Summertime is in full-blown swing. But here in Atlanta, the weather has been hitting 95 degrees, the sweat is constant and poolside days are a must.
One of the things Atlantans love to do is hit up Piedmont Park. It’s a huge green space in the city full of trails, dog parks and even soccer fields. It’s a must stop when you’re in Atlanta for a little outdoor fun. Lots of people bring a picnic to enjoy with friends on a lazy weekend here and it’s a solid summer idea if you ask me.
I am determined to make this a thing this summer with friends to get us out of our usual routine of eating out and spending money. To get inspired, I’m sharing my must haves on how to have the perfect picnic from essential recipes and what to pack like a cute blanket and picnic basket.
The Perfect Picnic Basket
First of all, let’s start things off with a clear no brainer, a perfect basket. I think this is almost half the fun of a picnic is finding a cute one to tote all your goodies in. There’s something so laid back and casual about a picnic basket and I think they’re just so charming.
Image via 100 Layer Cake
Simple Summer Cocktails And Beverages
Forget bringing a fancy cocktail or a ton of beer. Pack a few bottles of your favorite champagne to pop open with your friends. It’s a no fuss way to booze it up.
Plus, who doesn’t like champagne? Bring some fresh strawberries to chow down on and garnish your glasses with. It’s a great way to spruce up this simple drink with little to no effort. Pack easy plastic champagne flutes so you don’t run the risk of broken glass. Plus, they look way nicer than a red solo cup.
Photo via Prosecco and Plaid
A Big Picnic Blanket
The great thing about a picnic is you only really need a big oversized blanket to create the perfect space for friends to gather. It helps to make it a little cozy and sets a defined area for your friends to hang out. Personally, I love this one from ModCloth I shared in this post since it has a super easy strap and buckle situation that makes it easy to carry.
Photo by JNelly
SHOP PICNIC BLANKETS
Make Your Serving Dishes Work Double Time
While menu planning for your picnic, it’s great to incorporate easy items that can be eaten with your hands like yummy sandwiches. But when you want to bring side dishes (or even dessert!) I think it’s always ideal to have your serve-ware work double time. Make individual salads in mason jars to easily grab for your guests.
For desserts, think individual banana puddings (my personal favorite) for the perfect summer dessert that you can grab and eat without any fuss. I also have this really easy no bake key lime pie recipe that is destined for a mason jar. Plus, this way you’re not messing up a big serving spoon and bowl on top of everything else you’ve packed.
Photo via
FUN FLATWARE
Because the less mess you take home the better, right?. Buying easy and fun flatware is a great way to make picnics a little easier and less stressful. Either paint your own with a little acrylic paint and simple bamboo flatware, or you can find some super fun ones like these hamburger ones.
Photo via The Sweetest Occasion
