How to Host a Perfect Picnic

July 25, 2016

How to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodeThis weekend was all about taking a laid back approach to local life. Inspired by the feeling of a lustful, yet elegant escape, Tom and I loaded up the bag for a picturesque outing in the summer heat.  Surrounded by roses at every turn, we set up our picnic under the shade in a quiet spot away from the crowd. 

How to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodeRose Garden DressHow to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodeHow to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodeHow to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodeHow to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodeHow to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodeHow to Host the Perfect PicnicHow to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodeHow to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodeHow to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodePicnic Details SideHow to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodeHow to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodeHow to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodeRose Garden Scenery

How to Host the Perfect Picnic - Lifestyle Blog - mikialamodePicnic WalksCerulean blue, green, navy and metallics, including copper, silver and gold were all incorporated.  Since this wasn’t in the backyard of our home, we kept the culinary fair light. And hey, a girl can still enjoy an inexpensive, yet tasty bottle of wine, can’t she?

Below are some of my tips on how to host your own intimate affair in the park.

1) Select a Location with a Spot that Guests Can Easily Find

Make sure there is some shade if you’re in a place where it’s always incredibly hot and sunny. Since we choose a spot surrounded by flowers, we decided to sit out in the open.

2) Choose a Theme or Color Scheme

It can be Paris, tropics, beach, pretty pinks – whatever it is, don’t be afraid to go a little overboard, but keep in mind you need to be able to pack and transport it.  Usually we’d bring flowers for the basket and decor to hang in the trees, but we really wanted to get the full 360° view of the rose garden.

3) Have Fun with the Menu & Serve Items that Keep Well in Transit

Some of the greatest things in life are the simple things, and when transporting food, overcomplicating the menu can make it hard to keep.  Nothing worse than a soggy sandwich, right?  You can prep the toppings and let guests customize their own when they arrive.  You don’t want guests trying to run out to find a sink, so items that can go on a stick or a plate are great, and less mess on the fingers are key.  Don’t forget to offer water along with other beverages. Not everyone likes alcohol or sugary drinks.

4) Make Sure There’s Enough Room to Sit & Rest Food

There’s nothing worse than having a guests who wants to sit, but feel left out because they can’t.

5) Bring Extra Blankets & Cushions

You might find your guests getting cold, so the extra blankets are a a great way to take care of guests. Since it was just the two of us, I packed cushions for comfort and a blanket to share.

6) Pack the Necessities

Remember your plates, cutlery, scissors, cups, napkins, wet naps,  knifes (dessert knife, cheese knife, etc), cutting board.

7) Have a Flat Surface to Rest Drinks

You definitely don’t want to lose seating over a spilled drink.  You can use a hard surface like a wood board, tray, the top of your picnic basket or a mini foldable chair.

8 ) Pack Extra Bags or Boxes.

Make sure your guests have enough food so that they aren’t leaving hungry.  Most of the time, you’ll likely have leftovers, so be prepared to pack extras them to take away.

9) Prep your cooler & Menu Items that Taste Great For Days the Night Before

Make it so that you are not hustling to get everything done the last day and do as much prepping the day before you have your picnic.

10) Have a Good Cooler & Freeze those Ice Packs.

Pack ice in a freezer bag and get enough ice to load up an ice bucket to keep drinks cold.

Do you have your own recipes or ways of hosting a perfect picnic?  I’d love to hear.  If you enjoyed this post, please comment below.

You can also follow me on Bloglovin♥, find me on TwitterInstagram or Snapchat at mikialamode.

Xo,

Miki

Photo credit to my one and only, Rise Again BJJ.

Outfit: Similar floral dresses here and here. Vintage Chanel bag.  Perplex lace up heels in black here, similar grey ones here.

