It’s National Picnic Day, babes, and you know I love any reason to throw a themed event! Although picnics may look a little different this year, there is no reason you shouldn’t celebrate – after all, we all need things like these to keep us busy and entertained.
So, grab your S.O’s or your roommates and get ready to picnic in style tonight!
The Set Up
First, pick the area of your home in which you’ll have your picnic at – a few suggestions are, the front porch, your backyard or even your living room! Keep in mind that you’ll want a comfortable area (free of bugs) to sit in while you eat.
Here are a few household items you can use for your set up:
- A blanket or tablecloth
- Throw pillows or ottomans
- Shipping boxes or crate boxes covered with another blanket/table cloth in case you want to set up a little table
- A basket
- Candles
- Charger plates
- A cheese board
- Wine glasses (I recommend plastic ones if you’ll be doing it outdoors)
- Cutlery
- Napkins
- Ice bucket
The Food
If you’re the Martha Stewart of the group, and you feel like cooking tonight – make something that will be easy to eat while sitting on the ground. A few ideas are: cheese boards, paninis, salads, a mezze platter, bruschetta, skewers, and dips!
I suggest you make this an extra special occasion and order food from one of your favorite local restaurants,
- If you’re in Houston, local PR Agency Public Content has banded together with over 20 restaurants who created special menus and recipes for you to picnic from your porch. The participating restaurants are Adair Kitchen, Betsys at Evelyn’s Park, Bistro Provence, Brasserie du Parc, Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co., Camerata at Paulie’s, Goode Company, La Lucha , Kenny & Ziggy’s, Mendocino Farms, Mutiny Wine Room, Ouisie’s Table , Paulie’s, Picnic on the Green at Kuhl – Linscomb, Postino, Prego, Rainbow Lodge, Superica, Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen , TRIBUTE at The Houstonian, and Verandah Progressive Indian Restaurant .
- If you’re in NOLA, order take out from one of your favorite restaurants! A few babes xo favorites are: Blue Giant, Saffron, Commander’s Palace, Picnic Provisions & Whiskey, St James Cheese Company, Barracuda, Pigeon Catering & Martin’s Wine Cellar.
The Drinks
Don’t forget about the drinks! Of course you can just buy a bottle of wine or two, but why not make some cocktails? Check out these recipes that’ll make for some fabulous picnic cocktails,
La Lucha Rita Picante
“Taking the spicy margarita to the next level with Crystal Hot Sauce.”
Serves One
2 oz – Tequila Reposado
0.25 oz – Lime
0.5 oz – Lemon
0.5 oz – Honey Syrup (2:1 Honey:Water ratio)
Generous bar spoon – Crystal Hot Sauce
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Pour into rocks glass (unstrained) that has been painted with pepper honey. Dehydrated lime garnish.
**You can use any hot sauce here.
Ouisie’s Table Strawberry Basil Martini
Serves One
2 basil leaves / 2 strawberries, muddled
together (plus extra for garnish)
2 oz – Grey Goose Citron
3 oz – Lemon juice
1 oz – Cranberry juice
Preparation: Place all the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake thoroughly. Add 1⁄2 oz simple syrup and shake again. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a basil leaf and strawberry slice.
Verandah’s Floradola Cocktail
Serves one
1 1/2 oz. Bombay Sapphire gin
1/2 oz. Fresh lime juice
1 oz. Raspberry juice
Ginger Ale
Preparation: Pour the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake thoroughly. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with crushed ice. Top with the Ginger Ale. Garnish with a paper umbrella or fresh raspberries.
Now you’ve got yourself a #StayAtHomePicnic, babes. Enjoy!
xo,