Essentials for the Perfect Picnic: Elevated Options for Your Traditional Outdoor Gathering

There’s something magical about dining al fresco-sun on your skin, grass beneath your feet, and a table made of nature. A picnic invites us to slow down, savour and connect with great company. This will help you decided on the best food and essentials for a romantic date, a family afternoon or a girl’s day in the park. Picnicking is hip and a stylish way to embrace summer.

Below, is the curation of everything you need for a perfect picnic; flavourful fare, pretty decor, mocktail ideas and those little touches that turn an outdoor lunch into a special memory

1. The Traditional PicNic Staple: Sandwiches That Steal the Show

Elevate your picnic game with handhelds that are anything but basic. These sandwich options travel well but are impressive.

Viral Chicken Sandwich

Creamy, tangy, and packed with crunch – this TikTok-famous chicken salad has earned a spot in the basket.

Classic Muffuletta

This sandwich has been made out of one big old sourdough so not only is it delicious, it also looks pretty fancy wrapped in a pretty tea towel and tied together with some simple string. The Muffuletta sandwich is a layered New Orleans-style sandwich filled with cured meats, cheeses and briny olive salad.

Lemon Tarragon Shrimp Wraps

Light and elegant, these shrimp wraps feel picnic fancy but are still easy to pack and taste divine.

2. Fresh and Flavourful Salads

Make-ahead salads that add crunch and color are a must but how to pack, transport and serve without ending up with a soggy, hard to eat option. Try these and consider individual mason jars for easy serving.

Grinder Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is perfect for a picnic because you don’t have to worry about packing the dressing separately. It’s just going to get better as it melds with all the flavours. The Grindr Pasta Salad is loaded with deli meats, peppers, cheese and a creamy Italian dressing. Bold in flavour.

Apple Bourbon Coleslaw

Another salad that is sturdy enough to spend some time with its dressing. Crisp apples meet a tangy and sweet bourbon Dijon dressing. It’s crunchy and refreshing but a grown up version.

Salad Skewers

These are visually fun and so easy and fun to eat. Perfect for a picnic or a party. Choose your favourite!

• Caprese: Mini tomatoes, basil, boccocini, balsamic drizzle
• Greek: Feta, mini tomatoes, chunk of cucumber, thin slice of red onion folded over, kalamata olive, drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice and course salt, sprinkle of oregano
• BLT: Slices of bacon, baby tomatoes, baguette slice, romaine lettuce, a container of ranch dip for plunge right before eating
• Antipasto – artichokes, cherry tomates, slices of deli meats, roasted red peppers, mozzarella chunk, drizzle of Italian dressing

3. Mocktails in a Jar

Sipping something pretty makes your picnic feel more celebratory. These no booze options are refreshing and photogenic. The mason jars make them easy; add some pretty straws or edible flower garnishes right before serving them to bake them bougie.

Blush Lemonade Fizz

4. Sweet Treats

A pinnic seams like the most obvious place to have an extra sweet or two at then end of your meal. However let’s keep dessert easy to serve, eat and love. These treats pack well and are worth having one of each.

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie

There’s a reason tradition stands the test of time. A good old fashioned chocolate chip cookie is a favourite and easy to pack.

Banana Pudding in a Jar

Layers of banana, cream and vanilla cream cookies with whipped topping are served in jars. Southern charm in a jar. If you have time add a pretty ribbon around them or attach a sweet message with string.

Peach Hand Pies with a Bourbon Browned Butter Glaze

Tarts are also a beautiful little bite to end your alfresco dining.

5. Pretty and Practical Essentials

Set the scene with these thoughtful touches that make your picnic feel styled and serene.

• A soft, oversized blanket or throw – choose one in gingham, flora, or muted linen tones.
• Table cloth – consider brining a small table cloth to lay the food on if your blanket isn’t big enough for everyone to sit on.
• Sun protection: a large scalloped umbrella, parasols, or wide brim hats
• Hand fans or misting bottles – these are a welcomed detail if the weather is uncomfortably warm.
• Picnic basket for aesthetics and a cooler bag to make sure your perishables are fresh
• Linen napkins – tie with with some string or a ribbon. It takes hardly any time but adds an elegant touch
• Bluetooth speaker – music will set the mood and maybe even encourage some spontaneous dancing.
• Wipes and hand sanitizer – consider a wet washcloth in a plastic bag or some wipes.
• Games: a deck of cards or bocce can turn your picnic into an entire afternoon of fun.

Extra Must Haves

Things you’ll need but maybe aren’t so fun or pretty

• Bug spray (you can make your won handmade one in a glass spritzer if you’re really committed to fancy)
• Garbage bag: you’ll appreciate when you get home how much easier clean up is by starting the process during your picnic.
• Serving Utensils: We often forget about how we’re going to get the food onto our guests plates.
• CAMERA/CELL PHONE/POLAROID CAMERA: capture some of these special outdoor memories.

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