Date Night: Christmas Tree Picnic

Everyone looks good in the glow of Christmas lights. Which is just one reason why you should schedule a picnic date under your tree ASAP. Other reasons include eating blocks of fancy cheese for dinner and having a reasonable excuse to buy acorn-fed Iberian ham.

I originally planned a Christmas Tree Picnic as a family activity but after five tantrums and nearly as many timeouts in the hour leading up to dinner, a sans-toddler picnic suddenly sounded much more appealing and a stay-in date night idea was born. (Although I do envision this as a delightful family tradition in later years...because kids get so much easier, right? Someone please tell me that’s right.)

Anyways, it ended up being a lovely evening for two under (or next to) the fragrant and shed-prone boughs of our Grand Fir. Our favorite Ikea rug (which I think at least six of my friends also own) stood in for a blanket and our fake wood floors made a nice fake field.

For the menu, I went simple and easy...almost no actual cooking required. I bought everything at my favorite little gourmet grocery. It’s this place called Trader Joe’s. Have you heard of it?

Cheese tray: Saint-Andres Brie (let sit at room temperature for a few hours for the best flavor), Parmigiano Reggiano, Vermont Cheddar, and the aforementioned jamon iberico

Crudite platter: baby bell peppers, radishes, snap peas, and crostini (see how easy these are to make) with romesco sauce (love this recipe) and lemon ricotta (get the recipe here)

Salad: arugula with orange, avocado, and almonds with a quick dressing (whisk together ¼ cup of orange juice with a ¼ cup of olive oil)

Drinks: Grapefruit sparkling soda (in fancy glasses, of course)

We are always on the lookout for great date ideas. What are your favorite holiday date night traditions? Please share!