Slowly but surely it’s getting to be summer. People like to be outside more – and maybe the first picnic is already on the cards. But how do you plan the perfect picnic? luxurydefined, the online magazine of Christie’s International Real Estate, reveals its 5 top tips on how to make your picnic a success.

And here they are:

Tip 1: Chose the Right Location

Many parks and green spaces require permits, so make sure you choose a spot that’s available for use. Sometimes, you’re spoiled for choice. Beaches are always fun, but if you’re after a romantic date night a quiet hillside is preferable. There’s nothing more romantic than feeling secluded while having a stunning view.

Consider the best day of the week for your picnic, which might not be a weekend—if you want privacy, for example. Saturdays usually leave no room for seclusion. Choose a day when parks, green spaces, and beaches tend to be less busy and, if you’re lucky, you’ll have the place all to yourself.

Wherever and whenever you host your picnic, make sure your guests can easily find the location, and consider who’s attending. If you’re having kids, choose a spot near playgrounds or one that has both indoor and outdoor space, so people can cool off if they need to.

Tip 2: Think Beyond Charcuterie

The cheese board pictured is beautifully styled with fresh flowers. Courtesy: Picnic + Petal

The cheese board pictured is beautifully styled with fresh flowers. Courtesy: Picnic + Petal

Most picnics go for charcuterie boards as the number one food item served, but while those are tasty and easy to bring to picnics, there is so much more you can do when it comes to hors d’oeuvres. But there are far more options of food that’s easy to eat and share, like sushi rolls, flank-steak tacos, and ceviche, to name but a few. And do not forget: Provide food that’s easy to serve and eat.

Tip 3 : Give Your Picnic a Theme

Choose from high tea, sushi, or Italian summer as the food theme for your picnic. Whichever you go for, all set-ups include rugs and blankets, cushions, a low picnic table, fresh flowers, and a vintage beach umbrella, tent, or decorative backdrop. Courtesy: Maui Luxe Picnics

Choose from high tea, sushi, or Italian summer as the food theme for your picnic. Whichever you go for, all set-ups include rugs and blankets, cushions, a low picnic table, fresh flowers, and a vintage beach umbrella, tent, or decorative backdrop. Courtesy: Maui Luxe Picnics

Picnics should have a theme. Why not chose one based on places people have traveled lately like Italy, Greece, Spain, China or USA. But themes don’t have to be dependent on locations, however. Bohemian, romantic, modern—any will do as long as it ties your event together and suits your style. According to the chosen theme you can than combine flowers, food and decoration.

Tip 4: Make a Big Statement

Make guests arrive via a lantern-lit walkway to a private beach set up with a decorated arch, throw pillows, and blankets for comfort. Or do provide entertainment by local musicians, bands or performances.

Tip 5: Consider hiring Professional Planners

With a professional planner for your picnic, all you have to do is turn up with your favorite people and they will do the rest. Courtesy: Gather Picnic Co.

With a professional planner for your picnic, all you have to do is turn up with your favorite people and they will do the rest. Courtesy: Gather Picnic Co.

If you have big things in mind or don’t have time to worry about the organisation, or you want your Picinic to be just perfect, then you should consider hiring a professional planner. Picnic companies run by experienced event planners can raise your outdoor event to a higher level, and give you more time with your guests. Diese werden dafür besorgt sein, dass alles stimmt, from the tablecloth to the goblets and floral arrangements, each item hand-selected to complement the intricate details of this special occasion.

Read more about the topic in luxurydefined.