Summer sunset picnic dinners

There’s something about a picnic that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. The perfect combination of fresh air and the ease of relaxing barefoot on a blanket provides just the right setting for great conversation and beautiful memories. 

Anne Shirley knew there was enchantment in a picnic. Her golden picnic with beloved friends is beautifully described by L.M. Montgomery in the novel Anne of Avonlea. 

Montgomery writes, “Saturday proved an ideal day for a picnic. A day of breeze and blue, warm, sunny, with a little rollicking wind blowing across meadow and orchard. Over every sunlit upland and field was a delicate, flower-starred green.”

With beautiful weather, good company, and delicious food, a picnic is always ideal whether you’re in the expansive countryside of Prince Edward Island or your own backyard. 

Grab your favorite thrifted quilt, select a shady spot, and use these curated menus as inspiration for your very own golden picnic. 

Family picnic dinner

Children can find wonder in just about anything. Their childlike ability to seek out excitement and adventure in the most mundane moments is a great gift from our Heavenly Father. A picnic dinner with children will bring immense delight, and it doesn’t need to be fancy. A simple peanut butter and jelly will be declared the most delicious meal ever. Everything tastes better eaten on a picnic blanket! 

When picnicking with children, focus on simple foods with a touch of novelty. Sandwiches cut into interesting shapes and fruit served on a skewer will be sure to delight. 

Menu

• Ramen noodle salad
• Grilled chicken
• Peanut butter and jelly or tuna salad sandwiches. To elevate this part of the meal try cutting the sandwich with cookie cutters to make different shapes.
• Fruit stacked on a skewer 
• Hummus served with pretzels and carrot chips for dipping
• Chocolate chip cookies

Romantic picnic dinner 

Looking for a romantic dinner idea? Skip the reservations and white tablecloth and opt for a picnic dinner to watch the sunset. Scope out a lovely park or garden to admire the hues of the sky and spend time with your beloved. A romantic picnic dinner will focus on foods that are easy to prepare ahead, pack easily, and can be enjoyed at a range of temperatures. 

Menu

• Beet and walnut dip served with bagel crisps and celery for dipping 
• Garlickey little gems salad 
• Charcuterie board. Favorite items to include are kalamata olives, marinated tomatoes, dried or fresh figs, dates, salami, cheese, nuts, goat cheese topped with apricot jam, prosciutto e melone (cantaloupe wrapped with prosciutto), and specialty crackers – homemade or store bought. 
• French baguette
• Chocolate covered strawberries

Best friend picnic dinner 

Gather your best pals, divvy up the menu preparation, and come together for an evening of fun, friendship, and flavors. This menu is full of nutty notes and bursts of tang, all in an easy to pack up spread! 

Menu

• Tomato, peach, and burrata salad
• Marinated chicken on arugula, drizzled with lemon tahini dressing
• Savory Quiche
• Sourdough loaf
• Creamy sesame turmeric dip served with pita slices for dipping
• Lemon shortbread bars  

A note on packing

When packing up supplies, utilize glass tupperware with leak-proof lids for the serving dishes and sturdy paper plates for individual portions. For a fancier evening, garden-inspired paper plates and coordinated cloth napkins bring a simple and intentional beauty to the spread. 

For refreshments, have a cooler with ice available for that bottle of lemonade, some sparkling water, or chilled white wine. Don’t forget to pack a large quilt, a speaker for music lovers, cutlery, stackable cups, and a garbage bag. 

The joy of picnicking 

Picnics provide a chance to dine with loved ones in a relaxed, informal setting with a touch of adventure and novelty. They are perfect for energetic children or a special date night. Find your perfect spot, spread a blanket on the ground, and enjoy a special evening of joy-filled picnicking.