As the days lengthen and dinner hour blends with golden hour, there’s hardly a better place to dine than under the summer sky. With these warmer, longer days comes a sense of wild abandon and a willingness to say yes to go where the wind blows.
Whether it takes you to an open field, a table at a park, or your very own backyard, here’s a simple three-step guide for enjoying an outdoor picnic. Read on for a few tips on what to prep, pack, and play!
Recipes for a Picnic
The key to preparing a practical picnic spread is curating a menu that travels easily, is fuss-free to assemble on-site, and simple to enjoy. The fewer utensils required, the better! It’s also important to note if the foods you choose are able to handle a little time under the sun. We’ve pulled together a few recipes ideal for bringing in your basket next time you take it outside.
From The Shared Table featured in the summer 2026 issue of Magnolia Journal
Pistachio pesto, fresh burrata, and mortadella layered between homemade focaccia.
Watermelon Blackberry Skewer Bites
From Perfect Picnic Quiche—Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines
Watermelon, fresh mint, mozzarella, and blackberries topped with a balsamic glaze and sea salt.
From Shrimp Boil—Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines
Thinly sliced potatoes fried in garlic oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper. Tip: Serve them with this cold artichoke dip!
Romaine Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing & Skillet Croutons
From Magnolia Table, Volume 1 by Joanna Gaines
Crunchy romaine drizzled with homemade ranch dressing and herbed croutons.
From Magnolia Table, Volume 3 by Joanna Gaines
Soft chocolate cookies with a gooey center, equal parts brownie and cookie. Tip: Find a frozen version of these exclusively at a Target near you!
From Blueberry Bars—Zoë Bakes with Zoë François
Blueberry filling on a shortbread cookie crust with a lattice top.
From Monte Cristo Sandwiches—Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines
Sweet Earl Grey tea with fresh strawberries, lemon, and mint.
What to Bring on a Picnic
Now that you’ve got the goods, it’s time to pack them! First up is choosing a versatile basket, cooler, or tote you can take on the go. Next, start collecting any storage containers, linens, and tableware you’d like to bring along. While some days call for paper plates, others might be well-suited for bringing indoor pieces out just because. Pulling best-kept ceramics off the shelves and gathering linens from the cupboards helps make any al fresco fare feel that much more special.
As a general rule of thumb, try packing heavier items—like serving boards and large ice packs—toward the bottom of your tote and more delicate pieces near the top. If you’re worried about precious cargo getting damaged en route, try layering linens between breakables to provide some extra cushion.
Storage Containers: When it comes to packing food, condensing is key. For example, if you plan on bringing a big batch of salad or pre-cut fruit to share, try separating individual portions into Weck sealable storage jars to avoid lugging around a heavy container plus extra bowls to serve.
Linens: Long live linens! They set the scene in any setting and can act as beautiful backdrops for mealtime memories. A tablecloth can always function as a picnic blanket in a pinch, and cloth napkins are an easy, sustainable choice when dining outdoors. Ours are also machine washable, so no worries if they pick up a little dirt along the way.
Serveware: Last but not least, serveware. A charcuterie board is welcome on any picnic spread, and no recipe is required. Simply fill a serving board, like this antiqued wood one, with a few favorite meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruit for a savory snack everyone can graze. And because every good board warrants great serving tools to match, this antiqued wood serving set is just the thing. Top it off with this food cover to protect the snacks while enjoying.
Fun Picnic Extras
What’s a picnic without a little play? Bringing along a deck of cards or a few board games makes for a great reason to stay outdoors that much longer. (Just don’t forget the bug spray!) Break out a game, set the mood with a summertime playlist, and linger while the light lasts.
Question Starters
Another great way to spend time together is leaning in to learn more about each other. Here are a few questions to get an intentional conversation going!
- Is there an interesting book you’ve been reading lately?
- What is something you’re learning right now?
- Who is someone you admire and why?
- If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?
- What’s a dream you have, big or small, for the next year?
For more picnic inspiration, check out The Shared Table, our seasonal supper club series inside Magnolia Journal. This summer, we’re taking lunch outside with a vibrant, playful picnic that celebrates fun in the sun. Share your gathering with us by tagging #MagnoliaSharedTable.
MORE TO EXPLORE
Explore more ways to enjoy time outdoors, right this way…
- Summer Watermelon Recipes
- Cooking Outdoors Around the World
- A Collection of Salad Recipes
- A Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Plants Alive
- Ways to Stay Cool in Waco
