Plan A Sexy Summer Picnic

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is have intimate get-togethers with my friends. Whether it’s at the beach, in someone’s backyard or out on a hike – there is definitely something magical about bringing social events outdoors. To relax in the shade, eat some watermelon, sip a chilled drink and just catch up with my peeps.

We all need to unplug from time to time and connect with our loved ones. It’s an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You can eat right all the time, exercise your buns off and meditate every day, but if you’re not taking time out to nurture the relationships in your life, you will miss out big time.

Like a lot of self-care, finding the time to take a break and connect with other people can easily get pushed aside for other commitments. Well, not this summer! I’ve put together four tips to help you plan a sexy summer picnic and start making time with your friends a priority pronto!

My four tips to creating a fantastic outdoor get together are to keep it simple, satisfying, sustainable and sexy. 

Keep It Simple

When I say simple, I don’t necessarily mean easy (even though it is). I mean simple as in a menu that doesn’t contain processed foods or lots of additives and chemicals – natural, whole foods.

Plus, the best dishes for outdoor on-the-go entertaining are ones that can withstand the heat. A fresh salad filled with durable veggies like kale, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olives and quinoa is a safe and delicious bet. You don’t want to start your picnic off with food that already looks wilted, mushy or stale.

I always pack my picnic basket with crudité and hummus and/or healthy dips. I also recommend bringing easy fixings for tacos and wraps, like grilled salmon or chicken (which can be eaten chilled) and collard greens for the shells.

Prepare a healthier coleslaw by using apple cider vinegar and oil instead of mayo. And corn on the cob can easily be enjoyed cold or added into your collard green wraps or tacos. And homemade salsa and guacamole are always party pleasers!

Keep It Satisfying

It’s super important to stay hydrated when you’re out in the sun. So, include hydrating foods like we talked about last week: grapefruit, watermelon, cantaloupe, or a berry fruit salad.

If you’re going to bring alcohol, make sure it’s clear and go light on the mixers. Sparkling water and a twist of lime or other citrus is super satisfying without being sugary too dehydrating.

Keep It Sustainable

You don’t have to break out the good china for a picnic (unless you want to!), but wrestle up actual silverware, plates and cloth napkins to save on waste. My friends and I always bring a cutting board for prep, which we can then turn into a makeshift table in the middle of our picnic feast.

Encourage everyone to bring a reusable water bottle for H2O. I’m not a big fan of boxed water, but at least it’s more biodegradable than plastic bottles. I still recommend bringing your water and beverages in glass or metal containers though. Here are some inexpensive and accessible options: 27 ounce, 34 ounce or 37 ounce.

If you absolutely need to bring disposable tableware, look for options that are biodegradable. I really like Susty Party’s elegant and compostable products: cups, plates, napkins, and trash bags. Not only are these plastic-free, non-toxic, and created from renewable or recycled materials, but all their products are produced in partnership with nonprofits. So you’ll be helping the planet twice over.   

No need to go out a buy a super fancy picnic basket either – you can use an easy-to-carry cooler with reusable ice packs.

(P.S. And don’t forget about reusable straws!)

Keep It Sexy

Think out of the box when it comes to the location. Look for a cool green space to set down your blanket and basket, like next to a waterfall or somewhere you reach by taking a short hike. If you’re taking a healthy road trip, look out for unique pit stops with lots of nature. Or piggyback on outdoor events already happening in your area, like concerts, art walks or movie screenings.

So get picnic planning, and be sure to share a picture of your soiree with me on Instagram!

LOVE + perfect picnics!