Entertaining

7 Steps to the Perfect Summer Picnic

posted on July 13, 2016 | by Amanda Holstein

7 Steps to the Perfect Summer Picnic

There’s nothing better to do on a warm, summer day than have a picnic in the park. The sun’s out, the wine is flowing, and I can never get enough cheese & bread. After spending many afternoons and weekends picnicking outside, I think I’ve nailed down the seven steps to putting together the perfect summer picnic.

1. Blanket

First, you need a good picnic blanket. One that’s large enough to accommodate multiple people and food (or you can just layer two blankets). I also find that choosing a thicker blanket is best because it’s sturdier and protects from the wet grass. I love this striped one I recently got for just $24 (although it is on the thinner side).

summer picnic with striped blanket at Crissy Field

2. Serving Platters

I never used to bring any sort of platters with me to the park, but if you have ones that are light enough, I highly recommend it. Not only do they make your setup look prettier, but they’re really functional too.

Target serving platters and cheese boards for summer picnic

3. Paper Plates, Napkins & Flatware

I never knew paper plates could be so pretty! I love these fun printed ones from Harlow & Grey. Even the wooden forks & knives are adorable. They’re easy to transport to a picnic and definitely brighten up the setup!

Harlow & Grey pretty paper plates for summer picnicsummer picnic with striped blanket, Seven Daughters wine, cheese, and bread

4. Bread

Next, you’re going to need a loaf (or two) of fresh bread. It’s the basis of good picnic, right?

summer picnic with striped blanket, Seven Daughters wine, cheese, and bread

5. Cheese (LOTS OF CHEESE)

You can’t eat bread without cheese, so I recommend getting 2-3 kinds of cheeses to put out on one of your platters. Lay some of the wooden knives out so people can serve themselves.

cheese platter on striped blanket for summer picnic

6. Fruit

For a refreshing snack, I always like to bring tons of fruit to my picnic. Since cherries are in season, those are definitely on my list. Choose fruit that’s easy to snack on like berries.

bowl of cherries on striped blanket for summer picnic

7. Wine

You know I love my Seven Daughters Wine, and I’m so pumped that they recently came out with these Moscato Cans! They’re SO so useful, especially for a summer picnic or even a day on the beach. The cans are easily portable and the perfect size for tossing in your bag. Plus, that Moscato is super refreshing! (Find out where to snag some here.)

summer picnic with striped blanket, Seven Daughters wine, cheese, and breadpicnic basket with all the essentials for summer picnic at Crissy Fieldsummer picnic with striped blanket, Seven Daughters wine, cheese, and breadsummer picnic with striped blanket, Seven Daughters wine, cheese, and bread

// Thank you Seven Daughters Wine for sponsoring this post. And thank you for supporting the brands who support this blog!