Summer Picnics

How to Host an Elevated Summer Picnic 

Picnics have existed since at least the 1700s as a way for people to gather with friends, share in conversation, and dine outdoors. And since their inception, wine has been an essential component of any good picnic. 

Picnics during Rousseau’s day would often include music and dancing, and in the early 1800s London’s ‘Pic Nic Society’ required members to bring 6 bottles of wine each.

Our picnics now often look a little less refined (and less boozy) than many of those celebrated in art and literature. But still many of us have fond memories of picnics replete with gingham tablecloths, plastic cutlery, egg salad sandwiches, and, of course ants.

Those picnics were and are special in their own way, a glorious way to get outdoors and experience summer.

But grown-up picnics need not look like the spreads of our youth. This summer, host a lavish, adult picnic, trading the plastic for real silverware and the sweating sodas for a crisp glass of rosé.

We’re sharing our top tips for creating an elegant, fun picnic with you today.

The Picnic by Antonio Garcia Mencia

Pick your blanket

For an adult picnic there are a number of ways that you can elevate your picnic blanket to make it look more refined – and feel more comfortable – for you and your guests.

There are durable, waterproof picnic blankets that you can buy online (like this 100% wool one from Wolf & Badger) that are perfect for any outdoor spread. However, if you don’t want to buy something new, simply put a shower curtain or tarp down under your picnic blanket to keep yourself from getting wet or dirty and to protect your nice blanket.

You can also bring cushions to sit on to make yourselves more comfortable and make the scene more festive.

Or consider using a colorful rug instead of a picnic blanket for a sophisticated touch that’s a departure from the stereotypical picnic. And if you don’t want to eat off the ground, you can place your blanket on recycled wood pallets – these do double duty because they’re eco-friendly and they add an interesting visual element to your picnic.

Create ambiance

It doesn’t take much to heighten the mood at your picnic. Some fresh-picked flowers, candles in votives, or even large palm fronds or fruit bowls will set the scene for an exquisite summer affair.

You can also choose decorations that are theme-specific. Lilies and irises are the perfect accompaniment to a French spread, while driftwood and seashells create a beachy vibe.

Lay out place settings

Bringing real glasses, cutlery, and plates as well as elegant servers will instantly make your dining companions feel like they’re at an event rather than just plopping down on a blanket somewhere – and they’re eco-friendly, which is always a plus. 

Try mixing and matching unique thrift store finds to create an eclectic picnic set that won’t damage the tableware you use at home.

Placemats and cloth napkins are another easy way to make your picnic feel fancier.

Of course, you can also use disposable place settings if you need to, but be sure to pick out ones that look chic – and go for biodegradable plates and cutlery if you can, because nothing is sexier than being green.

...And a cute (and practical) drink setup

The ideal afternoon picnic involves hours spent catching up with old friends over refreshing drinks and light, fresh food.

To that end, a nice chilled white wine or rosé is essential for any picnic. Bring an insulated wine holder (or three) to keep your bottles nice and cool, and opt for these tasting glasses from CB2 or another stemless option unless you’ve got a steady surface to rest your drinks on.

You can also get a cute wine holder like this one from Uncommon Goods for stemware and bottles.

Picnic En La Ribera Del Manzanares (Picnic on the Banks of the Manzanares) by Francisco de Goya

Choose a main course

The main event at a picnic is, of course, the food...and the drink. Finger-friendly, minimally messy foods will help facilitate a stress-free meal that everyone enjoys.

Charcuterie boards are all the rage right now, and you can make yours summery and picnic-perfect by including seasonal stone fruits and berries as well as vegetables like radishes and cucumbers on your plate in addition to classics like olives, a mix of hard and spreadable cheeses, crackers and crusty bread, and nuts. 

Pick up your produce from the farmer’s market to support local farmers while getting fresh, organically farmed produce. You’ll fall in love with the depth of flavor, and plus you’ll be getting more nutrients than you would from conventional produce.

On your cheese plate, swap out soft brie for a slightly firmer tomme de savoie or reblochon that will hold up better in the summer sun. Creamy morbier adds visual interest to any cheese plate, and we’ve been enjoying the nutty flavor of comté lately, as well. 

If you have vegans at your picnic, include Violife’s parmesan or one of the aged artisanal varieties from Treeline Cheese.

If charcuterie boards aren’t your style, serve up some sultry salads, hors d’oeuvres, or sides to keep your guests happy. We love a summer lentil salad with crisp veggies, preserved lemon, dill, and a sprinkling of good Greek feta. 

Grilled asparagus spears or veggie kebabs are also perfect side dishes even when chilled, and this ice water salad from Bon Appetit is a crowd-pleaser that also travels well.

Picnic by Fernando Botero

Don’t forget drinks

Food is important for a picnic, of course, but we all know that drinks matter just as much when it comes to creating a memorable summer event.

For a sophisticated atmosphere, pass up the fruity rosé for a chillable Austrian red, or a crisp Loire Valley white. Another great option, a pét-nat is au courant and easy to pair with just about anything.

Wine cocktails like this elderflower rosé spritzer from Modern Glam are also a huge hit at any party. 

No matter what lovely libation you choose, we always recommend Pure Natural wines in small batches from organic family farms made without sugar, additives, or excessive intervention – so you can fully enjoy an hours-long picnic.

After all – isn’t that what it’s all about?