Summer Picnic

Today I’m sharing an easy and pretty summer picnic.

I recently asked my blog readers “what keeps you from entertaining more”?  One of the answers I heard from quite a few people was that their house was the main reason they don’t entertain more.  Some felt their decor wasn’t what they wanted, or they were doing renos that weren’t finished.  Others said their houses were too small for company, and a few mentioned how hard it was to clean up for entertaining, especially with small children.  I hope this series of blog posts on summer picnics will inspire some of you and help with the problem by getting you entertaining outside of your house.

I’m planning to share a series of posts on picnics.  We’ll be picnicking at the park, the beach, and out in the forest.  We’ll be inspired by the delicious cuisines of around the world, with a French picnic, an Italian picnic and a few others too.  I hope you’ll stop by every week and see what picnic we’re sharing.  I have to say I’m looking forward to it -it’s shaping up to be a yummy summer. 😉

Today we’re kicking if off with an easy picnic we enjoyed at the beach.

We had an easy menu -one that’s perfect for the kids.  It was easy, but it was certainly delicious.  And we’re always looking for easy and delicious, right?

We started out with some peach punch in these pretty glass bottles.  I bought these reusable bottles years ago, and I’ve used them over and over for parties and picnics.  The flip tops are fun and they’re always a hit with guests.  After your done, be sure to bring them home and wash them for next time.

We had a real picnic classic for this one -sandwiches.  Sandwiches are always great for a picnic because they travel so well, and can be made to suit any taste.  We mostly had ham and swiss cheese, with some lettuce and tomatoes, and some sweet honey mustard.  I say mostly because sandwiches are easy to customize to everyone’s taste.  One might want no mustard, one no cheese. Sandwiches are a great veggie option too.  And, who doesn’t love a really great sandwich?

Along with our sandwiches we had some chips, we served them in individual paper bags, with the little pretty washi tape to hold them closed.  I love this option, everyone gets their own which is always a plus with kids.

For a fun little dessert we had individual strawberry shortcakes in a mason jar.  I just cut up some angel food cake for the bottom, added some strawberries as the next layer, and finished it off with some sweetened whipped cream.  Simple and delicious.

I used some old vintage feeling wicker and brought along some pretty pillows for lounging too.  We piled everything up in our little wagon and headed for a pretty spot at the beach.  We had such a lovely afternoon by the water, eating and visiting with friends.

And for the grown-ups, I even brought along a thermos of tea to enjoy with our desserts.  When I was a little girl, I can remember my mom packing up a thermos of tea for her and my dad on any long road trips.  I have to say it sure is nice after a dip in the cool lake to have a nice hot cup of tea in the sun.

I hope you’re feeling inspired, especially if you feel like your house keeps you from entertaining as much as you’d like.  How about calling up some friends this weekend and inviting them to meet you and your family for a picnic at your local beach?

With an easy summer picnic, life really is a party!