With spring in the air its the perfect time for a spring picnic — here are some ideas for a spring picnic!

My second piece has been published on Coca-Cola’s website and this time around I was able to collaborate with a fantastic food blogger: Amber Wilson of For Love of the South.  Below is our piece!

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Spring is in the air, and we are ready to head outside for the perfect picnic! It’s no secret that we enjoy entertaining, so here we are to guide you to the 10 perfect picnic essentials that will carry you through the season no matter where your picnic takes you. Whether you are preparing for a concert picnic in the park with friends, a romantic evening for two or a family picnic on the beach, these essentials are here to guide you in any and every scenario.

1. Vintage picnic basket/colorful tote

The vessel that carries your dishes for a picnic can also make a statement, so spice up your picnic style with a vintage basket or a large, colorful tote. 

2.  Sunglasses

If you’re spending a day in the sun, nothing makes a statement like a great looking pair of sunglasses. 

3. Picnic blanket

Picnic blankets are multifunctional and essential for any picnic scenario.  A blanket creates both the seating area and the “table” for your gathering, so make sure it’s vibrant and fun yet durable at the same time!

4.  Spring Hat

Spring is definitely hat season! Hats are a great way to pull together a look and hone in on the casual spirit of the picnic. Try a hat in a lighter color like cream, camel, or grey.

 5. Glass tumblers & reusable plates

Instead of drinking out of plastic cups and eating off of paper plates, use reusable glasses and plates.  This makes for a more special and environmentally friendly picnic.  If it’s an evening picnic or perhaps a date night, make sure to pack a few stemless wine glasses.

6. Loose fitting top

Picnics are casual, so the attire is usually loose fitting and light.  You may choose a day in the park or at the beach, but either scenario would call for loose fitting garments that would complement the other pieces of your outfit. 

7. Vibrant beverage

A vibrant and colorful beverage is the perfect addition to any outdoor setting. Serving beautiful drinks like hibiscus tea lemonade from a glass carafe makes the mood of your outing even more festive! 

8.  Bento boxes

These cute little boxes keep food separate and organized during transport. They are also pretty and stylish containers to serve your favorite dishes from.

9. Flats/sandals

When it comes to what shoes to wear at a picnic, a comfortable option is always best: flats or sandals.  If you’re at the beach grab waterproof sandals, and if you’re at a park, try a lovely pair of flats. Guys might want to wear flip-flops at the beach and a colorful pair of boat shoes of loafers at the park.

10. Accessories

One must never leave the house without some picnic accoutrements. Make sure to have some fun jewelry to dress up your outfit and a great scarf if your picnic is in the evening.  

No matter where your adventures take you this spring, always be prepared with these essentials to have a deliciously stylish picnic with loved ones this season. Happy Spring! 

 

Recipe: Hibiscus Tea Lemonade

 Serves: Makes about 6 cups

 Note: This is the perfect picnic drink. It’s bright, sweet and complex. To elevate the citrus flavors of this drink, garnish with oranges, limes and lemons!

Ingredients:

3 cups of recently boiled water, plus 1/3 cup for simple syrup

6 hibiscus tea bags

1/3 cup of sugar

3 cups of Simply Lemonade

 Directions:

Pour 3 cups of boiled water into a large glass-measuring cup. Add the tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, pour the reserved 1/3 cup of boiled water in a small bowl with sugar. Stir until completely dissolved and transparent. 

After the tea has steeped for 5 minutes, discard the teabags and pour the tea into a pitcher along with the simple syrup and lemonade. Stir together and serve over ice. Garnish with citrus if desired.

 The above portion of this post was originally published on the Coca-Cola Journey website in collaboration with food blogger Amber Wilson of For Love of the South.  

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Here is my entire picnic look!

Shop some the items for your own spring picnic: