Entertaining, Lifestyle

Packing the Perfect Picnic

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Now that summer is right around the corner, it’s time to get outside, soak up some Vitamin D and enjoy a picnic! I’m sharing my tips and inspiration for packing the perfect picnic, even if it means grabbing a quilt and heading to the backyard for an impromptu lunch in the sunshine! Find time at least once this season to dine alfresco and make some fabulous picnic memories.

The Basket & Blanket

While technically a picnic doesn’t have to include an official “picnic basket,” it sure is fun to fill up your favorite basket with all the essentials. Don’t worry if you don’t have the perfect picnic basket, a market tote or even a colored bucket or large pail can easily hold all the picnic items too. If you head to the craft store, you can often find large baskets on sale. Feeling really crafty? Take a can of spray paint to your basket to create a brightly colored picnic basket! These make great gifts when filled with the essentials (especially for newlyweds).

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Always be sure to have a large quilt or other blanket for your picnic location! Even if you just grab a throw blanket, it will help keep everything cozy on the ground. If you’re looking for a specific color to match your theme, head to the fabric store and grab 2-3 yards of a sturdy and thick fabric and create your own picnic blanket to use this summer!

The Food

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Keep food easy to eat and delicious! I suggest sandwiches or roll-ups tied with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Pair them with fresh fruits and vegetables. Strawberries, blueberries, and other small fruits are great choices. For veggies, I chose easy-to-eat carrots, but mini bell peppers or bite size broccoli and celery are delicious options too.

For adult fare, keep it appetizer-style since mini bites are easier to pack in plastic containers as well as eat without too much fuss. Try bruschetta, mini tea sandwiches, or fruit skewers. Pair with a pitcher of white wine sangria for a delicious cocktail.

The Serving-ware

I love bright and festive colors during the summer, so I opted for neon pinks, aquas, oranges, and greens. Always try to choose a lightweight plastic plate and flatware option if kids are included. For a sturdy catch-all for flatware, straws, and other items, try filling mason jars for each guest! They can use the jars as their drinking glass (or even a vase for picking wildflowers)!

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Look for inexpensive and brightly colored cocktail napkins to use as picnic napkins. You can find coordinating colors to match your festive plates and keep it picnic pretty!

For more picnic ideas, check out this sun-filled picnic party!

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