3 Picnic Menus

For a Concert in the Park: Pack a Lot

Create your very own splendor in the grass by setting up a lavish spread that includes all the comforts of home.
 
 

The Menu

• Goat Cheese Spread and crackers
• Sweet and Spicy Chicken
• Pasta Salad With Asparagus and Lemon
• Oatmeal-Raspberry Bars
• White wine*

 

Take-It-to-Go Tips

1. Avoid a soggy sitting area. Layer a waterproof pad underneath a pretty quilt or comforter. (Picnic at Ascot mat, $34, cooking.com for similar styles.)
2. Encourage lounging. Set out weather-resistant pillows. (Beachcomber outdoor pillows, $24 each, westelm.com for similar styles.)
3. Create a buffet. Why place the spread on the ground when setting up this knee-high table takes mere seconds? Bonus: The 30-inch wooden top rolls up into its own bag. (Table, $40, crateandbarrel.com.)
4. Sip in style. Pack these shatterproof glasses with removable stems. (GSI Outdoors stemware, $7 each, 800-704-4474 for locations.)
5. Put your meal on wheels. At evening’s end, cart everything away in this rolling trolley that will fold compactly at home. (Reisenthel trolley, $25, touchofeurope.net.)

*Try the 2007 Clean Slate Riesling ($11).