A Guide To A Beautiful Summer Picnic
J. Crew Summer Straw Hat • Gap Dress • J. Crew Camden Embellished Sandals {similar here} • Nine Space x J. Crew Towel {also here} • A Sunny Afternoon Picnic Basket {similar here and another good option here} • Ray-Ban Aviators • Madewell Bien Fait Scarf
As I shared yesterday via instagram and twitter, we had our first summer picnic. I jump at any opportunity when we have good weather to eat outside. It's definitely more fun and the kids enjoy running around while I enjoy a good magazine or book. It's a win-win as it seems that I get more freedom when we have a picnic. Of course, there's always the look up and make sure they are within close vicinity and not getting in trouble, but I really love days like these and it's definitely a good way to build memories of our summers. I hope they cherish these memories when they get older.
It may take just a little bit of work to gather all you need for a picnic, but I find that it's so worth it.
Here are some of my tips for having an easy and beautiful summer picnic spread:
Location
Pick a fun location. In my case I go with kid-friendly places. An arboretum, a park, and the beach are always fun places.
Have a bag ready
I usually have my summer blankets/beach towels in a bag so when a summer picnic or beach trip is planned they are ready to pack in the car. I also make sure I have sunscreen in this bag for sun protection.
Hats
Pack hats for every member of the family. On this day, AJ chose to leave his in the car, but I tried.
Picnic Basket
I love a high quality picnic basket that will prove its worth on many, many trips. So this year I decided to invest in a high quality basket. I make sure to restock napkins, straws, utensils, and a trash bag after every outing so that on our next trip, I don't have to do this and all I need to do is pack the food and drinks. And I said trash bag. This makes it super easy and accessible for any trash you may accumulate.
Easy Snacks
Sandwiches, either homemade or from my favorite sandwich joint, Kozy Shack puddings, chips, homemade cookies, and fruit are always my go-to. They are super simple and all I do is throw them in my basket. I love using berry baskets as food containers for either cut-up fruit, cookies, chips, etc. They will make any snack appear way more chic. I also like to wrap our sandwiches in freezer paper and I'll use washi tape to secure the wrap.
Drinks
Water, coconut water during the summer, Izze Sparkling Juice, and occasionally I'll throw in an ice bucket and a bottle of champagne.
Cameras
Fujifilm Instax camera to capture moments, iPhone, and DSLR are all good choices. Pack them all to document the trip.
Books & Magazines
Picnics and beach trips always inspire me to read so I make sure to pack both.
Notebook & Pen
Fresh air always inspires me. Some of my best posts start forming in my head during outings so I make sure to document the ideas on paper.
Extra
Like I mentioned earlier I use berry baskets for everything and they will make any snack look trés chic. I also like to pack cloth napkins instead of paper and a wood board to cut up fruit, in this case watermelon. If you are celebrating a special occasion don't forget the champagne or a good summer rosé. Kate Spade makes a chic tote to haul your bottles.
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This post is sponsored by Kozy Shack. All expressions are my own. To help support me on this campaign, please click this link. Thank you!
Photography by Daniella Castaneda
Photo location: New Hanover County Arboretum
Styling by Sara Mueller
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