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    Home » Entertaining » Party Ideas » Summer Picnics are #NaturallyAmazing

    Published: Jul 21, 2014 · Updated: May 8, 2023 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Summer Picnics are #NaturallyAmazing

    Let me help you plan the perfect summer picnic! From choosing the right location to packing the perfect picnic basket. Grab your sunscreen, a cozy blanket, and let's get started on planning the ultimate summer picnic!

    A clean eating dinner picnic. #sponsored #NaturallyAmazing @frenchsfoods // www.cupcakesandcutlery.com

    *This post is sponsored by French's, a #NaturallyAmazing product.  All opinions are mine.

    As the weather gets warmer and the sun shines brighter, many of us look forward to spending time outdoors and enjoying the beauty of nature. And what better way to do that than by having a fun-filled summer picnic with family and friends?

    Whether it's a romantic date or a group get-together, a picnic can be the perfect way to relax, unwind, and enjoy some delicious food in a picturesque setting. However, planning a picnic can be daunting if you don't know where to start.

    My kids ask for a dinner picnic almost every single night during summer.  And fall.  And spring.  So we try to have them as much as possible.

    There is something absolutely magical about sitting outside as the sun turns golden.  Eating outside brings an entirely different energy to dinner time.  It is much more casual and playful.  And the food is always kept simple and fresh.  

    This picnic set up shared through out this post, however, is a dream scenario.  In our real dinner picnics, the blanket gets all wrinkled, plates get kicked over and there is grass.  Lots of grass.  Everywhere.  

    This is what summer picnics would look like if my kids were robots that I could control with a remote control.

    Lavender lemonade is the perfect drink to bring to a picnic or potluck. #sponsored #NaturallyAmazing @frenchsfoods // www.cupcakesandcutlery.com

    My robot children would willingly try all the wonderful and delicious foods that I love.  They would not be afraid of things that sound a little bit different.  They wouldn't turn their noses up at lavender lemonade.  They would drink it and be instantly transformed in to a wonderfully relaxed state of mind.  They would never ask for soda even though they know they only drink it very rarely.

    Fresh veggies and a tangy mustard based dip are a great dish to bring to a picnic. #sponsored #NaturallyAmazing @frenchsfoods // www.cupcakesandcutlery.com

    I am very lucky that my kids do, in fact, like vegetables.  They don't hesitate to grab them off a buffet table and never complain when I send them in their lunches.  Up until a little while ago, my oldest son couldn't eat anything with milk in it so he never really had anything to dip them in.  We are very fortunate that he seems to have outgrown that allergy.  For this picnic I made a delicious mustard dip.  French's mustard is, and always has been a natural food.  What I love about it is that is adds SO much flavor.  And it is an absolute essential for summer grilling.  It is perfect with hamburgers and hotdogs but also delicious grilled veggie sandwiches.  It also sort of inspired the color palette as well.  You normally don't think of mustard yellow as a summer color but I think these rich colors are perfect for the time just before sunset.  French's wants you to get inspired also.  They have a new Pinterest page and it features other great ideas for #naturallyamazing entertaining and recipes for any occasion: graduation celebrations, picnics, summer BBQs, light lunches and more!  You can follow them by clicking the image below!

    Cabbage salad for a delicious and easy dinner picnic. #sponsored #NaturallyAmazing @frenchsfoods // www.cupcakesandcutlery.com

    My real family has recently started eating more salads.  I've always loved salads so this has made me so happy.  However, only my robot children would eat this cabbage salad.  While the cabbage is really mild in flavor, the herbs would totally throw my kids off.  I loved the bright flavors of the mint, basil and cilantro.  And the lime sesame dressing had a touch of sweetness that paired with it really nicely.  Robot children are the best, aren't they?

    A vintage blanket works perfectly for a summer picnic. #naturallyamazing @frenchsfoods #sponsored // www.cupcakesandcutlery.com

    And only my robot children would be able to eat on this vintage blanket with a mustard dip...

    Wooden cutlery for a summer dinner outdoors. #sponsored #naturallyamazing @frenchfoods // www.cupcakesandcutlery.com

    I decided to keep the elements of this picnic really natural.  I mixed wooden utensils with wooden plates and platters and recyclable paper containers for easy clean up.  But since this was for pretend children who don't break things, I used my fave blue glasses for a pop of color.  In a real scenario I would probably use some clear plastic cups, nothing colored as I wouldn't want to compete with this gorgeous blanket.

