

I'm guessing you're probably on either end of the picnic spectrum right now: You either have *all* the gear and *all* the fancy nibbles that cost you a fortune...or you grab a Lunchables and cheap wine and say "shove it." (No? Just me?)
Friends, there is a better way.
I chatted with wine and entertaining expert and the founder of Pinknic (New York City's first large-scale picnic and music festival dedicated exclusively to rosé) Pierrick Bouquet to get the best tips for planning a picnic that is a) fun, b) Instagrammable, because I know what your priorities are, and c) won't break the bank.
First, your must-haves:
1. S'well Bottle in Blue Jean, $45; 2. Canasta Picnic Basket, $56; 3. Serena & Lily Foute Blanket, $48; 4. GoVino Glasses, $23/4-pack
And here, Bouquet's pro picnic tips:
1. Keep your rosé/wine cold. "I always pack a large Hydro Flask or canteen full of ice so I'm able to toss a few cubes in my glass as needed." (FYI, rosé + ice is called a piscine, and is a very popular drink in Provence. Translation? Despite what your ill-informed onlookers think, it's chiiiiic.)
2. Opt for clear, stemless wine glasses. "I'll bring GoVino glasses—since glass is usually prohibited at an outdoor picnic. They're a classy Solo cup alternative, and will still allow for your requisite, aesthetically pleasing #roséallday Instagram moment."
3. A soft blanket is essential. "I'd recommend a fouta, which are quite popular in St. Tropez, and always make sure it's a light color so the blanket won't get too warm. The only thing that should be roasted at a picnic is your food. Plus, you can double your blanket as a wine carrier for your wine bottles—just wrap them neatly, fashion a handle, and voila! Because, who ever has a wine-carrier on hand? And in case it's a damp day: preserve your blanket's comfortability factor by packing a shower curtain. Sounds weird, yes, but it serves as a nice extra buffer between a wet ground and your bum."
4. Pack plenty of water. While we know wine goes down pretty easy, don't forget to pack a jug of the real stuff, too. You need to keep hydrated! (Or at least bring another canteen or bottle to fill up at the water fountain.)
5. Keep the food easy, but delicious. Because every picnic can't be a reflection of personal culinary achievement, hit your local deli or supermarket and purchase freshly sliced proteins (turkey, ham, prosciutto, etc.), cheeses, and garnishes. Have them slice up a decent loaf of bread, and you're done. (Yes, it's time to retire your plain ol' white bread from your menu offerings).
6. Avoid the stinky stuff. If you're going the simple yet traditional route, a la cheese and crackers, avoid smelly, soft cheeses and choose a selection of hard cheeses instead. My personal favorite is comté or aged gouda, both will pair well with rosé wine. You may need to upgrade your shopping experience to the supermarket for these, where there is a bit more selection."
7. Bring mason jars. They work to separate out ingredients and/or sandwich components so that nothing gets "sweaty" before you're meant to enjoy it. Always assemble onsite when possible! (Plus, they just look chicer than Tupperware.)
8. Bring biodegradable plates, serving forks, and spoons. You're obviously not the jerk who doesn't clean up after herself at the park, but just in case something gets blown away or accidentally left behind, it's best to make sure it's as environmentally friendly as possible. "Keep it green!" Bouquet says.
So, feeling picnic-y yet? Before you run out the door, heed these rosé recs—they're perfect for the weather and the cheese-and-cracker spread:
1. Chandon Rosé American Summer Limited Edition, $24; 2. Barrymore by Carmel Road Rosé, $18; 3. Ruza Wine Cans, $20/4-pack (Whole Foods)
Near NYC? Head to Pinknic.com to nab tickets for the first annual rosé-themed picnic and music festival on July 9 and 10.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Samantha Leal is the Deputy Editor at Well+Good, where she spends most of her day thinking of new ideas across platforms, bringing on new writers, overseeing the day-to-day of the website, and working with the awesome team to produce the best stories and packages. Before W+G, she was the Senior Web Editor for Marie Claire and the Deputy Editor for Latina.com, with bylines all over the internet. Graduating from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University with a minor in African history, she’s written everything from travel guides to political op-eds to wine explainers (currently enrolled in the WSET program) to celebrity profiles. Find her online pretty much everywhere @samanthajoleal.
-
Your Guide to the Best Affordable Gifts to Scoop Up This Season
Introducing the ultimate holiday cheat sheet.
By Anneliese Henderson
-
'Sweet Home' Will Return for Its Third and Final Season Very Soon
Fans of the monstrous K-drama won't face another three-year wait.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Jennifer Lopez Is Leading the Chunky Sneaker Comeback
Dust off your Balenciaga Triple-S and Nike Air Forces.
By Kaitlin Clapinski
-
Meet the Woman Blending the Traditional and the Modern in French Winemaking
How Florence Haynes combined the traditional and the contemporary for Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire.
By Sponsored
-
The 10 Best Nonstick Cookware Sets
The nonstick pans, pots, and skillets that make cooking easy.
By Nicole Papantoniou, Good Housekeeping Institute
-
The Royal Family Shared the Recipe for the Queen's Favorite Boozy Christmas Pudding
The Royal Family Twitter account shared the royal chef's recipe for the Queen's favorite boozy Christmas pudding.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
5 Best Soda Streams for Convenient Carbonation
Upgrade your sparkling water game with a Soda Stream carbonator that'll fizz up drinks in a flash.
By Zarah A. Kavarana
-
3 Pro Tips for Putting Together the Best Bouquets
Essential advice for everyday enthusiasts and budding florists alike.
By Marie Claire
-
39 Super Easy Fourth of July Cocktails to Try
Forget the fireworks. The real show is what you can make with your bar cart.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
15 Percent Pledge Calls On Stores to Dedicate Shelf Space to Black-Owned Businesses
"We must do better. So, we’re starting now."
By Kristin Salaky
-
The Power of 10 Restaurant Relief Effort Joins With Capital One
The collaboration has served 20,000 meals to frontline workers so far.
By Bianca Rodriguez