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  • The Fashion Folks July 25, 2016 at 6:13 am

    Love picnics, they’re so charming! And so much fun doing a color theme, also so good to bring extra blankets especially if your doint the picnic at night! Lovely tips, thank you! Xx

    http://www.thefashionfolks.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:39 am

      Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Alice July 25, 2016 at 9:21 am

    The scenery and your picnic looks so so gorgeous! Definitely a good idea to remember some kind of flat surface for drinks 😉 These are amazing tips, and that dress is beautiful on you!

    xo, alice / T Y P E N U

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:39 am

      So glad you enjoyed the post! 🙂
      Thanks!!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Daniel July 25, 2016 at 9:58 am

    Thanks for the tips! Love the outfit too! xo

    Daniel x
    The Daniel Originals | Instagram: danielpoonvignez
    New Post: Tucking In T-Shirt

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:39 am

      Thanks Daniel!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Vanessa July 25, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    Wow! What a picnic! Look so good, plus I love the location! And of course, you are super darling too! Just gorge!
    Happy Monday, love!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:40 am

      Thanks so much Vanessa!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Face to Curls July 25, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    It definitely is the perfect picnic Miki! The scenery and your picnic looks gorgeous! Also, excellent tips as I am once of those people who always forget to bring extra blankets & cushions. Love your dress! xo

    Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:40 am

      Thanks Ann! I love blankets. I swear, I’m either hot or cold… at night… always cold lol
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Jalisa July 25, 2016 at 2:03 pm

    This looks incredibly romantic, the food looks so good! You know, I don’t know why my husband and I haven’t done this before, we love lounging at parks, but we tend to either eat before or after, never enjoying it there. I’ll defiantly be keeping your tips in mind and I’m hoping mine comes out look as fab as yours, haha! Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you’re having a great start to your week so far!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:41 am

      Aw, that’d be so perfect then! A romantic picnic would be so much fun for you two! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Rach July 25, 2016 at 2:39 pm

    Girl, I want to go on a picnic with you. That spread is amazing! These tips are so helpful. I really like the one about picking a theme. It not only helps planning and keeping things organized, but it makes it so fun!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:42 am

      We kept it so simple, but it turned out good. The food and wine was even still cold after we finished. I think I need to remember to take more photos of all the food before I eat lol If you’re ever in LA, we can definitely do a picnic – that’d be so much fun!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Emily July 25, 2016 at 4:46 pm

    What good tips! Most of these I’ve never even though of. Especially the very fist one. I’d just be like meet me in the grass hahaha. Very beautiful photos. Makes me wish I was invited! Definitely a picturesque picnic.

    -Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:36 am

      Haha. That’s hilarious. Well, I mean, if you know the park well, why not just be like, meet me there! lol If you’re ever in LA, we can always have a picnic, but it’s gotta be by the beach if it’s summer cuz LA heat is freaking brutal.
      Xo,
      Mki

  • Candace July 25, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    Lovely dress! This post has inspired me to go picnicking. You had some yummy food choices 🙂

    http://www.thebeautybeau.com/

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:37 am

      Aw, that’s so nice! Thanks Candace! Enjoy your own picnic when you go! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Deasy Noel July 25, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    Oh, I love this! I’ve been pestering my fiance to go on a picnic but if/when we ever do, it’d be SO much less fancy that what you have, haha. More like… pbj and CapriSun juice boxes, hahaha. A girl can dream though! This definitely makes me want to go for a girls picnic with fancy wine and cheese ^_^

    http://www.deasynoel.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:34 am

      Haha. That’s so funny. Hey, at least you’ll still have have juice, food and good company! Thanks Deasy.
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Sharon Wu July 25, 2016 at 11:07 pm

    Great post! My friend is visiting from out of town and I was thinking of taking her out to the beach for a nice picnic and girl’s date on Wednesday! Can’t wait to put your tips to good use 😉 xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:34 am

      Thanks Sharon! Glad you enjoyed it. Can’t wait to see you pictures, too. Have fun with your gf!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Doris Green July 25, 2016 at 11:15 pm

    Amazing photos!
    x

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:35 am

      Thanks Doris! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • yuka July 25, 2016 at 11:35 pm

    so pretty! looks like such a wonderful date, the food looks sooo good!

    http://www.prettyinleather.net

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:33 am

      Thanks Yuka! There was more food, but that was our first couple of courses lol I love charcuterie. You just can’t go wrong (unless you’re lactose intolerant… lol)

