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SPRING PICNIC
As the days get longer, everyone is itching
to get outside.
Instead of hosting a lunch or
dinner party at home, take the
party outside
and plan a spring picnic. Picnics provide a laid-back
and relaxed setting and can be tailored for any occasion, be it a
romantic picnic for two, a fun family outing or a gourmet spread for your foodie friends.
PICNIC-PLANNING BASICS
Location, Location, Location
A picnic is all about the setting, so start your picnic planning by picking a great location. Picnic venue options include a local park, rooftop, backyard, beach, mountain ridge, meadow, garden, hillside or pond. Choose a private spot for an intimate picnic or a more open area for families and larger groups so you have room for frolicking or tossing a Frisbee around.
Gearing Up
Planning a good picnic involves packing the proper gear for the occasion. Some basics to include are: blankets, cups, utensils, a sharp knife, a beer/wine bottle opener, sturdy plates, a cutting board, napkins, ice, a cooler or insulated bag, hand wipes, garbage bags, sunblock and bug spray. If picnicking earlier in the season, bring a tarp or an extra blanket since the grass might still be wet.
Brunch Cocktails
Use a flat-topped cooler as a “table” for your food by draping a casual tablecloth over the top of the cooler. By placing food on top of the cooler, you’ll free up space on your blanket.
Stay Hydrated
Be sure to pack plenty of water, which you can jazz up with slices of lemon or lime. Sparkling water, iced tea (especially flavored), lemonade, wine and light beer are great beverage options for a picnic. Be sure to transfer alcoholic beverages into plastic cups if you’re picnicking in a public area—getting a ticket for an open container is no fun.
Hip Tips
Pack your picnic goods in a backpack or canvas tote bag instead of a cumbersome picnic basket.
Prewrap utensils in napkins and secure with a rubber band or ribbon to make passing out sets a snap.
Bring fabric napkins for a more-formal feel.
MENU
Any food that can be prepared in advance, easily transported and served at room temperature is a good bet for a picnic. A sample picnic menu is listed below, but you can vary your menu based on the type of picnic you’re making. Simplify a picnic for two by making one salad dish and dessert, and supplementing with cheese, cured meats, spreads and bread for dipping. Make a heartier picnic for a family by packing some sandwich favorites, too. A brunch picnic could include bagels, cream cheese, lox, sliced tomatoes, pastries, fruit salad, fresh juice and coffee.
Spring Picnic Menu
Spring quinoa salad with asparagus and feta*
Hummus* and fresh veggies, such as radishes, snap peas, cucumbers and carrots
Assorted cheeses, such as brie, fontina and aged gouda
Cured meats, such as sopressata, salami or prosciutto
Fruit spread or jam
Baguette, crackers and/or pita bread
Lemon squares or brownies*
Fresh fruit, such as cherries or grapes
Hip Tips
Serve fig jam, quince paste or another sweet spread along with cheese for an amazing and unexpected flavor combination.
Freeze plastic bottles of water to use as ice packs for any items that need to stay cold, then drink the bottles of water after they thaw.
Pack lemon squares or brownies in a plastic container and separate layers with pieces of parchment paper for a fresh-from-the-bakery look.
*Recipes available at www.hiphostessblog.com.
Ilana Eck is an attorney by day and the Hip Hostess by night. She writes a food and entertaining blog, www.hiphostessblog.com, offering recipes, tips and ideas for hosting with style. Ilana lives in New York City with her husband, Etienne, and doesn’t let her small space stop her from entertaining at home.
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