» The First Date - Think Outside!

First dates can become pretty predictable. Try something different like a picnic. This can be a fun and enjoyable way to get through the first date but it takes a little planning.

Where?

Don't leave it to chance to find a perfect place. Check around and find a good park or spot in the mountains to have a picnic. Check for parking and any time restrictions. Also consider the different weather condictions and where you will go if it should start to rain. After all we live here in Colorado where you can get sunshine, rain, snow and then sunshine all in about an hour. Is there a covered area close by or will you need to take refuge in your car?

What to Eat?

Keep it simple. Go to a local grocery store such as a Whole Foods and ceck out the deli section. There are four components to the meal you'll need to cover:

1. Select a meat dish - stick with beef or chicken unless you know your date likes something else. Lamb isn't really popular and many people have seafood allergies. If trying to decide between a light and heavy prepared meat dish - go light. It is much easier to match the other components of the meal with a light flavor.

2. Pick a vegetable - try going with a vegetable dish that has little cream. Otherwise, you'll need to make sure this dish stays cold to prevent food poisoning. Get a colorful vegetable dish to make the whole meal look good. I have found grilled or marinated vegetables to be a perfect solution.

3. Choose a starch - pasta with again little to no cream is ideal. Sometimes there are potato salads that are made without mayonnaise. This will work as well. Sometimes a pasta salad will include some vegetables. This does not mean to skip on the vegetables. Just have lots of vegetables in your meal.

4. Finally, swing by the pastry section of the bakery. Select two or three yummy pastries to share with your date. If the bakery doesn't have anything that wows you, then grab some fresh strawberries, sour cream and brown sugar. You and your date can dip your strawberries in the sour cream and brown sugar for a mouth-watering strawberry cheesecake.

One Last Thing

Don't forget a blanket, silverware, napkins and cups. If you are going to serve wine, bring a wine key. Other than that you are set to go. Relax and have fun.