A Perfect Picnic

The Perfect Spring Occasion: Have a Picnic

Organizing a picnic with friends is easy and fun. Discover our best tips and tricks for hosting the perfect picnic.

There’s nothing like sharing a small feast outdoors on a beautiful afternoon in good company – all it takes is a great location, a little preparation, and a friend or two or three, and you are on your way.

Here are some great tips for creating the perfect picnic.

Keep it simple

Minimize work with a simple menu of delicious food that is easy to carry, eat, and clean up. You will want to take advantage of seasonal ingredients and bring dishes that can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, like salads.

Plan to make many sharable, party-style dishes to prepare the night before and store in the refrigerator to pack just before you leave.

Dips and salads are easy to bring and share, and so are finger foods like sandwiches or wraps, fried chicken, and fresh fruit. Throw in a bottle of wine, a baguette or a loaf of artisanal bread, cheeses and sliced meats, potato salad, and cookies – whether homemade or picked up from the deli – and you’re almost there.

Be sure to offer vegetarian options and snack foods for nibbling throughout the day, like veggie sticks, chips, and dip.

You can also try to prepare dishes that taste good when served cold, like our Mushroom Quiche recipe.

A little prep work

Getting organized leaves you free to relax and enjoy the picnic. Aficionado picnickers keep picnic gear packed and ready to go, so all you need to do is bring a few tasty food items to nosh on. These items will help make your picnic an enjoyable one. 

• A waterproof blanket, tablecloth, or any other cover for eating on the ground
• A picnic basket
• Napkins, drinking glasses/cups, plates, and eating and serving utensils
• Plastic bags for trash and used utensils
• Condiments such as salt, pepper, mustard, ketchup, etc.
• Sunscreen and hat for protection
• Insect repellant and/or citronella candles

Enjoy!

Now that you know how to plan the perfect picnic, all you really need is the good ol’ outdoors, good food, and good company – and perhaps a glass of wine or two – and to have a great time!