How To Plan a Valentines Day Picnic to Celebrate the Season

As the flowers bloom and the warmth of spring marks the change of seasons, there's no better way to celebrate love and connection than by planning the ultimate springtime picnic.

With Love, From The Gaarden, is a collaboration between Hoegaarden & Goya, bringing a series of spring-time picnic brunches to celebrate the season of love. You can book a picnic brunch in a city near you through the links below! The picnic brunch series marks the single-run launch of Hoegaarden’s low ABV Rosée witbier on draught, carrying notes of vanilla and raspberries, that seamlessly matches our picnic menus in Bangalore & Mumbai, by Klaa Kitchen & Maska Bakery, for a lightly bitter dry finish!

This February, forget the frenzy, the forced dinners and the heart-shaped stress. Instead, imagine a slow, sun-kissed picnic brunch with loved ones. Grab your favourite people, a chequered blanket and head to your nearest park, rooftop, or even your living room floor. Create your own private paradise, fill it with the freshly baked goods, winter berries and a couple of beers to celebrate! Find a picturesque location that resonates with the essence of spring: think blooming gardens, serene parks, or a cozy spot by the water.

Here’s a Goya guide to pulling off a relaxed picnic brunch!

Pack a Picnic Basket

Fresh fruits, artisanal cheeses, and decadent pastries are everything you need in a picnic basket. Consider a DIY mimosa bar but with beer for effervescence! Shandy cocktails served with plenty seasonal citrus will be a hit with everyone.

If you’re in the mood to cook, who better than Nigella Lawson to guide your kitchen adventures. Nigella herself, committed to excellent picnic food, swears by her Buttermilk Chicken Drumsticks – particularly for kids who love eating with their fingers when sprawled on a picnic blanket! Paired with a light cabbage coleslaw, the party will gratefully chow it all down.

How To Plan a Valentines Day Picnic to Celebrate the Season

Beach side or Historic Parks? You decide

If you’re in Bombay, Mahim Beach beckons with its endless stretch of (somewhat) golden sand and crashing waves. Pack a picnic basket from Maska Bakery, brimming with their divine babkas and melt-in-your-mouth choux pastries. Or, head to Bandra's Hill Road and grab some classic cold sandwiches from Hearsch Bakery. While you’re there, might as well hop across to A1 Bakery for their incomparable mutton puffs before heading onto the Bandra Bandstand. Make sure there's plenty of sandwiches to go around!

For a touch convenient luxury, have Eleftheria pack a basket of their fresh pasta filata cheeses to pair with some good crusty baguette, fruit and berries. I’m partial to the fromage blanc with garlic and parsley that spreads like a dream. Don’t forget to add the caramelly salty Norwegian style (award winning!) Brunost cheese to the mix — the salty, sweet, savoury umami with sweet fruit makes for a most satisfying European bite.

Assemble a cheeseboard with Eleftheria in Mumbai, or Nari & Kage in Bangalore

In Bangalore, there’s no better place than the canopy of Cubbon Parks ancient trees to spread your blanket under. Hang out at the park and then head over to Nari and Kage in Koramangala for your picnic fixings. Grab a fougasse along with their fresh goat’s cheese, perfect for sharing under Luru’s gentle spring time sunshine.

If you're in Delhi, head to the lush historic gardens of Sunder Nursery — an oasis of Mughal monuments and kaleidoscopic butterflies in this Delhi weather and obviously the perfect spot to picnic! Stop by Café Dori in Chhattarpur for take-out mugs of hot chocolate and a selection of their fresh buttery croissants for an indulgent spread to enjoy an al-fresco afternoon amongst the birds. If you’re really indulging, pre-order a Burnt Basque Cheesecake from Miam Patisserie for a final satiation and pair with a pink gin for a luxurious finish.

Red-Chequered Blanket Vibe

A comfortable setting is the key to encouraging lingering conversations and shared smiles. What reminds us of picnics more than tartan red and white chequered tablecloths! I would head straight away for table inspo to artist and designer Daksha Salam’s Instagram page for impeccable table aesthetic. Ensure comfort with a cozy picnic blanket adorned with plenty of soft cushions and throws, if you can manage it. Embrace the playful vibe by incorporating whimsical patterns or colours that mirror the blossoming surroundings.

Games and Entertainment

Grab some badminton racquets and take advantage of the cooler climes to get in a game barefooted! Infuse a sense of playfulness into the gathering with classic lawn games. A round of light-hearted frisbee will be a crowd pleaser. Ultimately, it's all about having a wonderful slow time with your people. It's not often we get to run around carefree and breathe in fresh air. Make the most of your time outdoors with your clan, creating memories and fostering new connections.

Sweet Endings

Whether it's heart-shaped cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, or a simple fruit plate with the season's freshest berries, a sweet ending will leave everyone with a taste of the love and joy that defines the day. If you must, bake a beautiful pink hued cranberry orange cake by A Cozy Kitchen with fresh cranberries and orange zest to pepper in a touch of romance.

Whether you’re able to pack a gourmet picnic basket or not, I urge you to take a little “me time” to step away from your screen and have a little picnic date with your city. Treat yourself to a slow afternoon of sunshine, a long walk through your favourite neighbourhood. Stop at the prettiest spot and plop down on a bench with a book and a warm thermos filled with your favourite caffeinated beverage packed from home. Show yourself gentle love and grace this Valentines’ day and maybe it won’t seem as much of a cliché anymore.

To make a reservation for the HOEGAARDEN X GOYA picnics, use the links below.

In Bangalore, Klaa Kitchen will be serving up Chef Rhea Aaron’s fun picnic themed foods to celebrate a Valentines Picnic at the Tamara Lawn, Taj MG Road on February 10, 2024. In Mumbai, chef Heena Punwani of Maska Bakery will be showcasing her signatures sweet and savoury bakes at the Ministry of New on February 11, 2024.