How to Plan: A Fancy Picnic
One of my favorite things to do in the warm weather is to hosts picnics. Yes, that might be a steamy endeavor in the actual swamp land that is Washington, D.C., but that doesn’t really stop me. Over the last few years, I’ve gathered friends together to host a variety of picnics during the warm months. My goal numbers seems to be going down, in 2016 it was nine, and this year it’s three, but that’s also because each picnic has gotten a little more extravagant. This year I even won a picnic design competition at Hillwood House. That was picnic number two, so I’ve got one more to go.
Since I enjoy hosting picnics so much, I thought I'd share with you how to host your own fancy picnic.
1. Location, Location, Location
What’s most important for your perfect picnic spot is that good thick and comfy grass, and a spot that has shade and sunlight to accommodate your most fickle guest. Bring blankets, and throw pillows, if you have them, make it super comfy and classy. Your picnic spot should be a place where you could lounge at for a few hours comfortably.
2. Pull Out the China!
It’s amazing how quickly an upgrade from disposables to real plates, glasses, and cutlery can take your picnic from frail to fabulous. It’s also more sustainable! If you’re like me and you don’t want to ruin your nice dinnerware, stop by your local Goodwill or thrift shop to pick up a few items. It’s cheap, and you can use it for another gathering or picnic. I use the same set coupe glasses over and over again since set of six only cost me $4 if they break I’ll be sad, but not heartbroken.
3. F.O.O.D.
You're right, it's not like me to list food as low as number three. I like to keep fancy picnic menus nice and light. While the classic picnic fare of chips and sandwiches is delicious, it can be a bit heavy which is often no fun in the heat. Consider serving fresh salads, grilled chicken, fresh fruit and the like.
4. Tunes
For me, music is always key for setting your environment. I’ve created a few playlists for you to try out depending on what you’re creating – chill afternoon, romantic classical, and summer happiness.
Final Touches
Now that you’ve got the basic elements down, here are some tips to help you set up your awesome picnic.
High & Low
At most picnics when you’re on the ground, everything is flat. Consider getting a box, or a short Tupperware bin to provide a little elevation. I like this because it can also serve as your box that you carry your picnic stuff in.
Table Linens
You’re bringing real china, so you might as well bring cloth napkins! I like the napkins at World Market because they’re affordable and easy to clean. If you decide you want to create a color scheme it’s easy to use one of their colors to match up with your look.
Family-style
I love serving food and picnics family-style with all of the food in the middle and everyone eating around it. Something about everyone talking and reaching over each other while we share food makes me happy.
And there you have it! The key to your perfect fancy picnic, I can’t wait to see you make it your own. Use the tag #fancypicnic on Instagram so I can see how yours turned out!
Final Touches
Now that you’ve got the basic elements down, here are some tips to help you set up your awesome picnic.
High & Low
At most picnics when you’re on the ground, everything is flat. Consider getting a box, or a short Tupperware bin to provide a little elevation. I like this because it can also serve as your box that you carry your picnic stuff in.
Table Linens
You’re bringing real china, so you might as well bring cloth napkins! I like the napkins at World Market because they’re affordable and easy to clean. If you decide you want to create a color scheme it’s easy to use one of their colors to match up with your look.
Family-style
I love serving food and picnics family-style with all of the food in the middle and everyone eating around it. Something about everyone talking and reaching over each other while we share food makes me happy.
And there you have it! The key to your perfect fancy picnic, I can’t wait to see you make it your own. Use the tag #fancypicnic on Instagram so I can see how yours turned out!