It's summertime, and you know what that means: day trips, citronella candles, and of course — picnics. Few things are more relaxing — or memorable — than a lazy evening in the park with friends, family, and delicious food. But this year, up your outdoor dining game with a few tweaks that will take your picnic from run-of-the-mill to out-of-this-world.
Before you pack up your wicker basket and gingham tablecloth, check out these 15 gorgeous Instagram photos that will give you #picnicgoals. There's a little something in here for everyone — and every budget.
*Image via *iStock.com/mediaphotos
Bring Fresh Flowers (or a Vase)
Flowers make everything better. Or at least prettier. Bring some flowers to your next picnic to give it a more romantic, English countryside feel. Or, you know, just bring a vase, because odds are you'll stumble across a few flowers while choosing the perfect spot.
Get Take Out
No need to go all Betty Crocker and bake a fruit tart for your next picnic. Pick up sushi and a bottle of wine and you're good to go!
More from CafeMom: 12 Money-Saving Starbucks Hacks for Coffee Fiends
Bring Real Silverware
Fact: Real silverware and cloth napkins make everything a little nicer.
A Cutting Board Is Always a Good Idea
Displaying your charcuterie on a wooden cutting board is always a chic idea at a picnic. As is red and white gingham.
Stick to a Color Palette
Let the food speak for itself — IRL and in photos — by using muted colors for your blankets and (cloth) napkins that are all in the same family. Your bowls of olives and board of prosciutto will never look so *Bon Appetit–*worthy.
Picnic on Vacation
There's definitely no need to restrict picnics to your hometown. A great way to experience a new city is by grabbing a few munchies from the local market and setting up shop where there's a great view — and even better people-watching.
Have a Car Picnic
No park or grassy knoll? No problem! Pop open your trunk, tailgate, or hatchback on a pretty overlook and get your picnic on there.
Bring a Makeshift Table
If you're really looking to up your picnic game, set up a pallet table. It's definitely more work than the average picnic, but if you're looking for something a little more formal than sitting on the ground, this is the perfect idea.
More from CafeMom: 12 Yummy Recipes That Sneak Fruits & Veggies into Kids' Meals
Go ALL Out
The taper candles. The gorgeous makeshift drinks "cooler." The floral and fruit centerpiece. This picnic is stunning. And the view's not too bad either.
Bring Pillows
Avoid grass stains — or sand overload — by bringing a few pillows that can act as seats.
Hang a Light on It
If you're planning on a gathering in the park, get there early and string a few lights from the trees for ambience.
More from CafeMom: 14 Camping Birthday Party Ideas for Little Campers at Heart
Invest in a Picnic Basket
If your family has really taken to picnicking, it might not be a bad idea to invest in an honest-to-goodness picnic basket. Unpacking a wicker basket is much more whimsical than unloading plastic bags with flimsy sporks.
'Theme' Your Food
If you're having a picnic at the park, it might not be a bad idea to go with something simple like sandwiches, or, if you can, grill. But if you're going to have a beach picnic, you have to go with fresh seafood. It's a rule.
More from CafeMom: 16 BBQ Accessories for #GeekingOut at the Grill
Pack Everything in Plastic Bags
While packing everything in glass or BPA-free containers will make you feel virtuous, packing everything in individual Ziploc bags will make your load lighter on the way back home.
If All Else Fails, Have an Indoor Picnic
And if the weather doesn't permit, you can always have a picnic right on the floor of your living room. Because why not?
More from CafeMom: 16 Trader Joe's Products to Buy Right Now: Summer Edition
