The Perfect Pic: How to Create the Perfect (Hassle Free) Summer Picnic

The weather has been so beautiful lately, it’s been making me want to go on a picnic. And I’ve been trying to take more time out to myself to just think, read a book, relax, etc.

So, when Ghirardelli got in touch about a subscription box they put together with Quarterly featuring their (seriously delicious) Intense Dark chocolate along with a signed copy of a summer must-read book, it seemed like the perfect excuse to head out on a little adventure…all the way to the park…which is really just a few minutes from my house.

I packed up my backpack, went on a bike ride and plopped down by a tree for the afternoon. After a couple of hours, I realized I had too much food / drink to finish all by myself, so I called Jeff to have him meet me at the park before I ate myself into a food coma. Haha. But it was really nice to have a little bit of ‘me time’ first.

Here’s what I brought with me on my picnic (which also includes a summer cocktail recipe FYI)…

All the goodies from my Ghirardelli Savor the Dark subscription box of course came along for the ride…Ghirardelli Intense Dark 72% Cacao Twilight Delight Bar, Intense Dark Cherry Tango Bar (this one is my fave), Intense Dark Cocoa Nibs Bar (it’s new!), and the book I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan (#1 New York Times bestselling author). Ghirardelli also developed a mini chocolate pairing guide you can enjoy online (which is how I came up with all my food and drink ideas below).

You can grab your own Ghirardelli Savor the Dark Book Club subscription box right here.

More picnic food! I had to bring a little food to pair with my chocolate haul, right? So, I grabbed mainly small snack items that were easy to bring on the go… cherries, cheese and crackers, almonds, and dried apricots. I bottled up some homemade cocktails to take with me, which I highly recommend – especially for summer!

Boozy Blackberry Lemon Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of fresh brewed black tea
• 1/3 cup of simple syrup (you can add less or more depending on your preference)
• 1 cup of rum
• juice from 1 fresh squeezed lemon
• one handful of blackberries
• 3-5 mint sprigs

This one is super easy. Just muddle the blackberries and mint, then combine all of the ingredients into a jug or glass jar, stir (or shake) and serve over ice. FYI – This cocktail pairs especially well with Ghirardelli Intense Dark 72% Cacao Twilight Delight Bar, in case you like your cocktails with a side of chocolate.

Last thing! I also brought a handful of blankets and my favorite pillow, so I could spread out and get comfy, without getting grass stains or ants in my pants. 🙂

Photography by Amelia Tatnall
Styling by Brittni Mehlhoff

Curious to know… What does your perfect picnic look like? What kinds of snacks, drinks, sweet treats, and entertainment items would you bring to make the day extra special?

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This post is in partnership with Ghirardelli. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Paper & Stitch running.