Summer Picnic
I think we can all agree that getting outside is more important to our mental health now more than ever. Picnics are a great way to change up the everyday routine. I've compiled some tips and items you'll want, to host the perfect summer picnic.
We had about 7 different types of fruits. Which can quickly add up making a cheap picnic not so cheap. My fruit tip will save you money and time! Buy a fruit tray. The one I got was $11 and came with watermelon, cantelope, grapes, pineapple, and strawberries. And for a bonus I didn't have to do any of the work to cut it or have a ton of extra fruit that might go to waste.
Any type of fresh artisan bread looks beautiful and can make the perfect center piece.
Spread out some cheese and meat and you're ready to start making sandwiches! You can go as fancy or as basic as you'd like in this department. I went for some basic cheeses and love the way they looked.
Location: Getting to the location of this picnic was a labor of love. Usually I would highly recommend going somewhere with some sort of view like the beach, a lake, a mountaintop, gardens, etc. However, right now while things are closed you may be surprised to find out that your favorite view is not accessible. We originally planned to go to this viewpoint in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
We drove up only to find that it was closed off. Determined, we decided to check out Castle Rock State Park which was also closed. As a last resort in the area we headed towards Montalvo Arts Center to find that it was open, but was currently not allowing picnics. With a baby crying in the back we decided to just head towards a park right down the street from our apartment. So all that to say that you can have a beautiful picnic virtually anywhere. We set up under the same old tree that we always get shade under and yet it was still special. So go ahead find a view or keep it cozy and have one right in your backyard.
Food: Food is where I recommend splurging a little, but I've got some tips to cut the cost. First, think variety. You'll want different textures, colors, sizes, and shapes.
Another tip is to buy fruit you would normally buy and leave them unpeeled. If you or others want to eat one at the picnic peel it there. We had several keylimes and mango's so we sprinkled them out and instantly added color and size variation.
It also glams up an otherwise ordinary sandwich!
You can't go wrong with a colorful dessert or chocolate chip cookies. Unfortunately, bakery goods can also quickly make your picnic expensive. To save money, head to your kitchen and whip up some of your portable favorites. Easy + fullproof recipe's for my giant cookies, raspberry cheesecake in a jar, and crockpot thyme artisan bread are coming soon! The night, before I made the cheesecake and started on the bread which gave me time the day of to quickly get the rest ready.
These would have looked cuter with whipped cream, but I baked the extra dough for my cookies in muffin tins and voila a new dessert.
The nitty gritty:
There are some basics you won't want to forget. Condiments on your sandwich are a must, am I right? They aren't photo worthy, but don't forget to pack them along. I also recommend parking as close to your location as possibe
Also bring along plates, utensils, glasses, and knives to actually use with your meal.
Products: Staging doesn't have to be expensive and a few simple items can make a big impact. Here are some that I used + a few of my favorites.
These faux leather throw pillows from Amazon give the perfect touch of cozy.
I used this herringbone throw blanket to add texture, pattern, and color. My husband ordered me this large picnic blanket that I love for mother's day, but it didn't come in time for this picnic. Luckily, this wont be our last outdoor meal. The blanket is so beautiful and is actually meant to be for picnics so it's a better option if you plan on having several. Plus it is easy to pack and is waterproof and actually made for the outdoors. The Turkish hand towels were a mother's day gift that did come in time and were easy accents. The fruit serving trays were a HomeGoods find. These porcelain trays are really similar and will add the same effect. Marble cutting boards and charcuterie boards make a big impact. I bought my cutting board from HomeGoods. Here are a few boards I have on my wishlist from Amazon.
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