Posts Labeled ‘picnic’

September 23rd, 2011

Happy First Day of Fall!

Today is the first day of Autumn. While I am sad the summer flew by, I am so excited for Fall. The leaves turn, the weather gets crisp, and it is a sign the holiday season is not far behind. I also love Fall because it is a fun time to entertain. Here are some reasons to celebrate this season:

  • Football is here! Whether it’s your alma mater playing in a college conference or your favorite NFL team is on Monday Night Football, it’s great to get friends together to watch teams battle it out on the gridiron. Football parties do not need to be fancy — casual is better — which it all the more easy to pull something together.
  • Fall picnics. Pack a picnic basket and cooler with your favorite snacks and drive to the country for an afternoon. Many wineries allow the public to picnic on their property which can be a beautiful backdrop as you snack and sip.
  • Thanksgiving. Turkey. Pumpkin pie. Hot apple cider. Can it get better than that? It’s fun to set a formal table, break out the china, and put together a special feast. We’ll talk more about that as November approaches.

 

There is so much to celebrate this Fall, so don’t let the season fly by without stopping to spend quality time with friends and family!

June 30th, 2011

Celebrate Independence Day with a Patriotic Picnic

If you plan on watching fireworks for the Fourth of July, why not pack a picnic to enjoy while waiting for the festivities to begin?  Here are some travel-friendly picnic essentials that will help make it a fun outdoor event.

This handy insulated picnic cooler tote from World Market features melamine plates, stainless steel silverware, cotton napkins acrylic wine glasses, a corkscrew, and room for a bottle of wine or other beverage.

Picnic Cooler Tote from World Market


Need some easy recipes for your picnic?  Food & Wine and Paula Deen share their favorite recipes for sandwiches, sides, salads, drinks, and desserts from which you can mix and match to create your own menu.

Indian Pulled-Chicken Sandwiches

Paula Deen's Broccoli Coleslaw

Chocolate-Oatmeal Carmelitas

Paula Deen's Watermelon Cooler

 

Pass the time with Bohnanza, an entertaining card game about buying, selling, and trading beans.  Or, bring along some corn hole for a playful diversion.

Happy Independence Day!

August 31st, 2010

Customizing Cloth Napkins

Do-it-Yourself Customized Napkins

I spotted these napkins yesterday in Food Network’s magazine and loved them so much that I immediately looked to see where similar ones could be purchased. I was excited to read, instead, that these customized napkins can be made at home in three easy steps:

1) Create a message or image on your computer.

2) Use your home printer to print the image on iron-on transfer paper (found at craft stores).

3) Iron the labels onto fabric, towels, or napkins.

Now you can whip up some clever napkins just in time for your Labor Day picnic!

May 31st, 2010

A Picnic in Paris

My husband and I recently returned from a wonderful trip to Paris. He extended a business trip into a vacation and we were able to “unplug” from the world for a few days in an amazing city. What a blessing!

Tops on my itinerary was to hit the organic market at Boulevard Raspail in the 6th Arrondissement. I had read a review of it by Ina Garten and knew I needed to check it out.

We decided to go to the market late morning and pick up some items for a picnic in nearby Jardin du Luxembourg. I salivated over the amazing bread, produce, cheese, and butcher stands. There is something about the freshness of the ingredients in France that doesn’t seem to compare to the U.S. (though we are certainly beginning to hold our own here).

We picked up an amazing baguette, some goat cheese, fresh strawberries, and some jus du pomme and headed to the park. We set up a little picnic on a bench with a lovely view, including active Parisians playing tennis, practicing tai chi, and learning martial arts moves. Just another Sunday in Paris!

Parisian picnic

I had packed some picnic essentials from home — knives, forks, napkins, cups… — so we were able to have a lovely meal and relax in the park for a while.

Summer picnics are one of my favorite things to do when the weather is nice. It doesn’t take much to create a little feast to enjoy on sunny day with friends: a blanket, some victuals, a few beverages and voila! Al fresco dining!

A great place in DC to picnic is at Wolf Trap. What could be better than reclining in the grass on a breezy summer evening listening to great music?! Here are some ideas for setting up a great picnic at Wolf Trap this summer.

Bon Appetit!

May 22nd, 2009

The Ultimate Date Night Picnic at Wolf Trap

One of my all-time favorite things to do in DC in the summer is enjoy a concert on the lawn at Wolf Trap. Warm summer air + good friends + great entertainment + delicious picnic food = a fabulously festive time.

There’s really no better date spot in the summer than Wolf Trap. So whether it is a first date, “date night” with your spouse, or even just a time to hang out with friends, create the perfect evening by putting together the ultimate picnic ensemble.

Wolf Trap kicks off its summer season tonight, so what better time to share some tips on creating a super-chic picnic?

Start with the blanket — quite literally the foundation of any good picnic experience.

I adore Yumi & Laurie Blanquettes. They are 100% organic cotton and super plush — great for cozy-ing up!

Furano Blanquette from Yumi & Laurie

Furano Blanquette from Yumi & Laurie

If you are looking to impress with a custom blanket, check out this do-it-yourself version from Design*Sponge. The vinyl is a smart way to make sure you stay dry if the ground is at all wet.

Do-it-Yourself Blanket from Design*Sponge

Do-it-Yourself Blanket from Design*Sponge

Then, set the table…

I bought this table in a bag for my father a couple of years ago for going to the beach. It makes eating a picnic meal so much more convenient.

Crate & Barrel table in a bag

Crate & Barrel table in a bag

Reusable plates, flatware, and cloth napkins are not only a must, but are eco-friendly. Here are a few fun options:

Aren't these Warhol quote plates from CB2 totally fun?

Aren't these Warhol quote plates from CB2 totally fun?

Bamboo Flatware from Crate & Barrel

Bamboo Flatware from Crate & Barrel

Organic Cotton Napkin Set available at Bambeco

Organic Cotton Napkin Set available at Bambeco

Don’t forget the bubbly for toasting to a great evening.

The Veuve Clicquot Ice Jacket will keep your bubbly cold.

The Veuve Clicquot Ice Jacket will keep your bubbly cold.

Polycarbonate champagne flutes from Nautical Luxuries

Polycarbonate champagne flutes from Nautical Luxuries

Pack it all up.

I love so many of the products from Picnic Time. This insulated cooler on wheels is perfect for packing all of your picnic food and items.

Picnic Time's Metro Kart

Picnic Time's Metro Kart