Sip, Savor, and Socialize in Style
Step up your entertainment game with an elevated picnic to enjoy with friends and family. Adding some of these small touches will both impress your guests and create a memorable experience.
Start by picking a beautiful location, if you opt for a vineyard or park, make sure they allow picnics. You can also set up a gorgeous spread in your backyard! I look for a location with picnic tables, shade, and an open area for kids to play.
If you’re going out of your way to set up a picnic, why not make it “Instagramable?” My top tip for an elevated experience is to bring linen and a runner. And while you’re at it, throw in linen napkins, not only are they great for the environment, but they’re also fancy! If there isn’t a picnic table, bring a thick blanket and some cushions for comfort. The colors and fabric textures you select for the items above will help you achieve your desired vibe.
Foccaccia Sliders
Next up, let’s tackle the food. Say it with me, “focaccia sliders!” These mini sandwiches are an easy and tasty experience. Pick up a loaf of focaccia from your local bakery. I recommend Rosemary Sea Salt Focaccia from Black Market Bakers. You can customize the sliders however you like; they are beautiful and quick to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf focaccia
- ½ cup pesto
- 8 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces prosciutto
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Slice your focaccia loaf lengthwise in half and toast it in the oven if you like.
- Spread the pesto on both halves. On
one half, lay out your mozzarella, followed by prosciutto, and season with salt and pepper to taste. - Place the other half of the bread on top of your stack and cut it into slider-size sandwiches.
- Pin the sliders together with a
toothpick.
Veggie Board
You also can’t go wrong with a veggie board. Have fun with how you arrange your platter and include things you’d be excited to try. Maybe you switch out the French onion dip for tzatziki or swap the hummus for an olive tapenade. The key to an elevated munchies board is garnish! Grab some fresh dill or rosemary, some Marcona almonds or dried fruit. Your guests will be excited to see what’s in store.
For libations, it’s great to bring a couple of options, like a chilled sauvignon blanc and rosé, local IPA or lager, or a pitcher of mojitos! Be sure to include a non-alcoholic option; check out the easy mocktail recipe below.
Watermelon Feta Skewers
Watermelon screams summertime fun! To dress this humble fruit up, try Watermelon Feta skewers. They are perfectly sweet and salty, and the kids will love them too!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon, diced
- 8 ounces feta block, diced
- Mint leaves and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- On a cocktail skewer, alternate watermelon and feta. I like to start and finish with watermelon.
- Top with torn mint leaves and wedges of lime for garnish.
Iced Tea Fizz
Ingredients:
- 6 cups sweet iced tea
- 2 cans lemon seltzer
- Wedges of lemon and mint for garnish
Instructions:
- Simply combine your iced tea and seltzer in a pitcher.
- Add lemon wedges or rounds and mint for garnish. Bonus points for a cute paper straw!
Finally, nothing elevates an outing quite like flowers. This may seem “extra,” but it sets the tone and shows the effort you put into this event. Have fun with it and enjoy!
Bonus tip: Bring a heavy-duty trash bag and one for recycling to make cleaning up a breeze.
