As I have mentioned before, I am the princess of picnics…the queen of all that is frou-frou…the diva of dining outside. My picnic baskets stand ready at attention for our next outing. I’ll let you in on a little secret, though….it’s actually quite easy! You really don’t even have to cook, or at least cook much. All you need is a little imagination and the ability to think outside the box…to deliver the unexpected.
To have a great picnic, you should:
- Ditch the cooler and grab a basket (or bring a small cooler with the basket-I have a cooler for drinks that I also use as a table as it has a completely flat top and an outside ledge).
- Use a colorful tablecloth on the ground (I use the same one for all my picnics).
- Bring candles.
- Use cloth napkins and glass wine glasses (I wrap the napkins around the glasses for protection).
- Bring small portions of yummy dips, spreads or cheeses — Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods have an excellent selection of hummus, tapenades, salsas and soft cheese spreads as well as olives, stuffed grape leaves, etc.
- Provide slices of sausage, salami, or other meats.
- Sneak in a deck of playing cards (a Frisbee or Bocce Ball set are also excellent choices).
- A cheese board and cheese knife make the table seem extra special.
- Choose a decadent but unexpected dessert — mini European chocolate bars, chocolate covered strawberries, brownies, homemade cookies with marshmallow cream dip.
- Bring a bottle of sparkling water.
- And of course, a bottle of your favorite wine or champagne!! (I bring specialty root beers and bottled organic colas for the kids).
Picnics are easy, fun, and create wonderful summertime memories!! Dig out that picnic basket — find those cloth napkins you never use — look for an outdoor concert or just go to the park on a Saturday morning. You’ll be glad you did!!
Be sure to visit Becky’s blog, The Divorced Diva’s Guide to Survival.
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