Picnic Essentials Check List

The weather has been so great lately and I’m one of those people who cannot let great weather go to waste. I always feel like I’m missing out on something fun if I stay indoors on a beautiful day. On Mother’s Day, we could not have had a more perfect day. There was not a cloud in the sky and the temps was just right.

We thought, what better way to spend Mother’s Day than to have a picnic at Stanford University. The campus is so beautiful and there are so many little hidden areas that are peaceful and quiet. Perfect for a relaxing day away from the crowds. I recently purchased this picnic basket from Pottery Barn and have been waiting for the perfect time to use it so I was super excited!

Before heading to Stanford University, located in Palo Alto (about 18 miles North of San Jose), we stopped by Paris Baguette first to pick up some goodies to bring. We definitely filled up our picnic basket with sandwiches, fruit, salad and pastries. We even brought a bottle of Chardonnay from our recent shipment from Larson Winery and the cold, crispness of the wine was so perfect for a warm and sunny day.

Having a picnic with the family brings me memories of my childhood. We used to go to the park a lot because quite frankly, it was free! You don’t need a lot of money to do it and you get vitamin D, fresh air and a little exercise. My mom would pack up some food, and coming from a Filipino household, that meant packing a filipino dish accompanied with some rice. It wasn’t your traditional picnic of finger foods but those memories brings me so much comfort.

Let’s face it, sometimes having a picnic is more of a hassle than anything. There’s bugs everywhere, its hot, you’re uncomfortable sitting on the ground and animals gravitate towards your food. But it doesn’t have to be a pain. You can put the fun back in a good old picnic by doing a little prep work and packing the right items.

Here are 10 essentials for a no-fuss picnic:

1. A picnic basket that includes utensils, plates, wine glasses and a wine bottle opener.
   The right picnic basket makes it so much easier to load everything up and carry it. Gone are the days of putting everything in a brown paper bag hoping it doesn’t break!
2. Wine
   Here’s a tip: get a bottle with a twist cap for less fuss. If you’re bringing white wine (which I suggest), remember to chill it beforehand and take it out right before you leave so it stays cool. I like to stick mine in the freezer about 30 minutes before we leave so that its nice and cold when I take it out.
3. Ready made food
   Pack easy to eat food such as ready-made salads, sandwiches and cut-up fruit. Don’t forget the dessert! Finger foods is the key to a no fuss picnic so as long as it doesn’t require you to clean up after (besides throwing it in the trash), it’s good to go.
4. Sunscreen
   For you and the kids. My favorite sunscreen is this one by Andre Lorent because it smells great and stays on you even if you sweat. It contains a list of ingredients that reverses the signs of aging and who doesn’t love that?!
5. Paper towels or napkins
6. Music
7. Chairs
   Here’s an awesome one by Tommy Bahama that can be carried on your back for ease and comfort. It also has a storage pouch and a towel bar so you can rest your head comfortably.
8. Big blanket
9. Toys for the kids (we brought a soccer ball and a frisbee)
10. Bug spray (hopefully you wont need it, but just in case)

Next time you’re wondering what to do on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, pack your picnic basket and head to the park. It’s nice to unplug and get away from the noise once in a while.