Summertime is the best season for an outdoor picnic, whether it’s for a romantic meal for two or quality time with your loved ones. A picnic is the perfect way to unwind in the company of great friends and/or family. When it comes to first class picnics, preparation is key. Here are some tips and tricks to make your next picnic experience a breeze. (Not to mention, a picnic that will have strangers oohing and ahhing!)
CHOOSING THE SPOT
Make sure that when choosing the location, you know that you will have to lug everything to your picnic spot. You want things to be portable as possible. No heavy or bulky items, but something easy to pack that can be easily transported.
SET THE MOOD
Everything from what you sit on to adding little elements of décor, like pillows and flowers can really create a special mood and add finishing touches to your picnic. Using a throw is a great picnic blanket- it’s easy to pack and plush to sit on. If you do go to a park with grass, you might want to use a waterproof mat under the throw from keeping your tush dry. Mounds of bright colored pillows can take a picnic blanket from practical to posh. It really creates a fun, summer vibe and not to mention- maybe even a little nap under the trees. Adding fresh flowers can really spruce up your picnic, giving it a romantic and fresh look.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
You want to keep this simple as possible. Forget the flatware and opt for a no-fuss picnic fare of French bread, cheese, fruit, and a bottle of chilled white wine. Avoid messy, complex, or difficult foods. Serving trays are the perfect ‘buffet’ surface to employ in the grass. Not only do they keep serving platters, glassware and wine at level, but they create a look that is casual and gracious. Cheese boards are great as they bring a gorgeous element and a great way to display your variety of cheeses, fruits and other edible goods. Also, use reusable cloth napkins, as they are heavier than paper napkins and won’t fly all over the place.
PACK AND GO
Forget the ice packs; use this freezable picnic tote bag from PACKiT to carry all of your picnic goods in this functional shoulder bag. With a built-in freezable gel, it keeps items cool up to 10 hours (depending on external temperatures). It’s got a few compartments for napkins, utensils and other items to keep dry. How it works? You just place the folded tote in the freezer overnight for about 12 hours to activate its built-in freezable gel. By morning, the walls of the bag will be completely frozen and ready to chill just like a fridge. (BPA, PVC, phthalate and lead-free bag w/ non-toxic gel in the liner) Genius right?!
GAMES / MUSIC
Games are always fun to play in the summer months when the sun is out to play. Crazy to think that when we were young, that’s all we did with our free time until today’s modern technology entered the world. Here are some classics that are great for picnics: Frisbees, cards, twister, Yahtzee and badminton to name a few. If you’re tech savvy, just download the Heads Up game on your iOS phone. (Be prepared to laugh your head off!) For a nice ambience, just play your favorite set station on pandora…
Birch Lane Serena Herringbone Throw // Birch Lane Russo Cheese Board // Birch Lane Josie Woven Napkins // Birch Lane Twist Rope Trays // Kate Spade Flower Decorative Pillows // PACKiT Picnic Tote
*GIVEAWAY ALERT*
We are giving away this 3-piece set from PACKiT for your next picnic! All you have to do is go to our instagram @islandfeversisters and tag 2 friends you would love to picnic with on our latest picnic photo! Good luck… (U.S. residents only and the winner will be picked on May 27, 2016)
