Summer days mean we’re all spending more time outside and what better way to unwind than a picnic with friends and family? From handheld snacks and portable cocktails to comfy linens and pillows, we’ve got the scoop on just what you need for a successful picnic.
Delicious eats: One of the most fun parts of a picnic is the food, of course! We love the idea of packing up handheld snacks that are full of flavor and don’t require prep time on-site, forcing you to carry along more than you need to or ruining the experience once it's realized the knife needed to slice that watermelon has been left at home. A simple, yet delicious spread that encourages grazing is the way to go – just be sure to select foods that will stand up to the heat.
Prep a portable meat and cheese board and dot it with fresh and dried fruit, crackers, olives and other delicacies such as exotic nuts and veggies. Want something hearty (yet still easy!) to round out the day? Add pre-sliced sandwiches wrapped in parchment paper for an easy mix-and-match menu. For a sweet ending, think gourmet cookies, biscotti or try your hand at baking a batch of handheld pies for a little something extra, made with love.
Summer sips: Once you settle on the menu, you can pick the perfect summer sipper to go along with it. Whether it's beer, wine, cocktails, or mocktails, the array of canned options are endless, making it easier to pack up for a picnic. However, it’s always a good idea to pack a little bit of bubbly, too! Grab some individual sized bottles or canned sparkling wine to elevate any ordinary picnic into an extraordinary picnic. Don’t forget to keep them cool!
Set the scene: Once you’ve planned your menu, it’s time to ensure your outdoor venue looks elevated and special. Heading to a park? Grab a beautiful outdoor blanket and comfy pillows to set out. Add some linen napkins in punchy, colorful prints, like Capri Ticking Stripe, or go for the traditional picnic look with Buffalo Check in red and white or Gingham in blue.
Picnic packing list: Want to make sure you don’t forget anything? Here is a picnic packing checklist:
- Serving spoons/forks
- Bottle openers
- All-purpose knife
- Cups
- Plates
- Extra plastic containers/baggies for clean-up
- A cutting board
- Paper towels
