Watching a movie & Picnicking at Hollywood Forever Cemetery {From Author’s Personal Collection}

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us. Aside from a time for us to remember those who have died for our country, it is the unofficial start of summer in many locales. Summer for us means opportunities to dine alfresco. We picnic in the park, attend outdoor concerts, go camping, etc, etc. If there’s an opportunity to eat outdoors, we take it.

Rob and I picnicking at the Hollywood Bowl {From Author’s Personal Collection}

Rob prepares a spread {From Author’s Personal Collection}

When we dine alfresco, there are two things you can count on. The first is that it that we always have company. If we are going “out to eat”, we invite everyone we know. The other thing is that we always have a spread. No dry sandwiches here. Rob, the catering chef, feels compelled to offer a tantalizing array of food.

An example of Rob’s picnic spread {From Author’s Personal Collection}

With all this outdoor dining, we’re starting to find that using random plastic containers and throwing them in a bag is no longer working for us. Cheap containers leak and the food doesn’t arrive in the best condition. I’ve been searching for items to enhance our dining experience.  I’ve found some interesting items that I wanted to share.

Baskets

For the minimalist, there’s this basket.

{from Crate & Barrel}

Here’s a basket that is stylish and useful. This basket that has been showing up on blogs since last Spring.

{From the Container Store}

For those who want to escape to the outdoors during their lunch break, there’s this Metro Uno Picnic basket.

{From Bed, Bath & Beyond}

Here’s a way to keep your drinks cool and play your music. As an added bonus, you can have the bag monogrammed.

{From Pottery Barn}

This is more in keeping with our needs. Having a wheeled bag is a definite plus. Wine, fruit, dips and other miscellanea are surprisingly very heavy.

{From Bed, Bath and Beyond}

For those that want a deluxe dining experience, there’s this picnic trunk that has a fold-out table.

{From Design Within Reach}

This is what I really want – Picnic Backpack by FrenchBull. It’s easy to carry and comes with the vibrant colored accessories. I have a birthday coming up and I’m hoping Rob will get the hint.

{From Delight.com}

Noteworthy Accessories

Here’s a great set to keep in the car for road-trips. This holds two sets of plates and utensils and folds flat enough to fit in your glove compartment.

{From A+R Store}

To keep the our the dishes warm or cold, I found this Japanese-style stainless steel carrier.

{From Amazon.com}

I am also really loving this colorful Vivo Tiffin Bento box.

{From Vivo Direct}

Here’s a view of  the box with all its compartments.

{From Vivo Direct}

To keep your salads from getting soggy, how about a salad container that keeps the dressing in the lid?

{From The Container Store}

As alternative to paper plates and plastic, here’s some lightweight Bamboo dishware and utensils.

{From Crate & Barrel}

{From Crate & Barrel}

If you tend to eat a lot lighter on the go, here are some chic appetizer picks.

{From CB2}

To prevent klutzes like me from knocking their wine glasses all over the picnic blanket, there’s this mini table.

{From Bed, Bath, and Beyond}

Who says sitting on the ground has to be uncomfortable? Bring your own picnic chairs.

{From Bed, Bath, and Beyond}

While you’re at it, bring your own table…

{From Crate and Barrel}

…and Grill

{From Anthropologie}

To my fellow outdoor diners, any other items you might recommend?