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Because this is National Picnic Week…
I think it’s time to pack a picnic and head someplace picturesque and relaxing. Want to come along? This idea of picnicking has become an annual theme for me, but when I read about this cookbook by Tori Finch I couldn’t resist another dream picnic.
By the way, full disclosure, I never really got around to taking a picnic someplace other than our patio in the backyard last summer. Enjoying the relaxation of a view, food that’s delicious and easy to eat without fuss, and maybe a bottle of wine (or a jug of iced tea) just never happened. The last grown-up, memorable picnic I went on with Mr. B was before we had children and it was in this picturesque spot…
[Note: We enjoyed picnics when the kids were growing up, but they were always more play than relaxation—I look forward to continuing that tradition with grandchildren]
{Crescent Bay Point Park ~ Laguna Beach, California}
In fact, when I think of going on a picnic I think of this location. During summer months nature’s air conditioning works beautifully to keep it comfortable and there are picnic tables and benches to use or you can spread your blanket out on the grass. The view is guaranteed to relax you.
But since this post is as much about the idea of a picnic as it is a travel plan, I have some images that are what I imagine a picnic would be like in a perfect world. Of course, this is my car! Isn’t it cute with that little picnic basket attached?
{Turkey Caprese Sandwich ~ Martha Stewart}
Packed in that pretty blue and white picnic basket I might make the Turkey Caprese Sandwich from Martha Stewart for me and the egg salad (below) for Mr. B.
I love the idea of a wine box shipping crate (large enough) to use as a little table for a picnic…okay, maybe the cloche and footed cookie plate with dome are a bit over the top, but I love the flowers and the quilt.
This is my kind of picnic…the shade of a tree in the country, maybe the soft sounds of a stream nearby….ahhh, what could be better?
{unknown}
Why stick with the predictable cookie for dessert when you can have these at the ready for the end of the meal? I don’t have a recipe but I believe it’s a simple shortbread cookie (that may be cooked so as to be slightly chewy), whipped cream and large strawberries cut and skewered. How fun.
No matter how you get there…by car
~or~
Will you be making time for a picnic this summer? Tell me what you usually prepare, or do you benefit from a great deli nearby that can make the perfect sandwich?
I’ve linked to Savvy Southern Style for her Wow us Wednesday! ~and~ I’ve joined Ricki Jill at Art @ Home for her What makes me Happy!
Garden, Home & Party 
julie ~ eab designs said:
Loved this post and the cars!! (I have those pinned…sigh) I’m planning a big picnic for July 6th somewhere along Skyline Drive here in VA. The planning of what to bring & how to package it is where all the fun is for me. (The bugs and bees once we get there, not so much!) Here’s to lots of picnics this summer.
Karen B. said:
Julie, I’m with you! All but the bugs are invited to my picnic. 😀 Enjoy your outing. Karen
Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
You don’t take your cloche collection on picnics? I do.
Karen B. said:
No, but I take my crystal…can’t be drinking out of paper cups! 😀 Karen
Christina said:
What a delight! The photos are amazing and make me want to grab my basket and go. Of course those classic cars make my old SUV look less festive.
Karen B. said:
Hi Christina,
I’m with you, the old cars with the vintage picnic baskets really romanticize the picnic plans. But I think I’m really going to try to plan on taking one this year, a few hours of doing nothing but relax appeals to me. Thanks for stopping by, so nice to meet you.
Karen
Christina @ Floridays Mom said:
I always look forward to this whimsical adventures you take us on with your pictures and writings, they are always such a delight to read and always make me smile. I’d join you on one of these picnics any day of the week!
Karen B. said:
I’m packing the car as we speak! 😀 Glad you can join us. Thanks for your kind words. Karen
Ricki Jill Treleaven said:
Karen, I absolutely adore this post, and a friend bought me that picnic book for my birthday. I stil haven’t gotten around to making anything in it, but I love how the book is organized around themed picnics.
I’ll definitely plan a picnic for the week of the 4th of July when we’ll all be together at the lake. I might use a recipe or two from the book, too. It will be a fun resource, I think! This post is certainly a great resource for inspiration, too.
Thanks for linking-up to My Happy List, m’dear!
xo,
RJ
Karen B. said:
RJ, Let me know how you like the book. I’ve got it on my Amazon wish list, but I’d love to know that it’s a keeper! It’s always fun to read the Happy List. Karen
Grace @ sense and simplicity said:
Just popping over from Ricki Jill’s Happy List post.
