Simple Special Picnic Ideas!
Today we have simple special picnic ideas that can easily elevate a meal outside into a party! I want to share the one we had recently.
And I’m joining some friends with their fun tips. Links at the end of the post.
Choose A Good Spot
Originally, I thought this would be a good place overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge in Fort Mason but it was so windy that our son Thomas, and I couldn’t get the table cloth down!
Plan B: We both remembered a sheltered spot in the Presidio that we found on one of our walks. There is a picnic table underneath weeping willow trees.
Bring a Table Cloth
An easy, quick way to elevate your picnic is with a pretty table cloth.
NO SHAME: Order Your Favorites From The Deli
We shared three different sandwiches…variety! We like Lucca Deli here in San Francisco. I just tied some twine around the sandwiches and added some fresh rosemary (the making it special factor). I also ordered chips and potato salad. Since we had sort of an Italian theme going here, we picked up San Pellegrino, Italian lemonade, and Italian beer. Super easy.
Pack It With Flair
I rinsed off the grapes and berries at home in a perforated bowl, wrapped them in a dishtowel, and carefully placed them in the market basket.
Don’t Forget Music
We love a little portable Bluetooth box (similar)! We even take it out on family walks sometimes (Thomas’s idea).
Bring Some Playing Cards
On this day we played Gin Rummy and I won 🙂 (Hardly ever happens).
It was such a great day…special but so easy.
Enjoy Your Simple Special Picnic!
French Market Basket • Paisley Cotton Table Cloth • Playing Cards • Berry Bowl • Wicker Glasses • Twine • Mini Boom Box • Aqua Crackle Ceramic Plates
Let’s check out what my friends have for us!
Annie Most Lovely Things
Cindy Cindy Hattersley Design
Sheri Sheri Silver
Kim Northern California Style
Melaine My Sweet Savannah
Lisa Shine Your Light
Elizabeth Pinecones and Acorns
You may also like Fun Things Like A Picnic In Paris (and how we did it).
Hi Mary Ann – Can you please tell me if that basket sits upright when you put it down? I have something similar, but it falls over and I’m ready to get a new version…Thanks! Love this inspiration!
Mine stays up but you could message the Etsy vendor to make sure.
Hi Mary Ann,
Yummy, everything looks so nice and tasty! I went and ordered the basket, can’t wait til it arrives! You’ve got the right idea keeping things simple. Sitting in the park with a picnic is supposed to be relaxing!
XO Heidi
I love my basket, Heidi!
Mary Ann,
We should all get out and enjoy the fresh air after the year we’ve all experienced. What a great idea and your picnic show that easy can be wonderful. I’m inspired to get going and organize something similar soon.
xo,
Karen
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO WALK FROM FORT MASON TO THE PRESIDIO?
LOVE THE CARDS IDEA!
I remember that spot from when Jenna lived in Presidio Heights. You made the picnic special with the gorgeous cloth, all the specialty drinks, and of course the gorgeous San Franciso backdrop. Isn’t it funny we all agreed that a picnic should be simple. Wish I could have joined you it sure looked like fun!!
It’s a cute spot! But your picnic by the pool looked fun!
Mary Ann I Love this post so much. You are so lucky to live in San Francisco. What a dreamy spot for a picnic under those trees! I think next time we go to San Francisco we will do this! I love how your son helped. It seems like the kids really appreciate this kind of thing as mine did too as old as they are! I’m ordering your tablecloth now! Thank you for the inspiration! x Kim
Loved YOUR picnic, Kim …great ideas.
Love the way you wrapped the sandwiches. I also love that you simply bought them also, but made them look so special. I have tons of rosemary. Now all I need is the pretty twine and paper. I love Play rummy. Want a game?
Yes, Sandra, I’d love a game with you!
Perfect timing! I just suggested a take-out picnic in Grant Park to friends from out of town. Normally it would be dinner or a long lunch, but not everyone is doing inside dining yet. Thanks for the details on your day!
Have a great time, Janet!!
Lovely post as always Mary Ann! That rosemary sprig is spot on! Thanks as always for including me in your fun round up! xo
Loved your picnic idea, Sheri!!!
I love picnics and your family picnic at the pack looks lovely. I love the idea of bringing a pack of cards! I need to add that to my list!
We love playing games. Thanks, Elizabeth.
I love the twine and rosemary too, that is such a pretty idea for deli sandwiches! Also how pretty are your table linens and I’m obsessed with the wicker glasses AND your market basket. I wish I could picnic here with you!!
I’d love to have a picnic with YOU, Lisa!
Mary Ann! What a beautiful picnic! I love how you added twine and a sprig of rosemary to the sandwiches and brought dishes and glassware and a speaker. I always forget to do that! It looks like you had a lovely afternoon! I’m bringing cards next time too! You always have the best ideas!
xx
Thanks so much for organizing us, Annie and for your olive salad recipe!!