Picnic for the Cheap and Bougie

How to pack for a bougie (ˈbo͞oZHē/) picnic on the cheap

First of all, let’s just give an Amen to the Almighty Trader Joe’s for art thou this great feast would never be upon us!

It is the little things that make a great day in the park, minus the bologna and mustard on stale white bread, that make all things better.

Can I just add before we begin that having the basic accoutrements before packing will make things go a lot easier? Before buying for the date in question, please think about keeping a few things for use during the year in your cabinet; picnic basket, insulated lunch bag and condiments stored accordingly. I always keep olives, grainy mustard, honey, fresh herbs, and jams on hand.  I usually buy seasonal for snacks for home light bites.  You cannot go wrong with soft cheese and jams instead of excess sugar for a midnight snack.

First you need a picnic basket and insulated lunch bag.

A basket that comes with glassware, silverware and plates will add a little bit of style when outdoors. You need to remember that anything refrigerator worthy needs to be packed responsibility.  No salmonella cases please.

Insulated lunch bag will set you back about 3 dollars at most drug stores. This filled with ice packs will determine if your salami stays fresh.  Who doesn’t want their salami to be fresh? You might not eat right away when spending time outside. Remember, ice is nice!

Now, getting back to Trader Joe’s.

If you are on a budget and when I say budget about twenty bucks comes to mind. You need to stretch those dollars but still look like a fancy pants when dining alfresco.  At Trader Joe's, cheeses are below market value and from time to time sold in combinations. This can run you about a whole five bucks.  There are combo crackers that run two dollars. They sell four variations of crackers in one box. 

Salami with infused truffle oil, anyone?  Between that and the three buck chuck cabernet, you will still have enough left over to buy flowers at the front of the store. A brick of chocolate and maybe some fruit for a few dollars more.

Now for the ambiance!

Invest in a good picnic clothe.  The answer is yes.  Yes, you should spend (ahead of time) a few dollars on cloth napkins.  Whether it’s wine or mustard that dribbles, the product Shout Out will remove any stain applied within 48 hours.

A sprig of rosemary or basil placed on your hors d’oeuvres tray and a canister with slices of cucumber, mint and lime poured into portal plastic wine glasses will create elegant snacking. Flowers can be stored along with dry goods and wine in basket.

Wind Chimes! Yes, you can.  If you plan on being near trees, nothing will say I need to adopt a cat and try more online dating than bringing chimes to hang above you and your dining companion.

Set Up:

When spreading out the blanket make sure to use jackets, shoes or any loose items to hold the ends down. This will prevent wind kicking it up.  Have a smaller round or square clothe to lay in the center of the blanket for food to be placed on.  It will help from keeping spills off the blanket and create a table optic. When setting up the basket, use the closed top to lay food on so ants won’t get ideas. Also, put the basket at the bottom of the blanket to give you some privacy for at least one side.  Nosey Nancy’s always want to bring down the party with comments on how many calories your lunch is while walking their schnauzer. Thank you but I didn’t ask.

Remember coffee mugs are always an option if in a state run park that frowns on open containers of alcohol.  Flasks are coming back in style and don’t have the hobo appeal they did a decade ago.

Look, we are all adults here.  Don’t try to pretend you have never shared a forty in a paper bag with a friend on the D train to Coney Island. Possibly trying to conceal it in your Vera Bradley overnight bag. Just be conscious and smart about your choices of whether or not you should sweep the legs of the owner of the schnauzer.  After all, this is supposed to be bougie day in the park celebrating all things that are elegant.

Now where is the music?  Cue soft music from cell phone that is cohesive with the birds chirping and Bon Appetite!