5 Tips for the Perfect Picnic | Lifestyle & Paris Travels

5 Steps to Prepare the Perfect Picnic

I get so excited to pack a picnic basket! Something about setting everything up in the grass with a pretty view, soaking in the sunshine and then devouring a delicious spread just gets me every time.

I’ve set up a few different picnics over the years including a Picnic in the Poppies, a garden party, and a few others under the hashtag #LauraLilyPicnics. So today I wanted to share 5 steps on how to prepare the perfect picnic! These are tips you can use on an actual picnic blanket with friends or a significant other. You can also apply these tips to the next party you host!

Get inspired. I save photos of picnics, food spreads that I love and then recreate them with my own spin. Here are a few photos to inspire you on Instagram: #LauraLilyPicnics
Make a List. I make both a grocery and a prop list. They look like this:

Groceries for your Perfect Picnic:

cheeses: brie, parmesan, cheddar
crackers (variety pack)
fruit: grapes, strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, cantaloupe
bread
spreads: honey, jam
nuts (salted variety mix)
prosciutto, salami,
beverages: champagne, wine, juice, water, sparkling water
cookies, pastries, pie, cake
pasta salad, sandwiches

The Perfect Picnic Props:

picnic blanket (love this one)
picnic basket (love this one here and here)
serving dishes (love this cheese board with knives and this pineapple cutting board)
glassware
flowers, bubbles, Polaroid camera
hat, umbrella, sunglasses

3. Invest in a picnic basket. I was traveling in France at the time these photos were taken so my beloved picnic basket didn’t actually come with me. Instead, I used my Streamline Luggage carryon case.

4. Bring a Cooler. A cooler will help keep everything cold and fresh. I also purchased this rolling cooler last year to make lugging my supplies back and forth much easier. Amazon has a ton of great options here.

5. Display, Display, Display. It’s all about the presentation. We literally had people stop and watch us set up this picnic. Yes, it was too pretty to eat, but we ate it anyway! Take the time to set everything out in a pretty arrangement. It will “wow” your guests and makes devouring everything that much more fun.

You can see all of my picnics on Instagram with the hashtag #LauraLilyPicnics

Thank you for reading and happy picnicking!

xoxo,
Laura