
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)
1A photo posted by Viena (@viena_k) on
-
Get Take Out
2Picnic and Sushi 🍣 #sushitime #picnicinthepark #yummy #sushidate #sushieveryday @saufiriot
A photo posted by Dana (@m.a.k.a.k) on
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
3¡verano de disfrutar un rico picnic! #picnicday #picnic #saludable #verano #vacaciones #comida #fit
A photo posted by stevienstevia (@stevienstevia) on
-
A Cutting Board Is Always a Good Idea
4A photo posted by Sara Milletti (@saramilletti) on
-
Stick to a Color Palette
5A photo posted by Elizabeth Kirby (@local_milk) on
-
Picnic on Vacation
6A photo posted by Paris Picnic (@leparispicnic) on
-
Have a Car Picnic
7Instant picnic grounds. Life is good with the fold-flat second-row seat.
A photo posted by Ford Canada (@fordcanada) on
-
Bring a Makeshift Table
8A photo posted by Ashley Torres (@pursuitofshoes) on
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
9In between a rock and an awesome place 😜🙌🏼⛰ Gorgeous boho picnic inspo via #pinterest #yardfamily
A photo posted by @yard_family on
-
Bring Pillows
10 -
Hang a Light on It
11If 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
12A photo posted by dominstil (@dominstil) on
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
13A photo posted by austin food | JulietAteRomeo (@juliet_ate_romeo) on
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
14A photo posted by Faith Towers {Design Fixation} (@designfixation) on
-
If All Else Fails, Have an Indoor Picnic
15A photo posted by Bon Appétit RD /Event Planner (@bonappetiteventos_rd) on
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