Memorial Day. The unofficial start to summer. Maybe you’ll still have a backyard barbecue—just not with dozens and dozens of neighbors and friends. Though you can still linger late into the night. But perhaps a change of scenery would be nice. So we’re inspiring you to switch things up and opt for a picnic of some sort. Head someplace a little less familiar. An isolated corner of a city park. A quiet place near that trailhead at your state park. Heck, your neighbor’s back yard. As long as you social distance.
And before we pack things up, let’s pause and take a moment to reflect on the meaning of this day. Be grateful to all our fallen heroes serving in the military—and, in recent weeks, serving our country in other ways. This day is for them.
A picnic basket suitable for Gatsby
Simple, elegant, and large enough to handle all your picnic goodies—namely batter-fried chicken, maple syrup coleslaw, potato salad, and homemade lemonade.
Dorset Picnic Basket, $219 on Riverbendhome.com
A wine and cheese basket (aka adult backpack)
Maybe the day involves a little wine and cheese, some olives, and bakery bread. If so, the Corsica basket will carry your nibbles in style. With a sturdy willow base and double weave design, it doubles as a wee table. Excellent for afternoon imbibing.
Corsica Basket, $70 on Riverbendhome.com
A towel that actually repels sand (now if only your bathing suit did that)
This earth-friendly, fade-resistant towel is (wait for it!) sand repellent. Yep. Seriously. Perfect for setting out a picnic. And it doubles for sunning.
Sand free towel, $30 on Thebeachpeople.com
A salad plate Nemo would love
Something’s sorta fishy. Namely these gorgeous rustic plates that are made from durable melamine yet look just like heirloom ceramic. Shatterproof, BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and perfect for any outdoor dining.
Vietri Lastra Salad Plates, $33 on Amazon.com
Non-utilitarian utensils
This colorful pastel spoon set offers you even more enticement to dive into a bowl of ice cream. Added bonus: the ABS acrylic spoons are perfect for chubby toddler fingers.
Jean Dubost Dessert Spoons,$37 on Riverbendhome.com
A citronella candle you’ll go buggy over
Oh, those pesky insects. Light this candle and the only bug you’ll experience is the one etched on this beautiful candle. Fine fragrances are blended with citronella to provide a completely natural insect repellent.
Skeem Citronella Candle, $45 on Ballarddesigns.com
A MoMA-worthy water bottle
S’well bottles have a vacuum-insulated design that keeps cold beverages cold and hot beverages hot. They’re made from food-grade stainless steel with a condensation-free exterior so no more sweaty drinks or disposable plastic water bottles. And they’re perfect for your favorite cold beverage. Like an icy cold white sangria spritzer.
S’well water bottle, $35 from S’well
A pail and shovel set for the mini-me set
Keep small hands busy while you sip that wine. This eco-friendly pail and shovel set is made from unbleached compostable bamboo and bio-plastic, with a hemp rope handle.
Pail and Shovel Set, $59 on Thebeachpeople.com
All products featured on Leite’s Culinaria are independently selected by our staff.
