Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept/Oct 2020

www.CharlestonBrides.com | www.ChsWomenInBusiness.com | www.ReadCWomen.com feature I t’s that time of year — the oppressive heat has subsided, yet the sun is still setting well after dinnertime, and you want to spend every waking moment outdoors. That can only mean one thing. Pack up some delicious bites, and get ready to enjoy a meal al fresco. It’s time for a picnic! For me, spreading out a blanket in the lush grass with a beautiful array of food feels freeing yet private. There’s nothing I enjoy more than heading out to a beautiful spot with my family, a basket of scrumptious goodies in tow. If you’re hoping to do the same but aren’t quite sure where to begin, here’s the breakdown of how to plan and execute the perfect picnic, time and time again. THE BASKET Having a fully loaded basket isn’t essential, but if you want to make picnicking a part of your regular routine, investing in the right setup will cut your picnic prep time in half. If you like to feel a little fancy while you dine outdoors, the ladies at Out of Hand in Mount Pleasant have put together a variety of baskets to fit every picnic personality. The Sweetheart Picnic Basket for two features vintage china plates and glassware, a full set of silverware and pretty embroidered cushions, ensuring you and your date will be comfy and stylish. If you prefer to keep things simple, or don’t trust the kids with vintage china, you can easily build your own picnic tote. Start by picking up Scout’s BJ Tote Bag at Palmetto Moon — it’s durable, lightweight and easy to clean. Next, pile in your picnic essentials: • Dining set - Take an eco-friendly approach by opting for reusable and durable melamine plates, acrylic glassware and lightweight flatware, so that you’re not having to restock after every outing. • Cutting board and folding knife - These come in handy for slicing cheese, charcuterie and fruit. • Picnic blanket - Look for a water-resistant blanket to keep things dry on days when the grass is dewy. • Extras - Don’t forget a bottle of sunscreen, bug spray, hand wipes and a trash bag to clean up afterward. THE FOOD Now that you have all of the essentials, it’s time to plan your meal. In order to set your picnic up for success, I recommend following a few simple guidelines: • Choose foods that are going to be tasty and safe after sitting out for a while. You can never go wrong with cheese and preserved meats, which are at their most flavorful at room temperature. Avoid dishes that need to be kept cold, or anything that gets soggy. Toting around a big cooler, stopping for ice and worrying about the temperature of your food just adds unnecessary stress to a laid-back event. Swap out the mayo in your potato salad for vinegar, and relax. • Prepare dishes that are easy to eat. Anything that’s going to require an entire ream of napkins is just going to create more mess later, so choose one- or two-bite snacks, sandwiches and food that’s low on the grease scale. If you have to slice and serve something, it’s probably better eaten at a table. Luckily, mini- pies are just as delicious as their full-sized counterparts. • Incorporate as much fresh, local produce as possible. Why? Because flavorful fruits and veggies from the farmers market elevate any dish, and enjoying the local bounty is really what picnic season is all about. Whether I’m throwing together a quick lunch basket or planning a leisurely outdoor dinner, my favorite picnic meals center around kabobs. Easy to eat and flavorful, they’re a healthy, filling cook-ahead option that tastes just as good hours later. Pesto works as a crowd-pleasing marinade whether you’re cooking chicken, pork or beef, and it’s a great way to make use of the basil in your herb garden. Pack some pita bread, plus extra pesto or hummus for dipping, or turn kabobs into sandwiches. As for my chosen side, a simple salad of local tomatoes, melons