Sunday, September 4, 2011

Pic-A-Nic

Nothing is as leisurely as a picnic. Savor these weeks of perfect weather with your own version of take out.
Brooklyn Bridge Park (photo: Etienne Frossard)

Here in NYC, Fort Tryon, Central Park at West 92nd Street (especially when the cherry trees are blossoming), or the Brooklyn Bridge Park are all favorite patches to park my blanket.
Any old sheet or tapestry will do, but how special to have an eco-friendly, handmade one such as those found on Etsy:
SewnNatural shop on Etsy.com

Now it's time to dress the part.
I'm feeling red & patterned, with a side of vintage.
Lucy in Disguise Honky Tonk Dress - Shopbop
 Floral Woven Romper - Forever 21
Marvel at the Malt Shop Dress - ModCloth

Maybe a floppy straw hat, as you do.
Basic Straw Floppy Hat - Urban Outfitters

For food transport, there are so many options in all price ranges. You can go modern...
Salano Picnic Cooler Tote - Target

...or do a little hunting at your local Goodwill.

I'm fond of these over-sized linen napkins. It's a nice reminder of what you should be doing.

A reusable sandwich wrap doubles as a placemat:

And how about these biodegradable, compostable, & stylish "dishes" made with renewable materials?
Wasara Products

On to the sipping and munching.
Homemade lemonade is divine. If you stick it in a thermos swished with a little vodka and raspberries, it becomes out of this world.

And for you non-lushes, I suggest a craft soda, like Reed's. I'm a fan of the extra ginger beer.

A well built sandwich always satisfies. Consider using vegenaise since you will be sitting in the sun (hopefully). Fresh & light salads like this one are also to go winners:
Tomato & Cantaloupe Salad - Real Simple

For me, summer dessert is always pie and/or ice cream. Since the ice cream doesn't stand a chance, let's stick with the pie and let's make it handy.
Cherry Hand Pies - www.spoonforkbacon.com

What to do while digesting? A crosssword puzzle, great conversation, or a travel-sized board game will do.

Troll Ebay for a cute vintage set, like this travel backgammon.
Vintage Travel Magnetic Backgammon Case - Ebay

If you want to lighten your load, I suppose Words With Friends on your cell phones would also be quite entertaining.

Eat. Drink. Be Merry.
Outside!


3 comments :

  1. All that food looks delicious, and now that I live right here I'm dying to check out Brooklyn Bridge Park!! This entry just might be my confirmation that I have more neighborhood exploring to do...

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  2. You can plan my picnics anytime, but you have to wear the malt shop dress. It saddened me to think it was being sold at Forever 21, until I realized it was for the dress above it. You did forget the wine, or was that intentional for your picnic partner to provide?

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  3. Laura - Brooklyn Heights is probably my favorite neighborhood in all of NYC! I spent years and years babysitting there, so I know it well. Let's have a "play date" sometime!
    Ulysseous - I think you being in charge of the wine is always a wise choice.

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