DATE NIGHT FUN â—½ MARRIAGE
There’s just something magical and romantic and fun about enjoying food together, and making it something other than just “another meal” that we have to get through. From finding unique eateries, to setting up a special table at home, to dining in the park, date night is elevated ten times over when we enjoy the experience as well as the food. Here are five ideas for you this summer, to enjoy together:
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Picnic in the Park – Make it a new park, somewhere you’ve not been before. Part of your date can be searching for the right neighborhood park to pick a spot either by a creek, near a sports field to watch people play, or a secluded spot by a stately tree. Maybe packing a picnic seems like too much of a chore, so stop and pick up food at your favorite spot. And then stop by Dollar Tree and grab some checkered cloths and/or napkins, and maybe a card game or funky book to read, or even a kid game to play after you eat. There you have it: Grab some food, purchase a few fun items, and pick a park!
Tasting Table with Friends – I’ve yet to do this, but it’s on my list! Consider either making or purchasing at least five dips, with dippers to go with. Grab five different cookie choices as well, and then make some lemonade. Invite a couple or two to join you, and have a tasting table where you all guess the ingredients in what you’re eating (of course, you’ll have the list and will know). See who can guess most correct ingredients as you taste and bite and sip together for fun! There you have it: Five dips, five cookies, lemonade and friends.
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Mexican Food Night – If you have a Mexican market near you and want to dine in, visit the market together and choose your meal items. Maybe some frozen plantain chips (they’re good!), a new salsa and chips, some homemade churros with dipping sauces…whatever you can find. Or…if you want to dine out, choose a new Mexican food place and go. Explore the menu together. Take your time and enjoy each bite. Make it a three course meal with appetizer, entrée and dessert. You could even do both of these! There you have it: Pick a Mexican restaurant for a 3-course meal, stop by a Mexican market for goodies, and have fun!
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From the Garden – If you have your own garden, you can shop there. If not, visit your local farmer’s market and shop for veggies, fruit and herbs that are locally grown, including homemade bread and pastas, sauces and jams. If you don’t have a market bag, grab a cute one from Marshall’s (they’re usually oh so cute and under $10). Shop together and pick and entire meal’s worth of goodies: greens, fresh tomatoes, a squash or two, maybe a watermelon, a new jam, a jar of homemade pickles, etc. You can set a budget if you like! Head home and make your dinner using what you bought as you plan out the meal together. Set up your table outside with candlelight and music, and enjoy your garden fare. There you have it: grab a bag, hit a market, shop together and make your meal.
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BBQ for sure – It’s that time of year to bar-b-que, and before the heat is a scorcher, head to a park to grill and set up for a date to remember – with others or just yourselves. Decide if you want burgers or dogs, or even shish kebabs, and grab all the condiments and paper plates, etc. Find a grill and a table, take Frisbees and puzzle books and some light reading, and maybe even a kite. (Include ant and bug spray!) Load a cooler with lots of drinks. Plan to spend a few hours relaxing while you take in the flavors of your favorite BBQ together. There you have it: shop for the BBQ goodies, load a bag with fun park things, set up and grill!
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Try all five this summer and enjoy!