Lifestyle

15 of the Prettiest Picnics on Instagram

LifestylePublished Jul 6, 2016
By Nicole Fabian-Weber
picnic

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

1/15

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.

2/15

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

3/15

Bring Real Silverware

Fact: Real silverware and cloth napkins make everything a little nicer.

4/15

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.

5/15

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.

6/15

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.

7/15

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.

8/15

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

9/15

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.

10/15

Bring Pillows

Avoid grass stains -- or sand overload -- by bringing a few pillows that can act as seats.

11/15

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

12/15

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.

13/15

'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

14/15

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.

15/15

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

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