The menu is arguably the most important element of your luxury picnic. Today I’m sharing the Classic Luxury Picnic Menu to inspire your own themed outdoor dining experience. Personalize it to suit your preference and the needs of your guests. Create your own unforgettable experience by bringing it all together with a few of the ideas below.
This is the first blog post in the Luxury Picnic Menu Series. Links to all the posts in this series are down below.
venue
The classic picnic would best be delivered at the traditional venues: a park, garden, or even your own backyard. This is also the perfect picnic for oversized board games and lawn games as added entertainment. When you choose your location try to keep in mind the things that make up a classic picnic:
themed decor
Hit up your local thrift store to find adorable dishware to use on a classic picnic. This is also a great place to find useful fabrics to use on the ground or to set your table with. A classic picnic wouldn’t be a classic without the quintessential wicker basket. Fill it with items from the menu wrapped and tied with twine to make it extra special. Serve your meal with fresh lemonade to top it all off.
If you’re into dress codes, include one in your invitation to this picnic. Think airy skirts and dresses, peasant tops, and scarves in the hair. Guys can go for a nice plaid or cool shades of blue, and a great pair of jeans.
presentation
Since we’re going traditional with this one, keep the showy stuff for another theme. Instead opt for parchment wrapped sandwiches with a bit of twine tying it all together. Look for lots of ditsy florals and gingham for your blanket and table linens. Display foods in like groups filling lined baskets instead of fancier trays. Use a chalkboard to welcome the guests to the event.
customization
Simpler picnics are a great time to make things feel more sophisticated through the minor details. Take a moment to find out every guests favorite colors so that you can incorporate that at each place setting. Or select entertainment that is more tailored to your specific group.
menu
We all know the basic structure of a classic picnic menu, but there are ways to elevate it a little. I love being extra as much as the next girl but keep in mind that a classic picnic should be a little less fuss, it’s a delicate dance. Here are a few options you could try creating yourself:
- Instead of offering simple ham and cheese style sandwiches, also include fancier options. Egg salad, chicken salad, and tuna salad are all basically built the same way and travel fairly well. Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches or smoked salmon and dill would be next level, if you’re looking to kick things up a notch.
- Chop your favorite berries and stone fruits and toss them in a bowl. If you’re in the mood to have it a bit sweeter you can drizzle a little honey over the mixture. This also could be used as a yogurt topper—throw on some crumbled graham crackers for a crunchier topping.
- Bringing a salad will mean everyone is fully satisfied, without that weighty feeling. Use the freshest ingredients you can find, but keep this part simple, and toss with a tasty vinaigrette.
Including some elements like these will help you create a cohesive and full luxury picnic experience. Those memories that will stick with you and your guests will be the feelings you had at the picnic. Try to remember that when you are planning. Have a happy picnic! —V
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