Even though it is currently freezing in Minnesota, (can we please have a June where the average temp is above 70 degrees?) I can’t help but think about how much fun picnic season will be. Whether in your own backyard, or travelling of the chain of lakes, here are some essentials to take along:
This black wine cooler sleeve from the Kitchen Window has two gel packs to keep your wine cool or you can also chill the wine to serving temp. Retail is $15.00
Another way to keep one’s wine cool is this bottle and cheese tote available at Patina for $32.00. It includes a cutting board, cheese knife and corkscrew. It is also PVC free and environmentally friendly.
A great idea is this table in a bag from Crate and Barrel. All you have to do is collapse the table, roll it up, and put it in its bag. Regularly $44.95, now it is on sale through the end of June at $32.95.
Rick Rack is a great little place in Edina that has a range of great furnishings and gifts. I found this basket on their website and thought the bright colors were really fun.
Instead of using plastic disposable plates and cutlery, Twin Cities Green carries reusable party and picnic silverware. Made from 100% recycled plastic, including plastic yogurt cups, it can be recycled in communities with No. 5 recycling. They are also strong enough to put into the dishwasher for washing. $6.79 for a pack of 8 knives, 8 forks and 8 spoons.
$8.95 for a pack of 8 plates are Twin Cities Green
A fantastic accessory to your picnic are these portable mp3 speakers. Weather resistant, all you do is zip your mp3 player into the pocket and plug it in to listen to your favorite tunes. Available at Patina for $24.00.
If you want to go deluxe, then splurge on this awesome picnic trunk from Design Within Reach. You can keep everything organized and then fold out the table to serve your feast. Available at $200.
This smaller picnic for two set from Patina has all the necessary utensils to enjoy your next picnic with your hunny. Available for $65.00
Simple and stylish, the Crate and Barrel wire picnic basket shows off your fancy food in style. Regularly $19.95, it is on sale through June for $14.95
Simple and stylish, the Crate and Barrel wire picnic basket shows off your fancy food in style. Regularly $19.95, it is on sale through June for $14.95
I found these wine glass holders at the Kitchen Window for $11.99 for a set of two. Stick them into the ground and you can dig into the rest of your food.
For dessert, why not play around a little? This Play and Freeze Ball from the Kitchen Window allows the players to fill up one end with rock salt and ice, and the other end with ice cream mixture, and then you toss it, roll it, and shake it to make the ice cream! Retails at $44.99
Available at Crate and Barrel, this Grill on the Go is a great tool for your spontaneous barbecues. It is $34.95, on sale for $24.95.
Finally, at Bibelot, you can find this Jane Jenni tote featuring her cheeky artwork. It is made of recycled plastic and available for $11.95.