No Summer would be complete without some outdoor dining experiences, and you can make your next one even more fun by adding some kid-friendly picnic toys, games, and more to the mix. From a hand-painted, pint-size table perfect for watermelon-eating to games and toys inspired by your favorite picnic fare, these six items offer tons of kid-friendly picnic fun — minus those pesky ants.
Packing your lunch in a bento box is an efficient way to create a wholesome meal in a compact package. But if froggy faces and cute bunnies are a bit too kawaii for your office environment, we've rounded up 10 pretty yet grown-up containers that get your lunch from here to there without looking like you're headed for the school bus.
Many of us wish we brought our lunch to work more often, and while leftovers and sandwiches are delicious options, sometimes we're looking for out-of-the-box ideas. Might I suggest you start searching in the box with a bento lunch? This Japanese boxed lunch has a long history, but these days it's a delicious, healthy, and convenient lunch option, perfect for Spring picnics or munching at your desk. Ready to learn more about bentos? Just keep reading.
Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member inglenookdecor from the Lovely Little Vignettes group:
With the Spring weather just around the corner, I'm already starting to think of the outdoor activities I'm going to do. Al fresco dining always sounds good, and of course, picnics! Images of wildflowers suddenly come to mind, a great book, and lovely company.
Here's a few snippets of a Spring photo shoot I styled for NSIDE Austin magazine, of course caught in Instagram. I was too shy to use my Nikon DSLR while the actual professionals were using their ultra high-tech Canons.
Silverware and gorgeous turquoise glasses via The Vintage Laundry. Bird plates via the shop of course, and don't you just adore my Venetian glass coasters? Spring is all about lively colors mixed with rustic elements.
Books, vintage basket, doilies, and wildflowers in heather purple via mi casa and mii storage!
Aahhh, just a few more weeks and the "just right" weather will be here soon!
Check out more of Maureen's cool decorating tips on her site, Inglenook Decor.
Portable and delicious, the sandwich was virtually made to be enjoyed at lunchtime, and everyone from the average kindergartner to the president of the United States has been known to eat them come noon. I'm a fan of bringing my lunch to work and am always looking for ways to make the sandwich more exciting. To encourage you to pack a lunch instead of purchasing one during the workweek, here are 10 scrumptious sandwiches.
When packing a picnic, you need three different storage vessels: a basket for carrying paper goods and linens (I love this wicker one from Wisteria), a wine cooler for safely transporting wine bottles, and a food cooler to pack perishables. If bringing glass, like mugs to serve the soup in, wrap them in pretty cloth napkins; aren't these ones from Anthropologie nifty? Don't forget paper plates for the sandwiches, hot cups for the hot toddy, and wax paper envelopes for the cookies.
Looking to sit down for a few more picnics before Summer slips away? Then slip some healthy foods into your picnic basket. From healthy dips to drinks and desserts, I've rounded up 10 tasty treats that will treat you better in the long run. So ditch the old picnic standbys like potato salad, fried chicken, and potato chips and dig into these healthy alternatives.
Source: Thinkstock
Move over, classic and German potato salad. I like you both a lot, really, but I've found a new Summer obsession, and it's called French potato salad. How do I love thee, French potato salad? Let me count the ways: You're a class act, with your dainty fingerling potatoes and your sherry vinaigrette. You can satisfy even the fiercest of mayonnaise-dressing haters, and you're lighter on the calories. You can be made in well under 30 minutes and taste delicious warm or cold, made on the spot or in advance. You're portable and work well with any lunchbox sandwich, especially the hearty bistro kind (or at a movie in the park picnic). Oh, and you're naturally gluten free, sugar free, and vegan, so you please everybody. And no, you're not too good to be true. Seeing is believing; just read more.
July is the month where Summer hits its stride. It's an endless parade of pool parties, barbecues, and hot days. Not to mention the food: burgers, grilled pizza, berries, ice cream, avocados, and salads. Clearly, we're embracing the gloriousness that is the warm season and encourage you to do the same! To make our lives easier, we are turning to five little items. Here are our must haves for the next 31 days.
