Whether you are staying home or going for a drive, here are my favorite picnic basket date ideas to share with someone special or with your family.

Warmer weather means more time outside – my sister and I were homeschooled from 3rd grade on. One of the many benefits of being homeschooled was the ability to pack up the car and head out to a nearby park with school books in toe.

PICNIC BASKET DATE – WHERE TO GO

Places to Go – At Home:

• Your backyard
• Living room
• Driveway tailgate picnic (Car/Truck)

Places to Go – Away from Home:

• Tailgate – overlooking your favorite cityscape (Car/Truck)
• Local park, mountains, lake or beach

PICNIC BASKET DATE – WHAT TO EAT

MENU OPTION #1: Finger Licking’ Good – Boxed Lunch

• Classic Boxed Lunch:  Sandwiches, chips, pickles, fresh fruit with tea or lemonade
• MY FAVORITE: Fried Chicken, Biscuits, coleslaw and mason jars of lemonade for the kiddos and pre-made cocktails for the grown-ups (see batch recipes below) and Lemon doughnuts OR Hand pies for dessert.

A day picnic is a great way to get the family outside, just pack a lunch and go. Think finger foods: you can go classic with sandwiches or my personal favorite fried chicken. Bring lawn games, bikes or skates to make the most of the outdoors.

RAINY DAY? PICNIC AT HOME: If the weather isn’t cooperating with your picnic plans, don’t cancel, just move inside. Your living room can be a great alternative or set up your picnic in the car/truck if you are determined to get out of the house.

MENU OPTION #2: Wine & Cheese – Charcuterie Board

• Meats: salami, prosciutto
• Cheeses: sharp cheddar, pepper-jack, gouda
• Crackers: multi-grain, flat pretzels, nut thins
• Fruit/Veggies: berries, dried fruit, cucumbers
• Nuts: almonds, cashews
• Other: honey, jam, mustard, olives
• A couple bottles of your favorite wines

This menu is great for a romantic night picnic with its variety of grazing options and could be a precursor to stargazing. Pick a local, pack up the car, and set the stage for a beautiful romantic evening. OR take a walk outside (to your own backyard), set up the projector, blankets, and pillows for a movie under the stars.

NIGHT PICNIC + STARGAZING: Take a drive away from the city lights to gaze at the stars. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate or coffee and cozy up for the show.

PICNIC BASKET DATE: WHAT TO DRINK

MEYER’S LEMON LEMONADE FOR THE KIDS

• 1 cup Meyer’s lemon juice
• 6 cups water
• 1 – 1 1/2 cups sugar

Starting with the sugar, add the Meyers lemon juice and water (add more or less water depending on the level of tart-ness you prefer). Stir, stir, stir. Or you can use 2 pitchers and pour back and forth until the sugar is completely dissolved. Enjoy over ice or with muddled berries of your choice. This lemonade is so good and refreshing! The perfect addition to any picnic, barbecue or tailgate party. Makes 8 cups of lemonade

BATCH COCKTAILS FOR THE THE ADULTS

• 6 oz strong earl grey tea
• 2 oz simple syrup
• 6 oz whiskey bourbon
• Frozen blackberries

Make your simple syrup (water/sugar mix). In a mixing glass muddle berries in simple syrup. Add the earl grey tea, bourbon and ice to the glass. Stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled mason jar and keep on ice until ready to serve. Serve with a sprig of rosemary and a blackberry. Adapted from: beginningwithbergamot.com

• 4 oz grapefruit juice
• 4 oz gin
• 1 oz Triple Sec
• Fresh Basil leaves

Muddle 2 basil leaves with gin and triple sec. Muddle until the leaves break down and you can smell the basil. Add ice to a mixing glass and pour in the grapefruit juice. Stir the basil mixture and grapefruit juice until well combined. Strain into a chilled mason jar and keep on ice until ready to serve. Serve with a basil leaf. Adapted from: elletalk.com

PICNIC BASKET DATE – WHAT TO PACK

PACKING LIST

• Corkscrew/Bottle opener
• Blankets and Pillows
• Umbrella or Canopy
• Insect repellent
• Citronella candles/torches
• Matches/lighter
• For Clean Up: Zip-locs, wet wipes, trash bags

FOR A DAY PICNIC

• Food containers/wrappers/napkins
• Mason jars/disposable cups
• Paper straws

FOR A NIGHT PICNIC

• Cutting board/cheese knives/toothpicks
• Appetizer plates/cloth napkins
• Stemless wine glasses
• Candles (battery powered) or lantern

PICNIC BASKET DATE – MUSIC PLAYLIST

NOW PLAYING FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

Use a smartphone w/portable speaker or for a more vintage feel bring records and portable player. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
• She&Him
• Tyrone Wells
• Civil War
• Johnnyswim
• Patty Griffin
• John Mayer
• Colbie Caillat
• Spotify Playlist