Planning the Perfect Picnic
It's summer! Hooray! Let's go outdoors and have a picnic! Los Angeles is full of great parks, gardens, and beaches just waiting for us to visit for a relaxing day full of fun and food. We aren't at the level of Martha Stewart, but we do know how to plan and pack for a great day. Here are our recommendations...
The basic hardware:
A good picnic blanket designed to be used outdoors. Good blankets have a water-resistant side and carrying handles.
A picnic basket (or two) one for plates, glasses, cutlery, and napkins, one for your food. A small cooler with a shoulder strap is also great.
Don't forget your folding pocket knife and a lightweight cutting board for slicing cheese and sandwiches.
A thermos, if you want to brew hot tea. We recommend a low-temperature brewing tea like a good Japanese green tea. If you have a nice wide-mouth thermos, you can place hot dogs in it, pour in boiling water, and you are good to go with your buns and condiments! Kids love this hack--it's like a magic trick.
Speaking of food, your menu should include mostly items that don't mind being served at room-temperature like cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal fruits (hello, watermelon!), salads, quiche, sandwiches, chips, and cookies or brownies. You get the idea. If you don't want to cook yourself, pick up some choices from restaurants that cater to picnic-goers! Clementine in Century City offers a "Build-Your-Own-Picnic" option, as does Joan's on Third. The Larder at Tavern in Brentwood is another great choice, as is Bay Cities in Santa Monica.
Tea and lemonade are great, as are batch cocktails. If you are planning on serving alcohol, be sure your picnic location allows it and make sure your glassware is plastic. If your beverages contain less than 0.5% alcohol, you're safe in all spots in the area. For beer, we like Athletic Brewing Company; for wine, try Leitz Eins Zwei Zero sparkling Riesling, Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon, Codorníu Zero Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine, or Codorníu Zero Rosé.
Music is always nice. A good bluetooth speaker is perfect for the occasion, but remember to keep the volume low so you don't disturb others nearby.
Games! You're not going to eat and run. After all, you are here to enjoy being outdoors, so bring some games. We recommend easily portable games like frisbee, chess/checkers, croquet, or cards. If you are in a spot with lots of open area or on a beach, why not bring a kite?
A few last things: sunblock, wet-wipes, and a trash bag. Also bring a first-aid kit--you never know when you might need it.
If this is sounding like you need a shirpa to help lug your stuff, or you don't feel like driving, you can also have a picnic right in your own back yard. Need a new back yard? Call us and we will help you find one (and a great house to go with it)!