Foodie Friday: Pack A Perfect Picnic. Recipes & More

With unofficial Summer days heating up, there's nothing better than eating out, Alfresco style. It doesn't matter if you picnic in Central Park, the woods, the beach, or your back yard. Just do it with style.  This roundup features everything you need from the basket to the bowling game, and all of the fried chicken and pies in between.  Get ready to pack it all up and enjoy a picnic of your own this weekend.

HERE: 22 Ways To A Perfect Picnic

Picnic Fruit Salad
Now this is the way to get your fruits, drink them! This recipe calls for beautiful fruit, a vanilla bean and gin or vodka!
Gourmet Traveller

Fried Chicken And Cole Slaw Rolls

These three foods just scream Summer Picnic! I don't even like fried chicken, and I may want a bite of this.
Gourmet Traveller  

Ghost Cheese Set
For those purists that feel all you need for a picnic is a bottle of wine and cheese. Make it a good one. From those wonderful Beekman Boys. After five years, they have created a new Goat Cheese made from 100% goat milk from Farmer John's best milkers. This set includes an unique device for shaving the cheese. Lovely!
Beekman 1802

Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Pesto makes everything taste better, especially if you make it yourself. This recipe is lightened up with Greek yogurt.

Damn Delicious 

Ombre Rainbow Cookie
You and your guests won't mind eating their greens or reds when you serve up these striped sweeties. Yum!
Bon Appétit

Charcuterie and Pesto Picnic Loaf
I haven't had a sandwich is maybe 20 years, but this loaf has me interested. It's half sandwich and half pie. Perfect for picnics because it is best to prepare the night before. Yum.
 The Simple Things

Picnic Time Newbury Picnic Basket 
Deluxe in every way. Service for four and less than $75.
Amazon 

Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade
This recipe is made with chilled sparkling water, but I wouldn't have a problem using chilled sparkling wine instead. Cheers to that idea!
Anthropologie 

Kate Spade Picnic Champagne Box
You're invited to a picnic. What do you bring? This chic container with cold champagne, of course. Whether you leave it for your hostess or not is up to you. :)
Kate Spade New York

Salmon Summer Rolls
A simple and stunnig twist on a classic Vietnamese Roll. This recipe calls for a hoisin dipping sauce, which will take this salmon to sensational! 
Leites Culinaria

Roasted Herb Veggie Chips

I am not a chip girl....just don't like the greasy mouth feel, but these will be different. I do, however love a sweet potato chip. These are made from beets, turnips, radishes and parsnips.  The recipe calls for the use of a Mandolin which you can find here. Recipe at
Pure Wow  

Summertime Sun Tea
Oh this reminds me of my Grandma Pearl! Whenever we made the long car ride to Kentucky, she would have a giant jar of "Sweet Sun Tea" brewing on the side of the porch. It made me so happy. Imagine your picnic partners when you offer them a spot of home brewed fruit tea at the picnic! Find the canning jars at Amazon and the recipe at
Thirsty For Tea

Peach Hand Pies
A pie can be cumbersome to pack, unless you have a Piebox. But these little hand held versions are super easy. And don't they remind you of the Hostess Pies that Mom packed in our lunch boxes, back in the day?
Girl Gone Gourmet

Late Spring Cheese Board
Make the beautiful whipped feta dips before hand, and wrap up your cheeses. Then assemble on the spot at the picnic. No one will be able to resist, Humbolt Fog cheese, Beet Whipped Feta, Merlot soaked Parmesan, honeycomb and more!
How Sweet Eats

Teddy Bear Picnic Set
Calling all Grandparents, Aunties, and Godparents. Here's the gift for all little cubs this Summer.  This set guarantees an afternoon complete with everything needed for a proper picnic with you!
MacKenzie-Childs 

Easy Layered Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

Now how pretty is this salad? once you get past the Orzo rice, it is one of those "use what you have on hand" dishes to create. The glass jars make it easy to serve and transport to your picnic. You can find a big selection of  canning jars at Amazon. See the recipe at
Half Baked Harvest

Picnic Perfect Linens
Even on the lawn or a basic picnic table, lovely linens make a statement.
Williams Sonoma

