The Soubrette Brunette's Summer Picnic Essentials

Summer may be coming to a close, but there's still plenty of time for picnicking! As one of my favorite pastimes, picnics are always on my to-do list when the weather turns warm. (But they can be just as fun when the leaves are starting to turn!)

I mean, what's not to like? Getting to enjoy the great outdoors with your closest friends while noshing on delicious treats? If I could picnic all the time, I would! But what exactly should you bring on your picnic? I'm sharing some of my picnicking essentials in today's post to help you pack like a pro.

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PRACTICAL ITEMS

First things first: in order to pack a picnic, you'll need something to pack it in. Of course, you could use paper or cloth bags, but a picnic basket is much more fun. I was lucky enough to snag a couple of great picnic baskets this year – one is a novelty basket from Homegoods and the other was a vintage find. Although I tend to be drawn to picnic baskets that have undeniable visual appeal, the most important feature of your basket is how much room it offers. If there isn't enough space to feasibly hold the food and containers you plan to bring, keep looking. 

While you could easily spend almost $200 on a picnic basket (especially if it comes with plates, utensils, and napkins... all of which can take up valuable space), I'd personally recommend going with a more affordable option. I've included a few examples that I especially like below:

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Alternatively (or in addition to your basket), you could use a cooler. It's obviously a good idea if you're packing perishable foods that you won't be eating right away or want to make sure any beverages arrive chilled. It can also double as a tote or even as a garbage bag afterwards. Here are a few that I particularly enjoy:

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I tend to take care of the other logistics next before moving onto the fun stuff (e.g., the food). You'll need something to sit on during your outing – and sitting directly on the ground isn't an ideal choice. Naturally, you'll want to bring a big blanket along, too. I'm partial to something that provides a bit of heft and that will cover a large area, particularly if more than three people will be in attendance. Using multiple blankets can be a good strategy,  as well. If you want to make transporting everything a bit easier, you might consider getting a a picnic blanket with a sewn-on handle. No matter what kind of blanket you choose, make sure it's washable and that it isn't especially valuable. Here are a few options I think would work well:

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Whether you're picnicking in your backyard or a local park, you'll want to do what you can to be environmentally conscious. If you aren't sure there will be trash receptacles where you'll be picnicking, bring along a garbage bag or two with you (be sure to separate trash from any plastic or glass bottles). While plastic utensils and paper plates are convenient, aim to pack washable ones instead that you can reuse at a later time. As a bonus, cloth napkins and reusable cups can make the whole affair seem a bit more glamorous! If possible, pack your picnic items in Tupperware or Pyrex containers, rather than single use bags, to cut down on plastic waste.

A few of my other favorite must-haves include a Bluetooth speaker for music, some floor pillows, sun hats, lawn games... and your friends, of course!

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FOOD AND DRINK

The best part about planning a picnic, of course, is choosing the food you'll bring. I've covered the basics in the infographic below, but I'll go into a bit more detail here. In my opinion, the most important elements of a picnic include...

• Beverages: I'm partial to something bubbly, like sparkling juice or Perrier, but there aren't really any rules here. I'd recommend opting for a drink that's vaguely fruity and very fresh. I like to bring a couple of options so that attendees can sample more than one thing. If you're not a teetotaler like I am, a bottle of wine is probably traditional. Iced tea and lemonade are also great options, as are these flavored lemonades from Belvoir Fruit Farms. Just make sure to bring along a bottle opener and glasses (if the drinks aren't in individual bottles or cans).

• Fresh Produce: Picnics allow you to spend time out in nature, so what better way to enjoy the outdoors than to snack on what comes from the earth? We tend to go picnicking when many fruits and veggies are at their peak, so take advantage of what's in season and show it off. Strawberries, grapes, cherries, and plums all work well, as do watermelon, peaches, pears, and nectarines. Olives and cherry tomatoes are two of my go-tos, as well. Baby carrots, radishes, sugar snap peas, bell peppers, cornichons, and cucumbers are my top picks for vegetables. While you can certainly make a green or fruit salad to bring, I tend to prefer bite-sized morsels. These options tend to be versatile and will complement the other elements of your picnic with ease.

• Breads, Meats, and Cheeses: Sandwiches can be an excellent addition to your picnic hamper. Personally, I'd be partial to an egg, chicken, or tuna salad, though a Caprese or a roasted red pepper and arugula sandwich would be divine. However, there's no denying that preparing sandwiches for each guest will require quite a bit more work. As a result, I like to keep things a bit less formal and allow attendees to combine the elements however they'd like. For example, a sliced baguette or cracker medley with a few of different cheeses (may I suggest a Rustic Red cheddar, a Jarlsberg, and a softer cheese to spread like a Gournay or a Brie?) might be ideal, particularly when paired with some salami or prosciutto. If you don't eat meat but like this idea, some vegan jerky or vegan "cheddar"-flavored chips might be a viable alternative. A jam or fruit preserve can be a delectable element, too.

• Nuts and Desserts: I have a big sweet tooth, so none of my picnics are complete without dessert. I think the cookie is the ideal picnic treat, as they're extra portable and a real crowd-pleaser. But brownies and bars of any kind can also be delightful. Whatever you bring should be easy to transport and won't risk melting in the sun. I usually like to include some nuts, as well, like smokehouse roasted almonds, pistachios, honey roasted cashews, or candied pecans, which can be eaten throughout the meal to provide a bit of sweetness (or even spiciness) when needed. If you're looking for some nut-spiration, I'd definitely check out your local Trader Joe's to find some unique new flavors that will wow your guests.

I made a little infographic (which you can feel free to share, if you want) to cover all the essentials! I know a picnicking checklist isn't all that hard to remember, but I had fun making it. Are there any picnicking must-haves that I left out? Will you go on a picnic before summer's officially over?

Have a terrific Tuesday!