5 ESSENTIALS TO PLAN THE PERFECT SUMMER PICNIC.

Can we all agree that summer is one of the best seasons of the year? From warmer weather to backyard barbecues to beach trips and more. Summer is my favorite season of the year; I always look forward to traveling and spending quality time with my friends. However, summer 2020 will not be like any other. COVID-19 has changed the trajectory of our lives in many ways, including the social aspect. Confinement has become the new norm, as our front-line heroes work tirelessly to keep us safe. With the pandemic hot on our tails, social distancing is a must. As the restrictions are loosening up around the country, we are in serious need of fellowship. One of the activities we can enjoy this summer is picnicking. Picnics are a great way to commune with a few friends while observing social distance.

With the help of my good friend, we planned our 1st risk free picnic of the summer during Memorial Day weekend. We had such a blast, I decided to share my top picnic planning tips with you.

Find a spot that creates a vibe. The idea of a picnic is to spend quality time with your friends and make memories you won’t forget. The spot you choose is important because it creates that peaceful environment beforehand. I recommend choosing a park with lots of greenery or a green corner by a lake. There’s something calming about a scenic view with greenery. Look up parks or lakes in your city, and find one that speaks to your aesthetics.
An arrangement of flowers. Nothing screams summer like freshly cut flowers. No picnic is visually complete without flowers. To save money, pick up an arrangement of faux flowers at a dollar store near you. Flowers definitely add to the picnic aesthetic and allows you to create a vibe.
A light menu with an endless selection of cheese and fruits. Everyone is different and our taste buds vary. Certainly cater to your preference in food, but remember ‘rice and chicken stew’ isn’t a contender for a picnic. Grab strawberries, raisins, apple slices and cheese for your platter spread. You can’t go wrong with these fruits because it creates that colorful and dreamy spread we see on Pinterest. Plus, they are nutritious!
A woven basket is a must. Note that I didn’t say a picnic basket, as you do not need to transport your food in a picnic basket. Half the time, nothing fits in those puny baskets. However, you need a wooden or woven bit in your ‘must have’ items. Look for a basket on amazon if you don’t already have one. You’ll find one with a bit of character at an affordable price. In the past, I’ve always bought my baskets at thrift or vintage shops. In the midst of this pandemic, shopping online is the best way to keep everyone else safe.
Bring a textured blanket. I personally don’t fancy the classic gingham yarn-dyed or checkered fabric blanket, even though that is the go-to pattern for picnics. I created my own by mixing a white bed sheet with a dusty rose table cloth.

These items were both purchased on amazon at a relatively cheap price. I mixed the pattern to give it more texture. Plus, the grass is typically cooler, so you need a heavier material to keep warm.
These are the 5 essential things to have for a successful picnic outing. Nonetheless, I also recommend items like;

o   French baguette
o   Tomato and onion salad
o   Desert: cheese cake or chocolate cake
o   Polaroid camera to capture vintage memories
o   Straw hat and a pair of sun glasses
o   Card game of your liking
o   Socks (if you don’t fancy your feet on the grass)
o   Mini speaker to jam it out
o   Eating and serving utensils
o   Beverages in a mini cooler