The days are longer and warmer and I couldn’t have been more excited to eat outside on the dock last week.
Sitting on the dock, listening to the water and the birds, sipping on drinks and eating good food with my favorite people. The perfect way to end the day.
The first thing you will need to do is get a basket with handles. This doesn’t need to be a picnic basket, just something large enough to carry all your things to your picnic spot.
I like to pack un breakable glasses, bowls, and plates, as well as plastic silverware.
Instead of a heavy bulky blanket, I like to use oversized scarves. They are lightweight, compact, and are the perfect size for a picnic blanket.
For the food, I like to have them in mason jars with lids. They are easy to transport and won’t spill, and you can easily put the leftovers right back into your fridge. I also like that they are clear and you can see right through to what you are eating.
Now, let’s talk about food!
Here’s how I keep it simple and stress free.
I visit my deli counter at the grocery store and load up. Ha! That is my big secret! Of course if you’d like to make something homemade, by all means, go for it!
But you can find such delicious beautiful salads and such already made for you! Just transfer them over to mason jars for a pretty picnic.
I also like to go to World Market for packaged foods such as desserts and chips and snacks.
Southwestern corn salad, cubed cheese, pistachio nuts, chicken skewers, and fruit salad.
And always add in fresh flowers!
I cut these lilacs on the way down to the beach. I didn’t even bother to put them in water, I just tossed them on the blanket for a colorful and fragrant “centerpiece”
When you are all finished with your picnic, simply place everything back in your basket to transport back home.
Bring a bluetooth speaker if you’d like a little ambient music, and you are good to go! Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
This is such a pretty spot for a picnic! How amazing to live right there and enjoy that view every day. I love the lilac just casually placed in the middle, it all looks so lovely and relaxed. Perfect date night!!
Melaine, love the fresh flower idea…and how cool that you can just pick them outside!! Thanks for joining us.
What a gorgeous post! Love the pop of color from the lilacs (one of my favorite flowers!) Now if it would just get nice here in New York!!!!
Melanie you have indeed made the perfect picnic! I love the idea of scarves instead of blankets, although I will admit that I have a huge collection of vintage tartan blankets. And the cute little mason jars are a fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing!
I love how authentic this is with the lilacs just plucked from bushes on the way to the beach. It's so beautiful and the dock is the perfect spot for a picnic!
Melanie You made this look easy and yet so pretty. Love your ideas like using the scarves and just laying the flowers out. It's all in the presentation and some yummy food right? I love your setting too! Fun doing this with you all. I always love all your ideas here. x Kim
Melaine It was auto-corrected!! xo
Such great advice using scarves, a giant basket and serving all in mason jars. I am taking notes!! I agree all picnics should be kept simple. Thanks so much for joining us. We always enjoy having you!
Such great advice using scarves, a giant basket and serving all in mason jars. I am taking notes!! I agree all picnics should be kept simple. Thanks so much for joining us. We always enjoy having you!