Spring has sprung, and summer is officially upon us. How else could we celebrate the change of the seasons than with a beautifully curated picnic in the park? Whether it’s date night, a girl’s day or a time of celebration, picnics are the perfect way to spend time with those you love and enjoy a meal. So, we invite you to dive into the world of aesthetic outdoor dining.
Al fresco dining is nothing new. However it’s had a recent rebranding as a luxury experience, complete with aesthetic decorations, picturesque destinations and indulgent finger foods — and we’re so here for it.
First, the most important part of any event is the aesthetic. What are you wearing? What are you listening to? Are you sitting on a blanket? Or bringing a table and cushions? Are there candles? Should you tie ribbons on everything?
You can always go the classic route, pack your on-hand gingham blanket, trusty picnic basket and wear your cutest pair of jeans to live out a movie-esque day in the park. But if you’re looking for an aesthetic a little more Instagram worthy, we suggest consulting the oracle of vibes, Pinterest. The havens of mood boards dedicated to picnicking on Pinterest might look like florals to the max, lacy dresses and dainty tableware set in an ethereal garden if cottagecore is your thing.
Those of us inclined to take advantage of our Miami locale might set up our picnic spot with white linens, cushions in shades of blue, fresh flowers and a large picnic basket for lots of snacks — a set up any Coastal grandma would be envious of. However, if we’re being honest, picnicking on a college budget looks like gathering up your assortment of Goodwill knickknacks and family heirlooms, all the while telling yourself it’s an eclectic and whimsical aesthetic.
Secondly, where shall you rendezvous? Your location sets the tone for the picnic, as well as what you’re going to eat. We are blessed with the consistently sunny weather of the Sunshine State, so year-round outdoor dining is a privilege we should take advantage of. Cottagecore lovers are likely to be frequenting the many parks and tropical gardens in the area, like Vizcaya Museum and Gardens or Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for an afternoon meal.
Second year PhD student at the University of Miami, Mariana Viso, said her favorite picnics are with friends or her partner at an idyllic spot on the coast of Biscayne Bay, for a relaxing day on the sand. “I love soaking up the sun at Crandon Park for peak summer vibes,” said Viso.
Similarly, Emily Hutchison, also a second year PhD student at UM, looks forward to dinners on the beach at South Pointe Park in Miami Beach, complete with everyone she knows and loves, late night swims and a Jane Birkin approved picnic basket. “When it comes to picnics, the more, the merrier,” said Hutchison. “I love the days when everyone meets up spontaneously, and we get to take advantage of the gorgeous Miami weather.”
And finally, our favorite part, the spread: an assortment of food, beverages and treats to snack on while enjoying the warmth of the Miami sun. Picture a gorgeous sunrise on the beach. You’re lounging atop an assortment on pillows and blankets, waves are softly rolling onto shore, and a steaming Cafecito is in your hand, with a pastelito de guayaba in the other — absolute perfection. Whether you prefer breakfast at the beach, in the park or at Tiffany’s, it’s in your best interest to make a pitstop at a Cuban bakery before arriving to your picnic destination. Not everyone is a morning person, understandably, so sometimes lunch is best for a day of al fresco dining. “A midday picnic where I don’t have to get up early is ideal,” said Viso, one of the second year PhD students.
An afternoon tea service in the park wouldn’t be complete without tiny tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, crudité with a dip of choice, cookies, cakes and freshly brewed tea — or the very convenient canned Trader Joe’s sparkling teas. Alas, dinner is the meal best enjoyed al fresco in good company, either with friends, family or your current situationship. An aperitivo hour at sunset is an effortlessly aesthetic meal that is equally enjoyable and perfect for your Instagram feed.
“There’s just something so perfect about charcuterie at the beach, while watching the sun go down,” said UM senior architecture major Benjamin Darby. “And when it’s a full moon it’s even better.”
While the snacks might vary, there are a few main categories to hit for the perfect aperitivo nosh: always a carb, both a soft cheese and a hard cheese, something briny such as olives, grape leaves or marinated beans, a fruit or vegetable, probably a second carb, a cured meat to round everything out, and your favorite sparkling wine or aperitif.
Darby, the UM senior architecture major, is an aperitivo hour lover and believes a perfect sunset picnic is complete with a whimsical assortment of fruits, cheeses and crisps. “I’ve always been a fan of the ‘effortlessly beautiful’ vibe, even more so when it comes to picnics,” said Darby. “All you need is a couple blankets and pillows artfully thrown together to achieve that boho chic look.”
At the end of the day, picnics are supposed to be a leisurely activity, and if the thought of planning a menu, theme and decorations feels insurmountable, might we recommend a professional picnicking service? Notable South Florida small businesses, specializing in aesthetic picnics and luxury experiences are The Picnic Pop-Up, Picnic Fairy, The Little Gatherings and Glam Picnic Co. Once you book a picnic, you get to pick a style and location.
From there, the company will take care of setting up and packing up after your meal. It is important to note that these companies only offer food and beverage as an add-on, except for The Picnic Pop-Up who does not offer any food or beverage. When planning a proposal, girl’s night or birthday with a little something extra, professional picnic services are the perfect option for a stress-free experience.
So now that you know all the ins and outs of this sacred craft, get out there and put that picnic basket together. And of course, happy picnicking.
words&photo_mary gorski. design_melanie bergunker & sal puma.
This article was published in Distraction’s Summer 2024 print issue.
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