What better way to celebrate independence day then sharing a blanket and tasty delights under the stars. But then again, July 4th weekend is ripe for many opportunities for food and romance. The perfect set up--a picnic for two. The  time of day is up to you, a lunch time fiesta in the shade, a blanket under under the explosive colors of fireworks, or a serene sunrise on the beach. Whatever your style, the magic will be  there as you revel in each others company while sharing edible delights. Don't forget to bring a few sparklers

Grab your favorite picnic blanket, a basket equipped with wine glasses, corkscrew, silverware, cloth napkins, salt, pepper and smartly wrapped foods; complimented by your favorite wine. You might want to also bring a small cooler filled with ice for the items that need to stay chilled.

 

I like to keep things simple. Finger foods, prepared foods, even take-out should all be considered when assembling your tasty treats. And be creative. Do something different. Shower your date with dazzling surprises. Instead of a bottle of wine, try whipping up a couple of martinis beautifully topped with slivers of hand-chipped ice. The possibilities for culinary magic are endless. Below are a few suggestions for the type of picnic you can assemble. If you plan on enjoying a long day or night together, bring fun things you can both do together: scrabble, share your favorite poetry, binoculars for people watching, or the NY Times crossword puzzle.

elegant picnic for two

• martini topped with hand-chipped slivers of ice
• endive leaves with taramasalata, red caviar, topped with a thinly sliced black olive ring
• kalamata olives
  
• octopus salad with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, with thyme
• chilled strawberry soup (served in the cleaned martini glasses)
• blueberry peach galette

To keep thinks simple, go to your favorite Greek restaurant or market for the taramasalata, octopus (ask them to slice it), and olives.  For a more hearty meal, instead of strawberry soup, you can buy spinach pies.

Japanese elegance

Perhaps you are near a really good Japanese restaurant; think of the beautiful presentation this food brings. All you need to do is be creative with the colors of your set up. A beautifully patterned or bold colored blanket, red candle holders, plates for the sushi, and a good quality bottle of sake, chilled.

• an array of color sushi and sashimi
  
• a bowl of edamame
• mix of chicken and beef yakatori (skewered meats)
  
• chilled saki served with thin slivers of cucumbers slices
• watermelon
  

casual picnic for two

• smoked salmon served on black bread, with sweet butter, freshly squeezed lemon, and cracked black pepper
• sesame chicken skewers with peanut dipping sauce
• fig n frisee salad
  
• pre-prepared creme brulee served with strawberries in good spirits on the side

Have a wonderful July 4th Weekend!