6 Tips for the Perfect Summer Picnic

Before the end of the summer, a scenic picnic is always necessary. I have really fond memories of packing up a picnic basket as a child to go see the horses at the nearby farm. I remember very distinctly the picnic basket my mom used to use – it had four settings, each one a different color.  My favorite was the pink one, of course. It was so much fun to spread out on a blanket in the grass and just be there as a family together. Picnics are surely a summer tradition, and it just wouldn’t be quite right to not take in the beautiful scenery all around us this time of year! Last weekend, I packed up my new picnic basket and turkish towel (which I love), and we headed to a park in the Berkshires to enjoy the afternoon. You may have seen the sneak peek I posted on Instagram here!

Scroll down for my 6 tips for the perfect picnic and to download my summer picnic packing checklist!

There are a handful of things you’ll want to do to ensure you have everything you need for the perfect picnic.

One // Easy to eat foods
We opted for a baguette with cheese and a fig spread, as well as some fresh fruit. These were great options for sharing and didn’t require too many utensils. We just tore off pieces of the baguette, so all we needed was a knife for the cheese. The great thing about the bowl of cherries, was that the pits and stems were easily discarded in the woods, which made cleanup a lot easier and less messy. Other great options to pack are pre-made sandwiches or snacks, such as chips and salsa.

Two // The right beverages
A little bit of bubbly or rosé surely will elevate your picnic a notch. What could be more enjoyable than taking in the views with a glass of your favorite adult beverage in hand? Besides, how can you have bread and cheese without a bit of wine – it is just the French way (don’t forget a corkscrew!). Just keep in mind that we are in the middle of the summer, so it is beyond important to stay hydrated. Grab a bottle of water, sparkling or regular, to toss in your picnic basket before heading out the door. You’ll be glad you did.

Three // Moist wipes/towelettes 
Hand sanitizer is great for cleanliness before you eat, but what about messy hands after? We had a very delicious fig spread, that of course ended up making my hands a little bit sticky. Plus, cherries are a very vibrant red, and the juice can stain hands as well. You’ll definitely want napkins for while you eat, but I highly recommend grabbing some moist hand wipes to wipe of sticky and messy hands after eating. These wipes come in travel packs and are great for on-the-go.

Four // Easily washable blanket
I recently picked up a Turkish towel from Amazon, and I love it! I wanted to see what all the hype was about, and I have to say that it made the perfect picnic blanket! It’s pretty thick, but still lightweight enough to easily shake out all the breadcrumbs, fold up to put back in the basket, and then toss in the washing machine after. Some picnic blankets are really thick and heavy, which make them difficult for some washing machines to handle, but the Turkish towel was so easy.

Five // Check the weather
You might be able to tell from some of the photos, but the sky was looking a little ominous. The weather was forecasting rain later that day, but not until the late evening. Since we had the free time, I was determined to have our picnic anyway. Luckily, the car was just steps away in case we needed to make a run for it. You’ll also want to make sure your picnic day isn’t too hot either – or at least make sure you can find a shady spot to set up. There is nothing worse than braving the sweltering sun without any protection.

Six // Bug spray
This is arguably the most important tip on this list! For some reason, I get eaten alive – wherever I go. The mosquitos are just attracted to me (even when I skip lotions or perfumes or anything that might attract them more). We learned about these insect repellent bracelets during our last visit to Antigua in April, and they seemed to help a lot. Whatever you do, you’ll want to make sure you have some way to ward of those pesky pests, so you can actually enjoy your food and your company!

If you thought these tips were helpful, click the button below to download my free checklist printable for packing up your perfect summer picnic!

Click Here to Download

^Everyone said these sunglasses were way too big for me, and maybe they are, but I wanted to wear them anyway! 🙂

Dress: English Factory | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Hat: Sole Society | Bag: Botkier | Shoes: J.Crew (similar here) | Picnic Basket: Amazon | Blanket: Turkish Towel | Lipstick: Nars in Claudia 

Will you be having a picnic this summer? If so, were these tips helpful for you?
xo -L