Everything You Need to Host A Late Summer Picnic

Although it’s not technically Fall yet, in preparation for the Autumn Equinox there are simple rituals you can practice to help you stay grounded during this time of transition. September has always been a favorite of ours for it’s the beginning of the harvest season when the days are still warm enough where you can enjoy time outside without it being too hot. What better way to spend a beautiful early fall day than with a picnic. Keep reading for everything you need to have a glorious picnic outside this season and how you can find balance with the change in season.

Pick a time and place

When it comes to location a public park, the beach, or even your own backyard are all great options for hosting a picnic. If you read our last post, you may have seen we recently visited Rooted Heart Farm in Buxton, Maine which made for the perfect outdoor setting. Other ideas for outdoor spots are local farms or an apple orchard. Now that you’ve decided where to have your picnic you can the choose the activity. For instance, make it an afternoon hangout, a weekend brunch, or watching the sunset.

Set the vibe

You don’t want to be sitting directly on the ground so blankets and pillows are essential for comfort. Since you’re already outside in nature, you don’t need to go crazy with the decor. If you want your picnic to be Instagram-worthy, grab a bouquet of fresh blooms (or forage your own), bring some fancy glassware, and set out some serving trays or cutting boards to act as sturdy and aesthetically pleasing surfaces. For this fall-inspired setup, we kept things cozy with lit candles, tarot cards, and crystals.

In times of change, it’s important you cultivate an attitude of being present. Try being in the now by taking time to simply sit and notice what you see sitting on the picnic blanket outside. During your picnic not only be present by being an active listener while guests are each talking, but also take time to fully take in your setting – What are the shapes, colors, and textures of the things around you? What sensations can you feel in your body?

Go as far as to ask invitees to each bring a journal so that you can all do internal reflection. Maybe offer a writing prompt such as, “How can you deepen your intuitive knowing?” or “How are you bringing joy and play into your life?”

Plan your menu

When it comes to food, you want the dishes to be easy to eat while sitting on the ground and are quick to clean up. A charcuterie and cheese board will forever be a go-to. It’s delicious and always a crowd favorite. Simply curate a selection of meats, cheeses, and small snacks like nuts and olives on a cutting board.

Don’t forget to have something to drink! Craft some cocktails or mocktails to serve at your picnic. The Fields of Gold cocktail created by Cassandra Sears of the Remedy Cocktail Co. is the perfect drink to make ahead of time in a big batch for easy prep. Inspired by the goldenrod in it, it’s tasty and has health benefits. The yellow wildflower can help reduce inflammation.

Fields of Gold Drink Recipe

INGREDIENTS

/ 2 oz Barr Hill Gin
/ 1 oz Lemon Juice
/ 1 oz Sweetfern & Goldenrod- Honey Syrup
(make a strong tea of Goldenrod & Sweetfern- steep covered for 15 minutes- strain and dissolve equal parts honey)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Rim glass with Sunflower petal-infused Sea Salt (pulse equal parts fresh sunflower petals and sea salt in a food processor or spice grinder).
In a cocktail shaker add gin, lemon juice, and the Sweetfern & Goldenrod- Honey Syrup then shake with ice and strain UP into a rimmed cocktail (coupe) glass

Credits: