From tried-and-true picnic basket food ideas that are portable and easy to store, to the ultimate spritz recipe that elevates the tired Aperol spritz, knowing what to pack for a picnic has never been easier. We’ve even included a few of our favorite picnic spots, plus restaurants and hotels that are going above and beyond when it comes to supplying epic baskets to go. Keep reading for how to have your best picnic ever.
How to Make a Picnic Table
“I always make sure to have a variety of food and drinks for everyone to enjoy, while keeping in mind what fruits and vegetables are in season by visiting local farmers markets for ingredients, “says James Beard award-winning chef, former Top Chef participant (and avid picnic-er), Karen Akunowicz. “Small bites are a must and for drinks I focus mainly on wines and light Aperitivo drinks for people to sip on.”
What to Pack For a Picnic
“With everyone being cooped up this winter, I think we’re all itching to connect with one another in different ways,” adds Akunowicz. “I’ve been on a bit of a nostalgia kick (as I think many of us have) and have loved playing old-school games like cornhole, bocce and Jenga when heading outside. It really puts everyone at ease and makes the experience more interactive.”
The Best Picnic Baskets & Gadgets
A few of Akunowicz’s faves for picnic basket must-haves: Food52’s Blue & White Stripe Picnic Basket is a classic that’s the perfect size to pack everything. $55, food52.com Never have to worry about spilling with this cute Sunnydaze Wine and Glass Holder Stake Set! $12, sunnydazedecor.com Aptly named Modern Picnic, this cute line of stylish lunch totes doubles as mini picnic baskets and they’re even insulated and vegan. $180-200, modernpicnic.com These reusable Stasher bags have become a live saver and it’s great that they’re dishwasher safe and come in different sizes. $40 for set of 3, surlatable.com I love the 22-piece dining set that comes with this West Elm Party Pack Picnic Basket and the leather details are stunning. $120, westelm.com I just came across this very chic Vinglacé Wine Chiller and it’s perfect for pre-batched cocktails too! $90, vinglace.com
The Best Types of Picnic Food
According to Akunowicz, the antipasti platter is synonymous with Italian-style picnic dining, I can’t imagine going on a picnic without one. Truth be told, I would eat this way for almost every meal, and it is a perfect pairing for aperitivo hour! And there is nothing better than warm, gooey, crispy cheese. Mozzarella in Carozza is basically grown-up mozzarella sticks or bread-less grilled cheese and pairing with a curried tomato sauce decidedly ups the ante. Andrea Correale, founder and president of Elegant Affairs—and personal caterer to celebs like Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey and Leonardo DiCaprio, relies on these go-to picnic basket food ideas to appease everyone’s taste palette:
Mason Jar Salad Shakers with Dressing DroppersPeanut Butter & Jelly Sushi RecipeStuffed Tomatoes with MozzarellaGrilled Zucchini or Jalapeño PoppersTea SandwichesRaspberry SpritzCorreale’s Melon Ball Skewers (honeydew melon, watermelon and cantaloupe scooped into ball shapes with a melon baller and studded with toothpicks)
What to Drink At a Picnic
“Picnics are the perfect Aperitivo occasion, so I recommend a refreshing, slow sipper that everyone can enjoy while hanging out together,” says Akunowicz. “I’ve been branching out and learning more about different amari and vermouths and one I’ve been playing around with is Martini & Rossi Fiero, a new vermouth that just became available in the states this year. It has this bright blended citrus, bittersweet orange flavor married with crisp white wines and has the most gorgeous color.” The Top Chef pairs it with tonic over ice—a super easy 50-50 serve—and it never gets boring.
