Bubbly & Bites: Planning a Picnic with Style
Summertime is Picnic Season!
Summertime = picnic season. And let’s be real—who doesn’t love an excuse to grab a blanket, some snacks, and head outside for a little sunshine and socializing?
A picnic is more than just lunch outdoors—it’s a portable party. Whether it’s in a park, your backyard, the beach, or even a countryside escape, a perfectly planned picnic is a vibe. From stylish set-up to delicious bites, here’s how to plan a picnic that’s equal parts relaxed and fabulous.
Who doesn’t love a fabulous picnic! It’s a great way to spend time with friends and a reason to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors.
What is a picnic? As if you didn’t know, a picnic is just a portable party in the park, the backyard, the country-side, camp-grounds or on the beach with a basket of tasty delights, cold thirst-quenchers and a lil’ something sweet.
What’s not to love about dining al fresco? Whether your outing is for two or 20, we have rustled up a few tips to get you started. So check your calendar and start planning a picnic with style!
Pick the Perfect Location
Start by choosing a spot that sets the tone. Parks are classic—especially ones with live music, movies in the park, or open-air theater (hello, Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston!). Look for:
- Shady spots for hot days
- Nearby restrooms
- Flat areas to set up your spread
- Parking close to your picnic area (save yourself the heavy lifting)
Bonus tip: Check the local event calendar and plan your picnic around a free concert or performance. Instant ambiance!
The park is the most commonplace for a picnic. Try and schedule your picnic when there is something going on like a concert in the park or theater under the stars. Make sure your location has the amenities you need to accommodate your picnickers, such as, where are the restroom facilities located, and how far is it to the picnic area from the car. These are just a few things to keep in mind when planning.
STEP 2 – Get the Word Out
Send a Fun Invite
Want to make it feel like a real event? Send a digital invite! Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a birthday bash for 12, tools like Evite or Paperless Post offer free, stylish templates. A festive invite sets the tone and gives your guests all the deets in one place.
Plan a Fresh, Fuss-Free Menu
Think easy, portable, and no heating required. Stick with foods that taste great at room temperature:
- Pasta salads with vinaigrette or light dressings
- Skewers with grilled shrimp, chicken, or veggies
- Wraps and sandwiches (tie them with twine for a cute touch)
- Seasonal fruits—grapes, melon, berries
- Sweet treats like cookies, brownies, or watermelon pops (slice & skewer!)
Avoid mayo-based dishes unless you have a cooler on hand, and prep as much as you can the night before.
Shop + Prep Like a Pro
Create a checklist of everything you’ll need, and prep for style and function:
- Use clear cups with lids for individual salads or snacks
- Wrap sandwiches in parchment paper and secure with string
- Bring a thermos of iced tea, lemonade, or mocktails
- Don’t forget napkins, utensils, cutting knives, and a bottle opener
Prep ahead and pack smart—you’ll thank yourself later.
Dine with Style
Say goodbye to flimsy paper plates. Instead, opt for:
- Reusable, colorful plastic dinnerware (eco-friendly and cute)
- Mason jars for drinks or desserts
- Cloth napkins for a luxe touch
- A bin or tote for dirty dishes
Choose dishes that match your menu and bring a serving tray or board to anchor the food setup. It is also an eco-friendly way to cut down on waste and they are reusable.
Don’t Forget the Extras
It’s the little things that make a picnic stress-free and fabulous:
- Baby wipes or hand sanitizer
- Garbage bags for clean-up
- Bug spray + sunscreen
- Ziploc bags or take-out containers for leftovers
- Salt, pepper, and any condiments you love
Having a mini “just in case” kit on hand will keep the vibe light and the focus on fun.
Relax + Enjoy
You’ve done the planning—now it’s time to kick off your shoes and enjoy! Find a comfy spot, set up your blanket, and soak in the sunshine, music, laughter, or simply the stillness.
Pro tip: Bring a Bluetooth speaker and your favorite playlist for bonus ambiance.
This post was a partnership with Evite. I was compensated by Evite for my time in developing this post. All opinions are my own.
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