All Over: Summer Picnics
Summer is great for beaches, free concerts in the park, and movies under the stars. What do all of these activities beg for? A delightful picnic, obvi. You may be saying, "But Jen, all I need is a bottle of wine and my brown paper bag, and I'm set!" That's fine if you want to look like a sunburnt jerk with a drinking problem sitting on the grass. What you need, my friend, is a basket, a blanket, and food. Throw in some games and a bottle of rosé, and you've got yourself a party.
Here's my guide to getting your bomb-ass picnic on (maybe even this July 4th!).
The Basket
Ok, maybe not all picnics need a basket, but do you really want to be carrying around a plastic bag from Shop Rite all day? Me thinks not. Be a grown up and treat yo'self to a damn basket! You can also go the insulated cooler route for extra freshness.
The Blanket
I've had this blanket from Target for nearly 10 years now. It's seen three apartments and countless parks. It's pretty much the best. Soft on one side, durable on the other and, best of all, it folds up neatly into a tote with a pocket.
The Fare
Perhaps the most important part of any picnic. After all, without the food and drink, you're basically just sunbathing. This is probably the easiest part. If you're like me and live near a Smorgasburg, you can pop over to a few booths and collect some food. You can also hit up your local grocery store (Whole Foods is especially great for picnics) and pick up a few sandwiches and snacks (read: all the cheeses and jams).
I also like to head to my local wine store or rooftop vineyard and pick up some bubbly. Feeling extra classy? Grab yourself some plastic wine glasses from the Dollar Tree!
The Entertainment
I recommend taking something small like a frisbee or deck of cards. You don't want to be lugging around a full set of Cards Against Humanity all day (trust me, I've tried). Also try downloading some podcasts or making a fun playlist. Pro tip: If you put your phone in a small bowl, it will act like a small speaker!
Where to Take Your Picnic
Now that you've got the goods, it's time to pick the perfect setting. The options are really endless here in NYC. My favorite spots include Central Park, Prospect Park, and Fort Tilden. If you're feeling especially ambitious, you can even add grilling to the mix (at least in Prospect Park)!
Where will you be picnicking this summer?
-Jen
