5 Tips for Planning a Dreamy Picnic
When May hits, my friends and family and I start plotting all of the opportunities to dine outside, oversized blankets and sparkling sangrias in hand. Picnicking is an awesome way to soak up the summer, reconnect, and "cheers" somewhere new and unexpected. My favourite part about picnics - everything tastes better when perched on a blanket in the grass! Here are a few of my tips to make your next picnic a stellar one: Bring a cozy, chic blanket.Β Set the tone for al fresco escapades with a big, beautiful picnic blanket or towel. I'm partial to the spa-worthy Turkish towel trend, but you can also go super colourful and fun in the name of summer. Stray and WanderΒ makes gorgeous tasseledΒ blankets, and I've also been eyeing a few from the Canadian brandΒ Tofino Towel Company. Prep a picnic-ready salad.Β The key here is to bring something flavour-packed, and delicious at room temperature. My years of picnickingΒ has taught me a grain salad holds up very well, and ideal for making the night ahead. Celebrate seasonal produce with a quinoa or cracked wheat salad filled with fresh basil, ripe cherry tomatoes and feta. I love this Cauliflower TabboulehΒ salad, and can't wait to try out this summeryΒ Tomato Feta Pasta SaladΒ by Ina Garten.Β Stock up on Dips, crackers & snacks. Whats a picnic if there isn't something to nibble on?Β Maryβs Crackers are super crunchy and come in a variety of flavours now. I love to pair them with the Canadian cashew-dip brand Spreadβem Kitchen Chive Garlic Dip. Chips are a must in my house, I lean towardsΒ Covered Bridge Potato ChipsΒ for the ultimate kettle crunch.Β Icy BeveragesΒ are key. NothingΒ hydrates and satisfies like a frosty iced tea.Β My picnic favourite is definitely theΒ Iced Rose Hibiscus Tea Refresher. You can serve it with sparkling rosΓ© or with fresh berries or mint. For something creamy, you could make ahead theΒ Iced Golden Mylk Latte,Β orΒ cold-brew any Lake & Oak Tea.Β Keep it Eco. It's easy to end up with a lot of trash and packaging after a picnic. Remember to leave your spot as you found it (or better!) To minimize waste, try making your own snacks, dips and drinks and bringing them in reusable containers. I love using my Joco cupΒ for everything from iced teas to smoothies on the go.Β