Strawberry-Rhubarb Salad with Mint and Hazelnuts
Strawberries and Rhubarb are always a delicious duo. Here, unlike in pie, the rhubarb is raw but still tart. The mint adds the brightness to this fabulous recipe.
Bon Appétit

Wooden Lawn Bowling Set
What fun! Available in six cool colors and less than $25.
Amazon

Strawberry Icebox Cheesecake Dessert
This dish so reminds me of something that my Mom and her lady friends might make for the Church Picnic or a backyard barbecue. Best yet, it can be thrown together in 15 minutes.
Sprinkle Bakes

Roasted Tomato and Goat Cheese Quiche
When in doubt, serve quiche. It's perfect for every time of day, and can be served hot, cold, or room temperature.
The Kitchn

Pack a Summer Bouquet
A little inspiration for adding a special touch to your next pretty picnic.
One Kings Lane

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

{ Via: Zsa Zsa Bellagio } 

This city girl doesn't actually have a real garden, but in my mind I do have a "secret garden." It's filled with fabulous florals, smells divine, and I wear the prettiest hats when visiting it. Today I took my imagination shopping, and have found some pretty but practical tools of the trade. With a stylish selection like this, your friends will be green with envy.

MacKenzie-Childs Garden Accessories
They don't come any lovelier than these! 
MacKenzie-Childs
Watering Cans   Garden Tools

Garden Apron
Who says you can't look cute while in the garden? Just look at Gwyneth Paltrow in her thoughtfully designed apron. It is done in an elegant off white in 100% cotton. Yet it is stiff, sturdy, and designed to withstand, mud, dirt, and frequent laundering.
Goop 

Music Of The Spheres Mongolian Chimes
Oh a wind chime so reminds me of porch sitting with my parents. These chimes are hand crafted in Austin, Texas, and are precision tuned. They will provide symphonic harmony in your garden.  
ABC Home & Carpet 

Origami Planters
Inspired by the art of Japanese paper folding. These are low maintenance with high style!
West Elm

Gardenista

Named a Best Gift Book for Gardeners by The New York Times Book Review, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Seattle Times, Domino magazine, and Goop. Now on sale at

Amazon

Garden Markers
My sister would say that I need these. Last Summer apparently, when I offered to go out and pick some fresh herbs from her garden, I brought her a handful of weeds. What do you want from this urban girl? These are affordable and made of copper and brass. Lovely!

Beekman 1802

Precision Hoe
Good looking and well made tools make outdoor chores a lot easier. The bamboo handle with its' teardrop shape is comfortable to hold. This means no blisters and chafing!
Food52

Riviera Bar
Part bar, part party bucket, part planter. This woven wonder is always ready for a good time!
Serena and Lily  

Gardening Caddy
Doesn't this look like something out of Martha Stewart? I say that is a good thing! Go ahead - get carried away using this chic caddy for carrying planters, fresh cut flowers, gathered produce, or silverware from kitchen to patio. Made to order just for you.
Food52 

Somerset Hat
Equally at home in the garden or the beach. This hand woven hat offers UV50+ protection.
Shop Terrain

Butterfly Bench
Doesn't every garden need one of these? A precious perch for pretty little ones. And though butterflies are often free, this is not, but it's on sale until June 10th.
Horchow 

Gabrielle Garden Shed Set
Your garden will grow with organized style this season. A beautiful set that's modular, so you can make it your own. Perhaps Dad would love this for his special day.
Pottery Barn  

Brass Plant Markers
A fabulous gift for the glam gardener.
Anthropologie 

Improvements Raised Garden Planter
Grow flowers or herbs without straining your back or knees. Perfect for patio, balcony and deck gardens. Ships for free.
HSN

Garden Fork And Trowel Set

Going to a garden party? Here's your hostess gift. It's less than $20!

Nordstrom  

Garden Party Paper Tableware

Create a show stopping table for your garden party. Iconic Liberty printed plates are paired with coordinating paper linens, cups, and party decor. Talk about glam gardens!

The Parties That Pop

Floral Twill Garden Gloves
Now these are both practical and pretty. I mean we can't be ruining our manicures, can we? 
Shop Terrain 

Traditional Planters
Pretty up the porch or patio with these resin urns in three sizes.
Neiman Marcus



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