What a lovely picnic – especially that gorgeous table under the tree. I love the idea of picnics almost more than the picnics themselves, but i have done some that worked out really well. We went on a mason jar picnic last summer to the beach which was a lot of fun. I’m going to have to think of another fun picnic to do this year. Thanks for the inspiration.
Karen B. said:
Hi Grace,
I’d love to hear more about the mason picnic. I think I am determined to achieve picnic success this summer. I’ll report back. Thank you for stopping by, RJ is the best. So nice to meet you.
Karen
D'Arcy H said:
Ooh–now I want to go on a picnic! I haven’t done that for eons, so I think I’ll put it on our to-do list for the summer. Fried chicken, cheese and chips, cupcakes … all the things I shouldn’t eat … YUM! And a good book to read in the shade, of course! Thanks for the idea!
Karen B. said:
That sounds delicious! I love fried chicken! I say we make a pact…I’ll report my picnic progress…you do the same. 😀 Karen
around the table said:
Hi loved this summery post Karen:) Your photos are so fun and have inspired me. I know that area in Laguna Beach.. gorgeous spot and I agree, perfect for a picnic. We live in a wooded area and enjoy al fresco dinning frequently during the summer months and occasionally we dine lakeside. Enjoy your day! xxleslie
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Leslie. I’m going to try to plan and complete at least one picnic this season. Wish me luck! 😀 Karen
Loi - Tone on Tone said:
Hi, Karen –
We just came home from Sweden and Denmark. The wildflower fields of poppies, cornflowers, and daisies were so beautiful. We stopped and sat for a bit, but alas, didn’t have a packed picnic set. Would’ve been perfect. Very fresh air, little bugs and so peaceful.
Wishing you an early happy first day of summer!
xLoi
Karen B. said:
Loi, What fun to visit Sweden and Denmark. I’m sure you found some treasures for your store, maybe even for clients and yourself!? Ahhh, I can just imagine sitting by a field of cornflowers and poppies while sipping something and enjoyed a picnic lunch. I’m making a picnic a reality in my summer this year. 🙂 Happy first day of summer to you too! xo, Karen
patty said:
What a dreamy, wonderful post. I have been riding my bike to a park but my food isn’t very exciting. I take a peanut butter sandwich, a water bottle with a Crystal Light packet I can mix into it, and my book. I love it!
Karen B. said:
Patty,
I loved your description of the bike ride and the peanut butter sandwich, a book…that is what I love about a picnic, keeping it simple makes it possible to enjoy a mini-picnic every chance you get. If it’s too big of a production you tend (me) to procrastinate, which is what happened to me last year. How fun to savor a local park with a few essentials during the warmer days.
Thanks for stopping by, hope you’ll visit again.
Karen
Gretchen said:
What a fun post! When I think back on the picnics I’ve had in the past, I remember with great fondness, the summer in Europe right after college. Linda and I had picnic lunches almost everyday since we were on such a tight budget. We’d visit the local bakery first for rolls or bread, then on to the cheese shop for the local specialty. The rest of our feast depended on the country we were visiting. Lunch was usually in a local park or sometimes by a lake or stream. Occasionally it was on the train to our next destination. As many times as we did this, it never lost its’ appeal. I think I’m long overdue for a picnic!
Karen B. said:
Gretch, I think we should plan a picnic for our NYE group! Karen
Gretchen said:
What a great idea! Where do you think we should go?
Karen B. said:
The crescent cove in Laguna Beach is great…but may be a challenge for parking. I’ll give it some thought and we can discuss soon. xo, Karen
Ann said:
Dying over your post. Sorry I’ve been MIA – I have blog posts piling up and I’m so behind on reading but you are always a fav. Peggy & Fritz isn’t dead – I’m on a hiatis and hope to up and running again soon with a big explanation. However, think of you often 🙂 4th is coming up already planning my party. Hope all is well in the OC.
Karen B. said:
Ann, I’m so happy to hear from you! Take your time and I’ll look forward to the day I can read your great insights and inspiration again on a daily/weekly (?) basis. 😀 I know you always give a great 4th party. I’ll be in Austin, HOT. But it’s to see my granddaughter so worth the heat. xo, Karen
Mona Thompson said:
Love, love cobbler. Have to give this recipe a try. this is a gorgeous post. Best to you. Mona
Karen B. said:
Mona, Thanks, this is a super easy and delicious recipe. Happy 4th of July! Karen