One can never picnic enough in life and if we try to find the good from any of 2020, picnicking should be a concept that we continue to maintain. Picnic baskets set the tone; it’s a small but important detail. Compare it to artful plating…would you prefer an appetizing meal or a thrown together meal? It centers around the appeal of the presentation. Picnic baskets can be individualized, such as utilizing Easter baskets or larger, sturdy baskets. Wine and wine glasses pair with cheese and bread selections. Try my Prosciutto Logs which are 2-inch celery cuts filled with flavored cream cheese wrapped with prosciutto. It’s an easy prep and goes well with any picnic choices. Fruit is colorful and wholesome. For picnics, whole fruit such as pears, apples, blueberries, and strawberries are simple to set out for enjoyment. Small tubs of cut fruit are also a good choice. If you wish to make a fruit cocktail, mix the cut-up fruit pieces with poppyseed dressing vs. whipped cream since temperature challenges may occur with outdoor dining. Turn off your cellular device and pack some entertainment such as a guitar, a chess set, a kite, a good book, a sketch book, a croquet set, a badminton set, doggie treats for your pet, etc. Biking, canoeing, hiking, and bird watching are also fun to add to your picnic planning. Always bring some bottled water or sparkling water no matter the length of your picnic experience and consider your “table” styling. Will it be blanket with a waterproof liner underneath, an existing picnic table in the park, or your own table configuration? Actually, classic TV trays are lightweight and versatile for road trips and tailgating. I once saw someone put a kiddie inflatable pool in the back of the bed of their pickup truck with inflatable palm trees to listen to a beach concert, picnic tailgating style. Your picnic is your perfect world, as you wish to portray it! Make your springtime picnic debuts picturesque, creative, and memorable. © Kelly McBride Loft