One of the best parts of great weather (besides being able to wear cute skirts and dresses), is being able to eat outdoors. A warm breeze, sunshine, a glass of wine and a delicious plate shared with friends - doesn't that sound great? 

If you aren't a regular picnicker, what are you waiting for?! While dinner parties can be stuffy, a picnic is informal and intimate. It's an easy going get together and with a few tricks and tips for planning the most perfect picnic ever, it can be a simple, fuss-free and fun outing! 

Here's what you'll need to plan the best picnic ever: 

#1 Bag + Blanket:


Look for a basket large enough to accomodate everything you'll be taking and with compartments and pockets for extras. We love baskets with straps to hold everything in place. An insulated bag, while not as stylish, is great for keeping your picnic at the perfect temperature. 
 
(clockwise from top left) Picnic Time Meritage Driftwood (C$65.79) 

Tuffo Water-Resistant Indoor/Outdoor Blanket (US$39.99)

Kate Spade New York Pack A Picnic Picnic Basket (US$268.00)

Windsor Basket Service for 4 (US$349.95)

Evergreen Wicker Complete Picnic Basket (US$42.49) 

#2 Dishes and Servingware:  


For picnics where you'll be travelling, ditch the heavy glass or ceramics and opt for melamine or plastics in funky prints and bold colours. If you're going to be picnicking nearby, try looking for mason jars or pretty glass bottles. For packing containers, invest in stackable squares instead of circles. 

1. Bottle & Glass Handy Holder Combo (US$26.25)
 
2. Crate & Barrel Airtight Glass Bottle (C$9.00) 
 
3. Ikea Sommarfint Bol (C$1.99/4 pack)
 
4. Kikkerland Biodegradable Paper Straws (US$6.55) 

5. Evergreen Sangria Pitcher with Spoon (C$7.59)
 
6. Chrysanthemum Salad Plate Lilac (C$3.50)
 
7. Indigo Salad Serving Bowl Aqua (C$12.50)  

8. Crate & Barrel Slim Stripe Melamine Plate (C$5.11)

9. Pottery Barn Picnic Table Condiment Set (C$76.39) 
 
#3 Fabulous Food: 


I think a good picnic has a hearty main course, two mouth watering salads and a great thirst quenching summer drink! Play around with seasonal grilled veggies and fruits. If you're going for traditional bbq fare (burgers and hotdogs), spice them up with new flavour additions. 
 
(clockwise from top left) Grilled ratatouille pasta 

Spike strawberry rhubarb lemonade

Grilled portobello 

Jerk chicken salad  


Watermelon soda float

Grilled pineapple 

Bacon wrapped jalapeno popper burger  

#4 Picnic Tips and Tricks 
 

Carting around food can be messy and clean up can be a bit difficult. Here are a few tips and tricks to make picnics run smoothly: 

1. Carry water in a collapsable plastic bottle like this one. Once you've drunk all the water, it folds up neatly and saves space. 

2. Pour spices into straws and tie off to tote around. Instructions here. 

3. Muffin trays are great for holding condiments or snacks. (image via michellesjournalcorner.blogspot.ca)

4. Use a shower curtain underneath a picnic blanket to save yourself a wet bottom. (via realsimple.com)

5. Easily carry around your wine bottles in a table cloth. Here's a tutorial. 

6. Bring extra baggies with you for garbage, here's a nifty device for that. 

Will you be picnicking this summer?