Entertaining

How-To: Spectacular Park Picnic

Picnics are the best.

But the problem with picnics is that once you’re on one, you’re sort of…stuck. You’re all set up with a big blanket and lots and lots of stuff, you’re theoretically in the middle of a large expanse of grass or sand or some other convenience store-free locale…and if you forgot anything…

well…

too bad.

Below, my best tips on how to make your next picnic delicious, guava-flavored-wine-soaked, and generally a blast.

Dogs, first and foremost.

Also:

– A bigger-than-you-think-you’ll-need blanket (the more room you have to spread out, the better). Bonus points if your blanket is bright and adorable, like this one from Target.

– Lots of bottled water

– Extra cups, plates and napkins

– Plastic utensils, if you’re serving anything that can’t be eaten with your hands

– Trash bags

– Moist towelettes or wipes (especially if dogs and/or children are involved)

– Cooler with ice packs

– Something to read or do in the downtime (I think picnics are a perfect moment for a) frisbee and b) US Weekly)

– An awesome wine tote for your awesome sangria (or awesome boxed wine)

BRIE & APPLE SANDWICH

1. Layer Brie (shoot for the best quality you can afford and load it on) and thinly sliced green apple on a baguette. You can also add a few slices of turkey, if you like.

2. Drizzle with a little honey or honey mustard.

WATERMELON, TOMATO & BASIL SALAD (Remember to bring plastic utensils)

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups watermelon chunks, 2 sliced tomatoes (1 red, 1 yellow is pretty), 1/3 cup crumbled feta, and a big handful of roughly chopped basil. Toss with olive oil and sea salt.

MIXED BERRIES

CHIPS (Pack them in air-filled resealable bags to prevent crushing)

SOMETHING CHOCOLATE THAT WILL NOT MELT (I like banana-chocolate bread pudding from a store, but cookies work, too)

GUAVA SANGRIA

In a large pitcher, combine 1 bottle relatively cheap, preferably vaguely sparkly white wine (I use Vinho Verde, about $6.99 and even cheaper at Trader Joe’s), 3/4 cup guava juice, 3/4 cup orange juice, 1 thinly sliced lemon, 1 thinly sliced lime, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp lime zest, and let sit overnight in refrigerator.

Just before serving, add a bunch of sliced strawberries and a splash of club soda (if desired) to each serving. Garnish with a lemon wheel or halved strawberry.

A few things to remember…

– If all the ice in the cooler has melted when you get home, the leftovers probably aren’t safe to save and re-serve

– Use multipurpose utensils (sporks!) to save space

– Extra munchies are always welcome: throw some fun additions like mixed nuts, olives, brownies, or mixed veggies with dip into your picnic basket

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