll need to decide on food, a movie and make a CD or play list of some favorite love songs. You’ll also need a picnic blanket, some pillows, a portable DVD player and/or a music player.

For your meal you can choose to make something homemade or go all out and order a picnic-to-go from a local hotel or restaurant. If you decide to order out for your food, make sure to let them know what you have planned. That way they will include cutlery and anything you need to eat on. If you make the food yourself, or if the restaurant can’t provide these for you, you’ll need to make sure you pack everything you need.

When selecting your movie, keep in mind your date’s preferences. If this date is about them, pick a movie you know they’ve wanted to see. You’ll probably want to keep an eye on the length of the movie as it may not be too comfortable to sit in grass for three hours to watch that epic drama.

To create the grand finale, after the movie is over, swoop your partner up, hit play on your music player and dance the rest of the night away. Okay… it could be just one dance. Just make sure the music has special meaning to you both. While dancing, reiterate any feelings you want to share about them, or simply tell them how wonderful spending time with them has been.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

• Make sure you let your date know how to dress appropriately. If it’s a crisp fall night, a light jacket or really warm blanket would be in order.
• Pack the food and items you need in a picnic basket or backpack. That way it will be easier to carry, set up and clean up.
• Bring a trash bag to hold any trash you may accumulate. You never know how far away a wastebasket will be.
• If you’re planning this as an evening date, bring a flashlight or two, just in case the lighting isn’t what you expected.
• No one really likes talking about this for a romantic date, but keep in mind where the nearest bathroom is and what condition it is in. It isn’t too pleasant to have to end your date early because of personal needs.

OPTIONAL IDEAS

• If you can’t find a park, set up the date night in your or your friend’s backyard.
• You can also have the date in a car overlooking a scenic spot.