      Xo,
      Miki

  • aicha robertson July 26, 2016 at 1:46 am

    Such great tips! And this picnic looks magnificent! Amazing post girl x

    Aicha | The Fashion Heist

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:33 am

      Thanks Aicha!!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • PutAllOnMe July 26, 2016 at 2:33 am

    This is so cute!! 🙂 Having a picnic like this has been my wish lately and now after reading your post I am sure it will happen ASAP 🙂
    xx
    http://putitallonme.com/

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:43 am

      Ooh! I hope you have an incredible picnic! I’m sure it’ll be so fab!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Carmen July 26, 2016 at 3:16 am

    This looks like such a great picnic situation indeed! Thank you so much for these tips, I definitively want to host a picnic asap now!
    xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:44 am

      Glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks Carmen!! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • TOUCHOFGUCCI July 26, 2016 at 3:20 am

    What a great post! I’ve never really hosted or been to picnic but I’ll definitely host some thanks to your fab tips! Thanks x

    TOUCHOFGUCCI // BLOGLOVIN

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:44 am

      Thanks! So glad you enjoyed the post! Have an amazing time!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Dora Toubanaki July 26, 2016 at 5:17 am

    I love how you put it together! Looks like the perfect view to have picnic! I want to have a picnic too!!
    Gorgeous blog! Followed on Bloglovin!
    Dora http://www.BangsBang.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:31 am

      Thank you Dora!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Noma July 26, 2016 at 5:50 am

    That dress is so pretty especially with the lace-up detail front. I’m so looking for picnic weather here. 🙂

    XoXo Noma

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:31 am

      Oh man, I hope the weather gets really nice so you can go for one. 🙂 Thanks a bunch!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Violette July 26, 2016 at 6:15 am

    Love this dress and sounds like a great picnics!

    http://violettedaily.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:30 am

      Thanks Voilette!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • MITCH July 26, 2016 at 6:25 am

    I love having a picnic once in awhile. Your idea looks so fun, I especially love your outfit too.

    Oh Dear Bumblebees

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:30 am

      Thanks Mitch! Definitely fun. If I have friends, I’ll bring a few park games as well just for fun!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Christine Kong July 26, 2016 at 8:45 am

    I love this idea of a picnic and you share some great pointers. Picnics are great for the warmer weather and create such a lovely mood. The pineapple jugs are the cutest too. Love your beautiful dress. Thanks for sharing! xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:29 am

      I love the pineapple candles. I need the copper cups though. I keep seeing them, but I want good quality ones. 🙂 Thanks so much, Christine!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Yvonne July 26, 2016 at 10:54 am

    What a lovely location for a picnic and your dress is perfect for the occasion! It makes me hungry looking at the food…yummy! Love your bag and thanks for sharing!
    xo Yvonne
    http://www.aproposh.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:28 am

      Thanks! Definitely needed to sit in a flowy dress. 🙂 Thanks so much!!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Luci's Morsels July 26, 2016 at 11:14 am

    What a fun post, Miki! Picnics can be so romantic and intimate! Or, a family affair! Great tips and great photos!

    Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:28 am

      I agree! I love picnics. I need to get some friends together for one!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Colleen | ColleenWelsch.com July 26, 2016 at 12:01 pm

    This looks like a perfect date! Except it wouldn’t be a good date for me because I wouldn’t want to share the charcuterie with anyone else 😉

    COLLEENWELSCH.COM | An LA Lifestyle Blog

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:27 am

      Haha. I love charcuterie, too. Make sure you have your own board when you go. lol
      Xo,
      Miki

  • vera July 26, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    Beautiful pictures!!

    Blonde in Cashmere

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:26 am

      Thanks Vera!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Louann Kristy July 26, 2016 at 4:41 pm

    What a beautiful spot for a picnic. Looks so beautiful and lovely photographs !

    xx

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:26 am

      Thanks Louann! Can’t go wrong with roses everywhere, right? 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Adi July 26, 2016 at 5:56 pm

    Picnics can be so much fun!! Great guide!

