Hi friends, how are you? Things here are pretty good — fully vaxxed, finally seeing some consistent blue skies.
Lately, I have been daydreaming about picnics. Swaths of fabric atop freshly cut grass. Juicy tomato and mozzarella sandwiches on chewy ciabatta. Icy lemonade, bottles of orange wine. Wrinkled linen dresses, the imprint of grass on your palm. That stretch of time after the sun sets, before dusk settles in. Oscillating between idle and deep conversation.
Last spring, when picnics (any time spent outside with people, really) became a lifeline, I didn’t mind at all, having always loved the outdoors. But I look forward to it feeling fully voluntary again, more fun and special rather than necessary. I hope going outside remains the default. One idea to keep up the momentum: start a Summer Picnic Club. Invite friends/family to meet at different parks around town every other Saturday. Bring your own blanket, plus a snack to share. I’m a big proponent of having recurring plans set, especially when they are as low-key as a picnic.
With all of the practice last year, and with all of the time back then to do research, I feel well-equipped for this season. Below, some of my favorite things to pack.
‘chal we dive in?
The Gear
Some good items to have on hand:
Our Gossamer Cotton Throw has gotten so much use and is still holding up well. The color choices are lovely — we opted for Ice, but a darker hue like Shoreline, Shale, or Plum would be wise for the inevitable spill. You’ll find all sorts of options out there with conveniently attached straps, but I preferred something that would feel equally acceptable in other contexts (e.g. as a throw for a guest spending the night, or to protect the backseat from sandy dogs).
I first spied this doodad, which aerates and chills wine and doesn’t require removal for each pour, in my parents’ freezer and after using it throughout my stay there, I proceeded to buy one for myself and one for my MIL. Another option are these vintage wine coolers, designed by Richard Carlson in 1980 and a part of MoMA’s permanent collection.
These napkins made of 100% biodegradable cotton are picnic heros — simply tear off the roll and once you’re through, toss them into the recycling bin or machine wash and reuse up to six times.
Sometimes it's nice to mix things up and break out a board game. We love Codenames.
Okay kind of a long story / cautionary tale, but relevant. On a particularly hot and drippy summer day a couple years ago, I hosted a little celebration in Central Park for Aman after he finished the NYC Triathlon. I had prepared something that needed to be refrigerated (I forget what) and didn’t plan ahead of time how I’d haul it there or keep it chilled. The circumstances led me to panic buy a bulky, poorly designed cooler from BB&B that now takes up half the square footage of our laundry room closet and is a real drag (pun intended) to bring anywhere. Learn from my mistakes and instead buy this insulated picnic basket, which two of my friends strongly endorse, along with hundreds of other Amazon purchasers. Or consider one of these cute coolers from Business & Pleasure.
I ordered these stemless champagne glasses in bulk for one of our pre-wedding events and continue to use them to this day. These are also great — a durable, dishwasher safe option in a shape that is perhaps more versatile than the champagne glasses. This set of melamine cups would be ideal for small hands, and are just as appropriate for indoors.
The Menu
Optimize for food that packs well and can be served at room temperature. My go-to’s:
Pick up a fresh baguette and 2-3 good cheeses — my new favorite is the Unexpected Cheddar from Trader Joes that has flecks of crystallized parmesan in it and is SO GOOD. Pair with this chilli pepper jam from Whole Foods and you’re set.
This Smitten Kitchen pasta salad recipe takes a little time to roast the tomatoes, but is easy and flavorful.
My mom would make a mushroom or onion tart, which is reliably successful and effortlessly elegant. Or gain inspiration from this tasty list of 83 picnic food ideas that I have bookmarked.
As for dessert, I like to bring a pound cake, which holds up well and is hard to resist (tip: slice it beforehand and leave it in the baking pan for easy transport). This Lemon Poppy Seed one is summery and quick to make.
Ten Treasures, for your viewing pleasure
Okay, eleven, but I liked the alliteration…
Yayoi Kusama’s Cosmic Nature exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden is magical. As is Fort Makers’ Goodnight House exhibit, especially for youngsters, going on until May 27 and inspired by Goodnight Moon.
I’d like for this linen set to be my summer uniform.
That blah feeling lately, a catalogue of Kim and Kanye’s relationship and its cultural impact, the casual racism of mispronouncing an Asian person’s name, and an interesting, albeit millenia-old, perspective on parenting.
Someone buy this “kindergarten orange” vest, if only for the brilliant color name.
CB2 has been on a roll lately, most recently with their Bacio Lounge Chair (the rounded feet are *chefs kiss*).
Typically, I avoid recommending shows before watching them in their completion, but I’m calling it now: Mare of Eastown, the new HBO miniseries, is going to become our new Sunday night ritual.
Eyeing these beeswax number candles for the next birthday in my life.
Thanks, all, for dropping in. And double thanks to those of you who have been in touch about ideas for this newsletter — I love hearing from you, please keep it coming!
Until next time,
Marichal
Love love love reading what you churn up each time 🎈❤️👏😎