BY CHELSEE ADAMS AND SUSIE ANDERSON, LIFESTYLE BLOGGERS, WE ARE NOT MARTHA

With the warm weather approaching, so too are thoughts of spending as much time possible outdoors constantly lingering in our minds. Here, we’ve compiled some of our favorite tips to have a hassle-free picnic whether in the city, at the beach, in the ‘burbs, or wherever your picnic basket leads you. At this rate, you’ll want to pack up the basket and take a picnic every week!
[Editor’s note: Check out our Picnic Time Boutique for all the right accoutrements!]

The scene:

• When selecting a location, think about what you’re trying to accomplish and what best suits your guests. For a nice breeze at night, try the beach. A quiet spot in the city? Do some research on your state’s website to find parks in your area that are less traveled. Picnic plans ruined due to summer rain? Host the picnic on your deck if you have one, or toss a blanket down in your living room and have an indoor picnic! 
  
• Always remember the basics: a machine-washable blanket or comforter, reusable containers for food with lids that fit and transport well, a small trashbag for any food scraps, silverware, and of course, the perfect picnic basket.
• Pack reusable plates made of lightweight materials such as melamine or bamboo. When it comes to transporting your picnic basket, the lighter the goodies inside, the better.
• Try cloth napkins instead of paper. Not only are you being environmentally conscious but it will add a nice touch of fancy to your setup.
• For some good laughs and a little extra fun, bring travel board games. Perfection, Pictionary, or Trivial Pursuit, anyone?
• After lugging your picnic basket to your final destination you’ll probably want to clean your hands, so bring a small bottle of antibacterial gel to use before dining.
• Don’t forget the bug spray and, if allowed, citronella candles to keep the pesky mosquitoes away! 

The spread:

• Perhaps pick a theme or a region of the world and focus on that particular cuisine. Sometimes it’s easier to plan a menu if everyone brings items that you know will work together.
• We love the idea of packing a picnic basket full of cheese, grapes, bread, and crackers and having a cheese-tasting picnic. It’s simple and fun, and if everyone brings a couple different kinds of cheese, it can be semi-economical. Obviously, if allowed, bring wine too (don’t forget the wine opener/corkscrew!). And, of course, some chocolate for dessert.
• Pick up some thinly sliced meats to enjoy with the cheeses such as prosciutto, salami, or pancetta.
• Think of dishes that can be served without heating. Ingredients and dishes that work well: sandwiches, corn, asparagus, zucchini, fresh fruit, dips and crackers, pastas. Salads make fabulous picnic fare - we recommend putting the dressings in separate containers so the salads don’t get soggy and picnic-goers can use as much as they choose.
• If you’re making a featured drink to go along with your meal, make ice cubes actually using the drink. For example, when making lemonade, pour some in an ice cube tray and freeze. Once the cubes are frozen place them in the lemonade pitcher – they’ll keep the beverage cold and won’t water it down.
• One of our favorite summer snacks is frozen grapes! Simply pull fresh grapes off their stems, place in a clear ziplock baggie and lay flat in your freezer for a few hours. The end result is a completely refreshing, healthy, mini “popsicle.”

Picnics are the perfect way to make an ordinary get-together even more special. And really, we’ll take any excuse to sit outside in a flowy dress eating until our hearts are happy.

Planning a picnic this year? Tell us your perfect picnic spot!