Parisian Picnic

Hosting a birthday brunch? Celebrating an anniversary? Or is it just the perfect summer day? Grab a bottle of Bordeaux, pack up some parchment and channel Coco Chanel for this Parisian inspired picnic.

A picnic makes for the perfect party. It’s easily scalable for a group, laid back enough to allow for easy entertaining and allows you to relax and enjoy your event.

The Details:

This casual fete doesn’t call for overly formal invitations – but personally, we’re not a fan of the evite. You’re better than that. Up the ante on the cheap with websites like Paperless Post  - they have fantastic themes and personalization options for less than a postage stamp. Feel like going the full monte? May we suggest vintage postcards, available at Paper Source. Use the same template for handwritten menus detailing your accoutrement. You’ve come this far, so why not employ this easy trick? Take a few wine corks, three to be exact. Tie together with rustic twine & tuck in your menu. Then, scatter about your spread. Cute, no?

Then, pick the perfect locale. DC’s multitude of lush, green parks and beautiful riverbanks are the ideal backdrop! We recommend a spot with a view and a mix of sun and shade should the spring sun get a bit too intense. Grab an inexpensive red-checked sheet, splurge on the linen napkins & save on cutlery. Grab the stealthily crafted silver colored plastic stuff, it looks high shine in pictures – and then you don’t risk losing the real deal in the grass.

The Menu:

Ahhh, the culture of carbs, cheese and the Crouque Monsieur – get ready to indulge!
Load up a traditional style wicker basket with a few ice packs and all the trappings of a breezy Paris afternoon. Easy to eat is the key here. Finger foods that lend themselves to being eaten without a plate – the smaller the risk of a spill, the better!

My favorites:
A crusty baguette (duh).
Marinated veggies, such as sweet pickles, sundried tomatoes & olives – topped with a lemon squeeze.
A serious cheese spread. Don’t forget France’s Big 3 – Chevre, Roqufort & Brie – whole-wheat crackers, green pears, arugula, apple slices and red grapes for serving
Another Easy finger food? Toasted brioche, spread with Herb Boursin, top with a slice of roast beef and a sliver of red onion
Lox
…and for dessert – Fresh Strawberries – we love the look of serving them right from the green paper carton, and a few pieces per person of premium chocolate. Enough said.

The Drinks:

The new wine rule? There are no rules! Grab a dry bottle of Champagne (a personal favorite of mine) – but keeping a bottle chilled to perfection is tricky. We recommend Bordeaux – keep shaded and lightly insulated to prevent over heating in the sun. Don’t forget your corkscrew.

My new favorite casual entertaining tool is my Beats by Dre Speakers, in lemon yellow, of course. Super powerful, and it packs a punch. Charge it up, load this track, open that bottle and celebrate.

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