Despite everything you may have been taught, food doesn't have to be the main focus of your luxury picnic gathering. Nor does it need to be super complicated. Can you go all out? Absolutely, but please don't feel pressured to do so when you're trying to prepare your own spread. In fact, the simpler you keep things the more you'll enjoy the experience. At least that's how we see it. Then again, we are lovers of finger foods and we're all about that stress free life. To keep things easy hit up your favorite grocery and use our shopping list:
- 3 cheese varieties sliced, cubed or spreadable (1 aged, 1 soft and 1 firm)
- 3 dried meats (your favorite salami, prosciutto or summer sausage)
- your favorite cracker and a French baguette (pre-sliced)
- green/black olives, peppers, pickles, tomatoes, carrots, smoked nuts
- hot pepper jelly, jam or honey
- dried apricots, berries, grapes or pre-cut seasonal fruit (pears, apples, watermelon, mango, etc.)
- pasta or green salad
- something sweet (brownies, cupcakes, pie or whatever suits your fancy)
While having a simple picnic menu means less work in the kitchen for you, it doesn't have to mean your meal is boring. To keep things interesting we recommend:
- mixing tried & true favorites with new-to-you food options for your taste buds to explore
- displaying your food on a funky serving tray or laying things on Kraft paper for a rustic approach
- adding something totally unexpected to your menu
If charcuterie doesn't float your boat try sandwiches, salads or your favorite takeout. Good food is important, but at the end of the picnic - it's the people for us.
Photo by Jessica Ruscello