The menu is arguably the most important element of your luxury picnic. Today I’m sharing the Mediterranean Luxury Picnic Menu to get your juices flowing and inspire your own themed outdoor dining experience. Personalize it to suit your preference, specific theme, 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 second blog post in the Luxury Picnic Menu Series. Links to all the posts in this series are down below.

Venue

This might be the most exhilarating part of planning a Mediterranean-themed luxury picnic. You’ll be searching for a charming location that reflects elegance and beauty. Here are a couple of places I would start:

• Vineyards: Rows and rows of grapevines will instantly bring in the wine-country feel, especially when paired with your gourmet spread.
• Olive Groves or Fruit Orchards: If you’ve got access to a location like this they may actually be the perfect match.
• Historic or Cultural Park: Parks that have architectural features (sculptures, stone walls, arches, etc.) will evoke the old-world allure most people think of with Mediterranean towns.

Presentation & Themed Decor

You can pull off a Mediterranean theme and create ambience around it with a few simple elements. What you’re looking for here is coastal vibes with rich, warm, and earthy materials or colors.

Table settings should definitely be on a gorgeous wooden table allowing the wood-grain to show through, so no table cloths here. Linens with lots of layers or texture will help achieve the look along with warm-toned, artisan serve-ware. Wicker baskets or woven trays can hold fruits or wine bottles as well.

Sprigs of rosemary and thyme would could double as table decor and a warm fragrant greeting. Olive oil decanters beautifully placed could take the place of typical vases.

Opt for soft and romantic lighting. Try draping string lights and candles if yours is an evening gathering.

If you’ve got the means, a large Mediterranean-themed rug would really ground and define the space. They are usually very heavy (and expensive) but if you already have access to something that could work, go for it. Just make sure you protect it beforehand.

A final touch I would add is some simple terra-cotta pots. You could fill them with the cutlery for the meal, favors, floral, or flashlights. They come in so many sizes you could place a few of these for any sort of item you want to wrangle—aesthetically.

Food Displays

Aside from all of the items used to decorate, you should also remain cognizant of the way in which you display the food, to pull the whole theme together. Use larger pitchers for water, juice, or sangria. Add floating berries or herbs to capture the essence of Mediterranean hospitality. Serve the appetizers and entrees on wooden boards and plates.

Customization

If you’ve got a crafty group, try hand painting tiles for a hands-on activity together. They could be used as a coaster set for the guest of honor or each person could take their own home.

Menu

Flavor is everything with the Mediterranean-themed luxury picnic. The majority of the meal will utilize the freshest herbs and spices so be aware of the flavor profiles as you are planning.

• The marinade in this recipe worked really well for our chicken skewers. We opted to use the olive oil but the writer does note that it can be made without it. Again I want to remind you, use fresh ingredients.
• The mozzarella and tomato salad is quintessential Mediterranean. It’s fresh and loved by all.
• Serve your hummus and tzatziki on a large wooden platter for maximum effect. Try and grab the sturdiest platter you can find with good woodgrain to set down in the middle of your luxury picnic. The pita bread will just need a sprinkle of sea salt, and to be cut properly for dipping.
• I am waiting until our trip to Greece next summer to try this, but I am told that baklava served with cardamom cream and mint tea is the way to go. Sprinkling some nuts on top will also add a little flair and make dessert a little more special.

By incorporating a few of these elements you will create a stunning and authentic Mediterranean ambiance that’ll transport your guests to the coasts of Greece, Italy, or Spain. Enjoy your picnic planning! —V