How to Host a Perfect Picnic

This 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. 

Cerulean 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.

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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.