The Best Picnic Spots
Akunowicz lives in Boston and is partial to the Public Garden for picnic goals, but her other favorite neighborhood spots are: Larz Anderson Park, Jamaica Pond and the Rose Kennedy Greenway, for those looking for something off the beaten path. “It’s just this tiny sliver of greenspace in the city, but so beautiful.” To lazy to pack your own picnic? More and more hotels and restaurants around the country are offering luxe picnic experiences to go, at a scenic spot near you: A Sunset Picnic on the Mansion Lawns in Newport, RI: Luxe linens, ambient extras, candlelight vibes—the wow factor is next level when it comes to Stoneacre Picnics’ over-the-top experiences in The City by the Sea: Newport, RI. They elevate everyday picnics and turn them into full-service, curated and catered affairs without you having to plan a detail…or do a dish. In fact, the only hard decision you have to make is where to have it. Choose from the Newport Polo Grounds, Fort Adams (for the best sunset in Newport), Rovensky Park (overlooking historic Bellevue Avenue mansions), Reject’s Beach (a locals only spot off the Cliff Walk) or one of the mansion lawns (like the Breakers or The Elms). There really is no other way to picnic than in front of these majestic mansions, now is there? For more information and to book, visit the Stoneacre Picnics website. A Spring Awakening Picnic at Four Seasons Hotel One Hotel Street in Boston, MA: Leave it to the Four Seasons to launch a program that celebrates, well, the seasons. Up first: Spring in the Town and Country, which includes a seasonal welcome amenity on arrival, picnic for two including a bottle of wine and personalized picnic menu, complimentary overnight valet parking and a curated Spring Insiders’ Guide designed to maximize exploring some unknown locations in the city and surrounding countryside. For more information and to book, visit the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street website. A Picnic in the Sand at Shutters on the Beachin Santa Monica, CA: Who wouldn’t want to attend a picnic that looks like this?! Beach picnic GOALS is an understatement. Shutters on the Beach is a seaside haven on one of Southern California’s most iconic beaches and their Beachside Bliss picnic experience might just be the best in Cali. Arrive to your posh blanket in the sand setup, ready to dive into Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Mediterranean Platters, Charcuterie with Cheese, Mini Lobster Rolls and more. For more information and to book, visit the Shutters on the Beach website. A Cowboy Cookout Picnic at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora, TX: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa takes picnics to a new level with their Texas take on the idyllic pastime with a private picnic offering. Take horseback ride across the resort’s sprawling 13,000 acres in Texas Hill Country and watch the sunset over the rolling hills while enjoying a curated picnic courtesy of the JL Bar culinary team and on-premise Sommelier. For more information and to book, visit the JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa website. A Cabana Picnic on Mermaid Beach at The Buccaneer in St. Croix: The Buccaneer, The Caribbean’s longest running family-owned resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands is the perfect venue for a romantic getaway. The resort offers an aptly named Romance Package that includes a gourmet picnic basket beach lunch, along with welcome prosecco and chocolate, couples bathrobes, a cabana rental and more. And if you’re visiting the resort with family or friends, both Mermaid Beach and Grotto Beach offer excellent picnic spots with unbeatable views. For more information and to book, visit the The Buccaneer website. A Classic Picnic at Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection in Austin, TX: Set on a 10-acre estate in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Austin, Commodore Perry Estate is the first hotel of this caliber in the city, and their picnic offering matches their one-of-a-kind spirit. Spread out with a chef-prepared picnic on Sundays on their sprawling lawn overlooking seasonal blooms and ornamental water fountains. From the gingham picnic blanket and Champagne on ice, to delectable bites prepared with fresh, local ingredients, no detail has been spared. For more information and to book, visit the Commodore Perry Estate website. A Wine Country Picnic at Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, CA: Nestled within a 33-acre hillside olive grove, the “Inn of the Sun” is the dreamiest setting for a picnic. You may think you’re in Southern France, by the breathtaking valley views, when you arrive to Auberge’s Tête-a-Tête in Le Jardin—a private dinner for two in one of the most romantic locations on property. Begin your evening with a champagne toast under twinkling lights before enjoying a gourmet meal, or opt for their more casual Picnic in the Parc option with a selection of French-inspired seasonal salads, fruit, charcuterie, cheese and house wines. For more information and to book, visit the Auberge du Soleil website. Up next, 15 fresh picnic salad recipes that are mess-free and delish!
