The Perfect Modern Picnic

Alright....admit it....you love the idea of a picnic.  I know that I do!  And, although we have had some rain, we have also had some absolutely gorgeous days that would make for the perfect picnic.  I love the picnic process.  Everything from picking out the menu to  packing everything up has a romance to it. The real problem comes with finding a picnic basket.  Not only are they expensive but they are also hard to find.  Well....now there is a fantastic solution:  The Boxsal!

I love everything about the Boxsal!  Not only is it green but it is also completely fun and, at $35, much less than any other picnic basket I have been able to find!  So here is the deal:  The Boxsal is a perfect alternative to the traditional wicker picnic basket.  It is made of recycled cardboard that is shaped almost like a briefcase.

It comes with a set of flatware, plates, napkins, cups and bowls for four that are completely recyclable or compostable!  It even comes with a compostable trash sac for the garbage you make!  Everything about the Boxsal is green right down to the instruction sheet that you can re-use as a grocery list on the back.

All you need to do is select from the three Boxsal options (Urban Picnic, Today's Date or Office Escape), place your order, fill it with food and wine and set off for your perfect picnic.  I love the "color by numbers" Today's Date Boxsal that comes with crayons.  It is perfect for a date picnic and comes complete with questions that can trigger fantastic get-to-know-you conversation on the side.

Now, before you head out on your picnic, you must check out Boxal's blog for advice on what to wear, what to play, and what to do to perfect your picnic.  It is a fantastic resource for adding a little extra to your lunch.

The Perfect Picnic!

I love packing a picnic so I am super excited about some new products on the market that will make your picnic perfect!

1. Use an insulated vinyl rolling cooler instead of lugging a heavy picnic basket!  
2. Camping caddies are a great way to send food!  I love these three tier stainless steel sets because they are reusable, lightweight and the lid doubles as a plate!  You can put both hot and cold food in it too!
3. Take straws along so that you can skip the glasses and drink from the bottles!  Instead of cooling your drinks with ice that will melt, freeze water bottles and stick them between each drink.  By the end of the picnic, you will be able to enjoy a really cold drink of water!

Dallas Blooms at the Arboretum

If you are looking for some spring fun then look no further than the Dallas Arboretum. Their Dallas Blooms event has become the largest floral display in the south! The festival goes on through the 11th of April and features over 500,000 spring blooming bulbs such as tulips and daffodils and over 100,000 pansies and poppies!

Don't hesitate to head that way on a cloudy day because they now offer a Rain Pass! If it starts to rain during your visit they will hand you a Rain Pass when you exit and you can come back any other day in the next three months!

Dallas Blooms is a perfect get away with the kids too. On Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 to 2 you can keep your children busy with a petting zoo, arts and crafts and face painting. For $5 you can have a silhouette made and for $15 you can capture your gorgeous child among the gorgeous flowers from James French Photography. If it is raining outside, they will take the fun indoors! I can't think of a better way to tire out my son on a rainy day!

There is a special Easter Celebration for Children with a concert by Eddie Coker on the 2nd of April from 11 to 12 and then again from 1 to 2.

This weekend they host the annual Artscape event featuring 90 artists on their beautiful grounds. Take a stroll through their booths from 9 to 5 on Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st of March.

Picnic Time!

The weather is lovely and it is time to pack up that basket and set out on a picnic.  I really don't believe that style should be sacrificed when eating out doors, even if you are dining on the ground!  I adore anything in blue and white so I was thrilled to discover this elegant Blue Tones Picnic Basket for 4 at Picnicfun.com.  It is filled with everything you need to pack up the perfect meal or snack for you and your friends.  

Cute Kids Centerpiece

At our little get together a few weeks ago I set up a children's table that was such a hit I just had to share it with you.  I put four child size picnic tables together and covered them with white craft paper right off the roll.  I tied them down with ribbons as the winds were powerful that day but your wouldn't need to if you did it indoors.  We filled clear heavy glass vases with colorful Crayola Play Sand (see yesterday's blog entry) and then stuck the crayons inside like a little arrangement.  They had such a blast!  I hope you will do it too!  Send me your photos.

Planning a Picnic?

Planning a Valentine picnic is the perfect way to charm you lovey.  I am going to pack my red picnic basket with all sorts of delicious yummys and, of course, some pink champagne!  But I would never serve it on just any picnic plate.  I am going to load my basket with two Winchester Mandala Plastic Plates from Madison.  At only $15 each you might want to buy a set so that you can use them over and over again!  I am also going to pack up a pink Heart Quilt from Target...one of my favorite entertaining resources!  Have your monogram embroidered onto your best white linens in your shocking pink and you are all set!  Happy Valentines Day!