Picnic Promises

Every summer I vow to have a picnic in the park, but thus far I've been pretty bad at keeping this promise. However, this summer I am committed to partaking of the greenery, Tupperware, and pasta-saladish fare that constitute a genuine urban picnic. I've come up with a few bare essentials that will help you to create the ideal picnicking experience that even Edouard Manet would approve of (nudity optional).

1.) First you need a chic basket: Carnival Brighton Blue Basket. A fancy blanket for sitting on is not practical, so opt for large beach towels or an old bed sheet instead.

2.) Next, you need some delicious food: Order a gourmet Salad Box or Sandwich Box complete with a drink and dessert from http://www.elizabar.com/picnics.html or head to Zabar's on the Upper West Side and pick out your own delicacies. FYI: if you're picnicking in a group and everyone is in charge of bringing something, opt for dessert and head over to Rice to Riches on the LES. Pick up a bright orange "Sumo" sized container of your fav flavors like Hazelnut Chocolate Bear Hug or Coast to Coast Cheesecake.

3.) Now don't forget your frisbee, bugspray, and sunblock!

Note: For those of you that like the idea of picnicking but hate the whole ants in your salad thing, pick up a candle from Space NK. Alfresco Living and Bathing in the Woods are both apropos.

photo credit basket: http://www.picnicfun.com
painting credit: Edouard Manet, Luncheon on the Grass, 1863.