4 Essentials For Your Next Picnic

We might be going out on a limb here, but we’re guessing you’re having picnics a little more regularly these days. And after the first couple of go-arounds, with uncomfortable seats and attempts at intricate cheese platters, you might have realized - there’s a big difference between eating food on some grass and an actually good picnic. Here are some things we’ve learned over the past few months about putting together a great one, brought to you by Veuve Clicquot.

If you need a reason to pack a picnic (and maybe wear something fancier than sweatpants), join Veuve Clicquot on October 3rd for the virtual Toast the Polo Classic, a retrospective of the annual event, benefitting The Will Rogers Ranch Foundation. Register for the event here.

CHOOSE YOUR PICNIC SPOT

As they say on the real estate shows you’ve been watching too many of recently: location, location, location. Whether you’re in a park, your backyard, or setting up a picnic in your living room, location and set-up is key. If you’re outdoors, make sure you have a mix of sun and shade, no tree roots sticking up or muddy patches in random spots, and are far enough away from any ultimate frisbee tournaments happening that day. If you’re in the mood for a picnic, but not for going outside, just gather all your plants, make a forest in the area of your apartment with the most natural light, and lay out a rug and some pillows.

GET YOUR FOOD RIGHT

Just because you can bring something to a picnic, doesn’t mean you should. Now is not the time for piping hot burgers or elaborate frozen desserts. Instead, aim for food that’s portable, can be room temperature or will be fine in a cooler, and isn’t going to end up all over your lap when you finally do get to eat. Think fried chicken, soba noodles, a mezze spread, or any kind of sandwich situation. If you need more ideas, check out our guides to picking up food for picnics in NYC (for both Central Park & Prospect Park), LA, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle.

DON’T FORGET THE DRINKS

Take your picnic up a notch and turn it into a celebration with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot. Order your bottle here, maybe grab a Clicquot ice jacket or picnic pack while you’re at it, and throw some plastic glasses in the cooler so they stay chilled on your way to the park. Don’t forget a few reusable bottles of water either.

PLAY SOME MUSIC

To really tie everything together, you’re going to need some music. Pack some bluetooth speakers, and be prepared with our Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic playlist all teed up and ready to go.