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.
Every picnic deserves a special drink, and for a Winter picnic, I recommend a warm cocktail like a hot toddy. This classic libation is a combination of hot water, whiskey, lemon juice, and honey.
Prep the beverage at home by juicing the lemons and combining the liquid with honey, sugar, anise, and cloves.
Then, at your party destination, heat water on the grill and pour into mugs with the whiskey and the prepared honey-lemon mixture. Sound like fun? Check out the recipe now.
Winter might not be the ideal time for planning a picnic, but once a year I like to dust of the grill and invite friends to join me for a meal in the cool outdoors. The key to a successful picnic, no matter the season, is to plan ahead. Most of the food should be made in advance, and when it's going to be cold out, the menu has to have at least one warming dish like soup. I've looked back at all our amazing recipes and rounded up the best ones to create a meal that's perfect for enjoying outside. Be sure to pack your jackets and blankets!
