Preparation

Having a picnic is a simple activity in theory, but it’s recently become more elaborate than ever—that is, if you let the images in your Instagram feed serve as any indication. Luxurious picnic companies like The Picnic Collective (which has 119,000 followers) and millions of aesthetically-pleasing photos of gingham blankets covered in fresh fruit, baguettes, and wine bottles are easy to find on the app, and it certainly makes a day in the park look all the more appealing.

Next up is the fun part: decorative accessories and entertainment. Add a little something extra to your picnic with string lights and flameless tea candles. And don’t forget to pack a Bluetooth speaker, like this waterproof model from JBL, to set the mood. You can also bring playing cards to pass the time with a friendly game. We love this Frank Lloyd Wright-themed set of cards that comes with two colorful decks.