    Succulents transport well and are really great for decorating picnics. Also, wine. You should always serve wine. #sponsored #naturallyamazing @frenchsfoods // www.cupcakesandcutlery.com

    Succulents are a great thing to bring as decorations when entertaining out of the house.  They are a really hearty plant and look great.  I also like to use bright-colored fruits because they double as part of the meal and decoration.  My robot and real children love cherries.

    Mustard is all natural and a great way to add flavor to summer picnic dishes! #sponsored #naturallyamazing @frenchsfoods // www.cupcakesandcutlery.com

    Eating healthier, more clean, doesn't have to be boring.  I look for ways to add in flavor to keep me the meals from tasting the same.  I use a lot of fresh ground black pepper, fresh citrus juices and French's mustard to add a wonderful savory tang.

    vintage-blanket-and-grass-picnic

    This has been a tale of my robot children and this fantastical picnic we all enjoyed together.  All the tips still hold true, just maybe not as a family picnic.  Maybe your picnic won't be as fancy as this one but French's and I encourage you to bring some fresh tastes to your table this summer!  Don't forget to follow French's for time-saving hacks and useful cooking tips as well as memorable meal ideas!

    Thank you for supporting the companies, like French's, that sponsor my posts and allow me to create.  My robot children appreciate it also.

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    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carrie Harris says

      July 23, 2014 at 11:42 am

      Lovely pics, creative ideas...I adore picnics!!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        July 23, 2014 at 12:12 pm

        Me too, Carrie!

        Reply
    2. laura londergan says

      July 22, 2014 at 4:37 pm

      I have always been a mustard girl so I love that they have a board I can follow now for recipes! Love mustard on everything so I love this picnic! That dip looks amazing too - I want some now! ;)

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        July 22, 2014 at 5:57 pm

        It was yum! I'm sharing the recipe for it tomorrow!

        Reply
    3. Jessie says

      July 22, 2014 at 7:51 am

      This looks SO delightful!!! (And now I can't wait to make that lovely lemonade you posted!) XO

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        July 22, 2014 at 10:34 am

        Thanks Jessie! It's delicious!

        Reply
    4. Debbie says

      July 21, 2014 at 4:15 pm

      Looks like a party in the park! What a wonderful treat!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        July 22, 2014 at 10:34 am

        Picnics are the best on a warm summer night!

        Reply
    5. Carmen says

      July 21, 2014 at 3:21 pm

      Please invite me over for your next picnic. BTW these photos are amaze!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        July 22, 2014 at 10:38 am

        Absolutely Carmen! The next one for sure! ;)

        Reply
    6. Dinah says

      July 21, 2014 at 1:48 pm

      I love French's!! And what a GORGEOUS picnic. The little succulents are a pretty touch!!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        July 22, 2014 at 10:38 am

        Thanks Dinah! I love succulents. And they are so hearty!

        Reply
    7. Amy Anderson says

      July 21, 2014 at 12:02 pm

      This is such a lovely picnic - beautiful! Love your food selection . . . and I only eat French's mustard!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        July 21, 2014 at 1:01 pm

        Thanks Amy! I love how it turned out. And I wish I had that menu today! It was so satisfying and refreshing without being run of the mill or difficult!

        Reply
    8. Melissa says

      July 21, 2014 at 11:42 am

      I looove this. I adore the layout and agree that there is something very magical about an evening/afternoon picnic.

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        July 21, 2014 at 1:03 pm

        Right?! That is my favorite time of day!

        Reply
    9. Jennifer says

      July 21, 2014 at 11:40 am

      I'd love to go on a Summer picnic, but maybe not in this heat. ;) And I love me some French's!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        July 21, 2014 at 1:03 pm

        Yeah, a picnic in the heat of summer might have to be a nightcap picnic. :) We went to the beach for a picnic the other night and it was still super hot down there at 6 pm. But an hour later it was perfect!

        Reply
    10. Tori @ Thoughtfully Simple says

      July 21, 2014 at 11:05 am

      I want to eat at your house. Great recipes and photos! Who knew mustard was so versatile?!

      Reply
    11. Jessica says

      July 21, 2014 at 10:33 am

      This makes me want a picnic now! So pretty! And I'm a huge mustard lover. Ketchup is fine, but I need mustard on everything for summer!

      Reply
    12. Chris @ Celebrations At Home says

      July 21, 2014 at 10:14 am

      Who doesn't love a good picnic?! These photos are gorge. Pinning.

      Reply

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    Welcome!
    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

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