How to Plan the Perfect Picnic

Summer is the perfect season for sharing a flavorful picnic with friends and family in a park, on a campground, or in your own backyard. Maximize the fun and minimize the stress by following this easy picnic guide. From helpful foodie tips to the ease of finding the perfect picnic gift basket, we’ve got you covered.

Bring Shareable Picnic Food

First things first: the food. Keep it easy with finger-foods and shareable snacks that everyone will love. Say goodbye to forks and knives and bring on those tasty tapas, sandwiches, pre-cut cheese and fruit, and adorable single-serving sweets like mini pies and dessert cups.

Skip Serving Trays

Add pre-portioned salads served in mason jars for an effortless appetizer with minimal mess. They’re a convenient addition to any picnic spread and easy to transport. Customize the ingredients to include your favorite fruits and veggies, or take a tip from this recipe that’s filled with juicy strawberries and blueberries for an extra-summery salad.

Drinks That Cool You Off

Lemonade is a classic summertime beverage, and adding different ingredients, like lavender, puts a refreshing spin on this sweet refreshment. Check out this inventive recipe for lavender lemonade. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

If you’re looking for a more adult version, then just add your favorite alcoholic spirit to this summertime lemonade.

For more of a tart hit to the palate, go for strawberries and lemonade. This recipe pairs the perfect amount of sweetness with a zing of tartness. Don’t forget to drop in a few frozen berries as ice cubes to help cool off. It’s definitely Pinterest-worthy.

All-In-One Picnic Gift Basket

Looking for a complete solution to your picnic preparedness problems? Try one of our picnic gift baskets, complete with the perfect picnic treats to make sure your afternoon outing is a hit.

The Wine Picnic Gift Set includes an insulated cooler and comes with glasses, a bottle opener, a wine cork, a cheese knife, a cheese board, napkins, and one bottle each of Harry & David™ 2012 Tempranillo and Harry & David™ 2013 Chardonnay. Cheers to a great time!

The Sunshine Picnic Basket features an assortment of gourmet snacks, perfect for picnics and lunches in the park. In addition to our remarkably juicy Royal Verano Pears, we’re offering a range of picnic-pleasers, like white cheddar cheese, hickory-smoked summer sausage, peanut butter pretzels, sweet raspberry galettes, and more. Packaged in a collectible picnic-ready tin, this gift will help you make any occasion a special one. Don’t forget to pack it with a 2013 Chardonnay.

You can picnic across town or in your own backyard. Just make sure it’s appetizing, relaxing, and easy to prepare.