    Adi xx
    http://www.fancycorrectitude.com
    http://www.instagram.com/fancycorrectitude

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:26 am

      Thanks Adi! I love picnics, but rarely do them. Need to do them more often, especially by the beach!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Wildfire Charm July 26, 2016 at 9:29 pm

    Lovely tips and dress! It looks like you had a nice picnic on a warm, sunny day. Love your photographs x

    http://www.wildfirecharm.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:25 am

      Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the post!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Len Parent July 26, 2016 at 10:29 pm

    Your photos are perfect babe. Love them all. Great styling as well. \
    Thanks for the inspiration!
    Much love, Len
    http://www.lenparent.com

    • miki July 28, 2016 at 1:25 am

      Thanks so much!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Miguel July 27, 2016 at 4:09 am

    So pretty my dear 😀 I really love picnic on nature 😀

    NEW DECOR POST ₪ Marble Bathroom Ideas
    Pieces Of Me, Blog Pieces Of Me on Facebook@mgouveiaa, Instagram

  • Michaela July 27, 2016 at 5:39 am

    Super beautiful dress and you look stunning in theses photos <3

    best
    Michaela

    Michaelablog

  • Gabrielle Crystal RoseBonniee ~ July 27, 2016 at 7:20 am

    Lovely photos ♡ ◠‿◠

    ♡ * 3 delicious recipes * ♡

  • Ralizabeth July 27, 2016 at 7:58 am

    i absolutely love picnics! i actually staged a picnic for my engagement pictures!! great tips. thank you for sharing!!

    oh, she’s lovely

  • Neha July 27, 2016 at 8:24 am

    Wow…nice scenic background and gorgeous you …..great post…xo, Neha

    http://www.theinstylejournal.com

  • Maray July 27, 2016 at 8:37 am

    Beautiful post ♡ Kisses!!

    http://www.alasdeangel.net

  • Bekleveer July 27, 2016 at 10:14 am

    I like your blog, its really dope.
    Do you want to follow each other?
    If you want, than follow me, and let me know in comments, so I can follow you back with pleasure.
    We can follow each other on Instagram @andjela.dujovic, let me know in the comments so I can follow you back.

    http://www.bekleveer.com
    xoxo

  • Andreea Birsan July 27, 2016 at 11:35 am

    Great tips! Will take notes for my future picnic. x

    Have a great day,
    Andreea
    http://couturezilla.com/

  • Rina July 27, 2016 at 4:00 pm

    Your picnic set-up is so cute! I actually wanted to put together a picnic last weekend but I didn’t have enough time to plan out the details. Now I can refer to your post for inspo when I have the chance to plan one! Loving your dress too! Perfect for picnics ,3

    xoxo Rina
    http://www.andshedressed.com

  • Jenn Hanft July 27, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    Love the scenery and your dress is stunning! Thanks for sharing such awesome tips for a picnic! I have yet to plan one for my boyfriend and I but this will definitely come in handy.

    XO Jenn
    http://www.jennsemble.com

  • Filipa Jackson July 27, 2016 at 6:58 pm

    Well I would most certainly attend one of your picnics! This looks fabulous!

    Filipa xxx
    PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram

  • diana July 27, 2016 at 8:05 pm

    what a wonderful way to have a picnic

    http://www.queenhorsfall.com/

  • Carmen July 27, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    That pie looks absolutely delectable. I’m pretty much drooling. Definitely looks like a perfect picnic with an incredible location! Cute bag too. :]

    // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

  • diana July 28, 2016 at 12:34 am

    Omg this picnic is on a whole over level to my ‘sit on my scarf and lets share a sandwich’ scenario! I guess if you’re doing it for a special occasion its nice to make an effort and your set up looks amazing you look lovely! i want a slice of that pie : ) xx
    http://sweatshirtsanddresses.com/zara-off-shoulder-top

  • Kelpa July 28, 2016 at 1:25 am

    Omg, this is amazing Girl. I wish we were friends so that we could go to picnics like this.
    Such a great Pictures and great tips dear. I have to make sure to remind myself of These tips when I go to picnic.
    Wish you a lovely day and can’t wait for the next postblog.

    With love,

    xx

    http://www.kelpasdiary.com

  • estrella July 28, 2016 at 12:17 pm

    I’ve never actually had a real picnic before but this looks so relaxing and fun. We will definitely have to explore the parks here in Italy and enjoy a nice panini underneath the sky.
    http://www.lacasabloga.com