Making a perfect picnic

Everyone has an idea about what makes a perfect picnic. Sandwiches, cheeses, fruit, something sweet to drink, maybe even playing cards or a good book, if you’re willing to let the afternoon drift by. We’ve still got a few weeks before the weather gets unbearably hot, and plenty of opportunities to pack a basket of goodies and head to the park or maybe just the back yard.

Several events this month, from Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Pops performance May 10 on the grounds of LSU’s Rural Life Museum to the opening night of Baton Rouge Gallery’s Movies & Music on the Lawn series (read more about it on page 119), provide perfect opportunities to pull the picnic blanket out of the closet. Both events allow you to bring your own food and beverages onto the grounds, though alcohol isn’t permitted.

At left, we put together our own picnic spread with some ready-made favorites from local groceries.

They’re the kinds of things—like Calvin’s popular, creamy chicken salad—that are musts for events like this and don’t require preparation.

Use this as inspiration, and be sure to pack some sunscreen and bug spray, too!

What’s in our picnic basket?
Turkey sandwich and Swamp Pop’s Satsuma Fizz found at Alexander’s Highland Market
Chicken salad from Calvin’s Bocage Market
Olive spread, cheese and other snacks from Whole Foods Market
Picnic basket and yellow patterned napkins from World Market