How to Throw a Low-Key Summer Picnic

I forget how much I love picnic season. I used to have picnics with the kids and friends all the time and they would be one of my favorite things about summer.  We still gather and do picnics, but more often at an event or by the beach with friends in the early evening hours. This summer, I'm hoping we do more casual impromptu picnics by the beach or park, and this time come prepared with some of the goodies featured below.

Here's what I'm going to stock up on for my next picnic al fresco:

A large blanket is a necessity.  I love a nice big Turkish towel like this or a fun Mexican blanket for everyone to get cozy on. And on cooler days you can use both as a blanket to keep warm.

I used to carry around plastic glassware and would then leave them in my bag for days. I'd rather use disposable cups like these, which are chic and fun.

I love a wooden board for setting out cheeses, dips and cured meats, but also to use as a plate for sharing sandwiches.  This one has a handle so it's super versatile for both inside and outside entertaining.

You can't go on a picnic without a knife and corkscrew.  I love this two-in-one tool that you can leave in your car or picnic basket.

Try to skip the plastic forks and knives and go for the organic bamboo cutlery that functions well and is better for the environment.

A large woven basket to throw everything in is a necessity especially in the warmer months. This one is roomy and can go from the beach to park easily.

There's nothing worse than getting eaten alive on your outdoor picnic.  Don't forget to pack an all-natural bug spray to keep  mosquito bites at bay and one that is safe to use on the whole family.

Let's face it an outdoor picnic is a little more fun with some adult beverages.  Stock up on canned rosé or some sparkling negronis instead of the usual bottle of wine.

Striped table linens are my favorite and work well for a fancy dinner party to a casual picnic. Plus, these are affordable.

I bought this portable table years ago and it's gotten so much use when we throw an impromptu picnic at the beach or park.

Did I miss anything? Let me know your favorites for picnic season in the comments below and hope you get to enjoy lots of fun outside time this summer.

Photos by Angel Tucker 

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