It’s finally starting to feel like summer, which means we can enjoy a lot more time outside in the sun. One of my favorite things to do on a nice day is pop open a cold bottle of rose (or sauv blanc), sit outside, listen to the birds chirp and simply just… do nothing; relax! It is for those exact reasons that I love going on picnic dates with Sabir and Ghost. I personally think picnic dates are so much fun and a lot more intimate. Once you have all of the essentials, you can literally pick up and go whenever you want. Our favorite places to go at the moment are Paradise Springs Winery and Burke Lake Park. Hopefully you find a few of these tips helpful when planning your next summer date!
plan ahead
There is nothing more frustrating than running around from store to store on the day that you’re supposed to enjoy a relaxing picnic. Make sure you pack everything ahead of time so that if there is something you forgot to get, you have some time to stop at the store. Planning ahead also includes choosing a location. I have suggested a few places towards the bottom of the post but definitely recommend doing some due diligence before heading out the door.
picnic essentials
Picnic Blanket
This one is pretty self-explanatory. One thing to note, if you live in more of a humid climate, then I would consider getting a water-resistant blanket. The last thing you want is to end up on a wet blanket. Not fun.
Table in a Bag
I personally think this is crucial. Having your food on a table, rather than the ground, decreases the chances of bugs getting into your food (ew). The table we got from Crate and Barrel is super portable and easy to assemble. It fits into a small bag that looks like a lawn chair bag.
Cooler
No need to get fancy here but make sure you get a cooler that is big enough to hold everything you need. My suggestion is to also get one that has an extra compartment where you can store your plates, utensils, and cups! We found a great one at CVS for like $25 and it’s also a backpack, so very easy to carry! I couldn’t find the exact one we have, but I found a similar style plus a few others on Amazon and linked it below.
Outdoor Tabletop
I suggest getting acrylic wine glasses (or cups) and plates. They are super inexpensive and you can use them every time you picnic or go to the beach! I personally don’t think there should be a need for cutlery when planning your picnic because you should have finger foods.
Wine / Beer Opener
Self explanatory; don’t forget it!
Card Games
Definitely pack a few card games. Some of our favorites are UNO, Monopoly Deal and Phase 10.
Small Portable Speaker
There’s something about playing “beach music” on a hot day that feels so relaxing haha. If you don’t have a portable speaker, then your phone will definitely work!
Trash Bag
We normally use the grocery bag that we pack our non-perishables in as a trash bag. Any snacks that we have left will get packed away in the cooler.
if you're bringing your pup...
Before you make the decision whether or not to bring your dog, make sure you check the weather to ensure they won’t overheat. If the place you are going to does not have a shady area to sit under, then you prob should not bring your dog. Remember, they have a thick layer of fur so if you’re hot…then they are EXTREMELY hot! We will usually bring Ghost with us if the weather is cooler than 78 degrees.
Water & Bowl
Don’t forget to pack your pup water as well! It is very important that they stay hydrated.
30 Ft. Dog Tie Out Cable w/ Stake
If you’re dog cannot handle being off-leash, it is worth investing in a tie out cable with stake! Ghost loves it because he isn’t restricted by a short leash and he is free to roam as he pleases (up to 30 ft. haha). Just make sure you place the stake far out enough so that your dog doesn’t clothes-line your whole picnic (almost happened to us)!
Treats
Bring treats as well so they can have something to snack on with you!
planning your menu
Tbh, when I was first planning what we should take to our picnic, I was so stressed out (what’s new). I wanted to make everything from scratch; vegan chicken salad, brownie hummus…the list goes on. It was just starting to become a bigger deal than it was. So I decided to scratch that idea and make my way to Whole Foods.
Take it from me, go to Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s or your local market and get a fresh sandwich from there. You can always make them yourself, but personally.. I’d rather just pick up a few sandwiches while I’m getting the other snacks haha. Plus, they always say sandwiches always taste better when someone else makes it 😉 At least that’s what I tell myself.
Keep it simple and try to stick to finger foods and drinks. Here are a few ideas:
Fruit
Cheese and Crackers
Chips and Dip
Hummus and Veggies
Pretzels
Fresh Sandwiches or Wraps
Banana Bread
Chocolate Bar
Cookies
Flavored Sparkling Water
Wine / Prosecco / Beer
my grocery list
Rainier Cherries
TTLA Fresh Sandwich from Whole Foods (vegan BLT)
Sriracha Sunrise Hippeas Chips
Trader Joe’s Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus
Carrot Sticks
Icelandic Mint Chocolate Bar
1 bottle of Strawberry Sparkling Water
1 bottle of Prosecco
pick a location
Location is extremely important! Although it may seem romantic planning a picnic by a lake or river on a hot day, I would avoid those at all cost. The mosquitoes, flies, bugs…just way too much to deal with when you’re trying to eat, drink and relax. A few of our favorite places are:
Wineries
Call ahead and make sure they allow outside food. Just remember, most of the time you cannot bring outside alcohol, you have to buy it there.
National Parks
Again, double check on the park’s website that they allow outside food and pets. Most parks do but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Open Field
Sometimes the best place to have a picnic is in an open field! We have one right behind our apartment so it’s convenient and we don’t have to worry about food / pet restrictions.
Giveaway Closed
I wanted to thank you all for your love and support, it truly means the world to me. Every comment, subscription, and mention of my blog lights me up and inspires me to keep going. To show my appreciation, I am giving away a set (4) of my absolute favorite wine glasses from Crate and Barrel to one lucky subscriber! To enter, you must complete the below:
- Subscribe to www.IsabelxMarie.com mailing list (You can subscribe at the end of this page in the ‘Get in the Know’ section or on the home page. If you are already subscribed, you do not need to sign up again)
- Leave a comment on this post telling me what you are most excited for this upcoming summer now that places are starting to open up.
- Bonus Entry: Follow me on Instagram & be sure to leave your Insta handle in your comment below!
[Disclaimer: You must be over the age of 21 and reside in the US. The giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Crate and Barrel. Just wanted to give back to this little community we’ve built!]
I can’t wait to go to Puerto Rico with you 🙃
It can’t come soon enough!
Love your blog. You are an amazing person. (Cousin Lilly)
Thank you so much cousin Lilly :)!
I can’t wait to actually be able to go to pools and pool bars! 😝
omg same 🥂 memorial day is right around the corner 👀
I am excited for warm weather! ☀️
Yes girl, me too!!
Really instructive and good body structure of content material, now that’s user friendly (:.
Nothing like class.
Bravo!!!