The tastes and smells of summer keep me dreaming all winter long for the days I can go barefoot again; fresh produce from the farmer’s market, watermelon by the slice, skewers on the grill, and the chill of an ice cream cone on a hot day.
Whether you are heading to the beach or down the street to a neighborhood park, a simple picnic adds something special to the day. And as much as we love summer days, there is something about a cool evening breeze, crickets in the background and laughter across the table that makes summer evenings unforgettable. A successful picnics and dinner parties don’t require anything extravagant. All you need is a comfortable setting, good company and simply delicious food.
In an effort to make hosting a dinner party and picnic packing even easier, I sat down with a few experts on food and table settings, Chef Tina Marie Greene (owner of Kissing Rock Kitchens) and Amy Ruis (owner of Art of the Table) to get their best tips and secrets on summer menus and table settings.
Packing Your Picnic
“The bag is important! I always forget something,” says Amy, “Pick a picnic basket that suits your needs and put everything you need for a picnic in it. So when you pick it up, all of the essentials are already in it.” Amy recommends using an insulated bag, but you can also use a traditional picnic basket. Some baskets even come stocked with silverware, salt and pepper and glasses. “Don’t forget something to sit on,” she adds.
Sample Picnic Menu:
Peachy-Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Muffuletta
Apple Lentil Salad
Stuffed Cucumbers and Shrimp
Citron Shortbread
Cucumber Mint Water
Drink Pairing
Big Little Wine Company’s “Tire Swing” or The Rio Madre
“What I would take on a picnic is one of two things (or maybe both!), a bubbly and a nice red. Big Little Wine Company’s “Tire Swing” has crispy, appley deliciousness and it is made up in Leelanau County, MI. The Rio Madre is 100% Graciano from Rioja, Spain and is a current fave. It is big bold fruit, but
soft enough without too much tannin. Spicy, blue
fruits abound!”
Setting Your Table
“The colors for the season are blues, especially turquoise and navy,” Amy shares, “The nautical look is coming back. I’m still seeing a lot of bright colors too, oranges and muted greens. These go really well with turquoise.”
Table decor doesn’t need to be extravagant; you can create a variety of settings with the basics. Gather a few tablecloths, napkins, summer dishes, and candles or lanterns for centerpieces. Amy recommends having a variety of basic tablecloths that you can change out based on your table decor. “I don’t like hugely busy tables. Having a basic tablecloth lets you do a lot with it. It’s fun to have different colors of napkins that go with a candle or lantern,” explains Amy. “Take a red lantern and put an orange candle [in it]. That kind of thing can quickly transform your table.”
While Amy prefers having a separate set of dishes for outside (hers are red and orange), you can easily use your regular dishes. Collect summer salad plates, or salad plates of a different color and use your regular dishes and silverware. The pop of color will totally transform your table.
“I like having lots of light on the table, it makes a cool centerpiece, Amy shares. “When you are talking until ten or eleven at night, it adds a great atmosphere.” She recommends using candles or lanterns to add light to your table are, and using torches or stringing lights to light up the surrounding area.
Amy’s best advice is to go simple, and not to be too fussy. What is the most important isn’t the decor, the drinks or even the menu you spent hours planning and making. It is the community at the table, the conversation, the laughter, and the memories you are creating.
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