Guest Picks: Pack a Playful Picnic for Kids
A fun blanket, bright melamine dishes and a few entertaining extras will keep the kids happy and full at your outdoor feast
Houzz Contributor. Founder of design blog http://www.smallforbig.com
Toy designer, artist, professor, mom, chocolate hog, pianist, and creative type. Stop by the blog for more of my faves, DIY, and inspiration!
Houzz Contributor. Founder of design blog http://www.smallforbig.com
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Having a picnic is the best way to stop and enjoy the beauty of a summer's day. Whether you grab some snacks and sit in your backyard or pack the perfect lunch and trek to your favorite park, there's no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than lounging under a shady tree, eating favorite foods and playing together. — Mari from Small for Big
by French Bull
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Prepack each kid's lunch with these super fun cafeteria style trays and fitted covers.
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These blankets include a waterproof backer and the straps to carry them everywhere, but I'm smitten with the bunnies. (It is also available with other animal prints!)
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I'm a sucker for squishy silicone, and I think the kids would be too — squishing their potato salad as they eat it! More importantly for your picnic, these things squish flat for storage.
by Fred Flare
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While you're enjoying the sunshine, capture some family memories with an old-fashioned camera that shoots dreamy photos. This iconic Diana camera uses, gasp, film!
by French Bull
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I love everything French Bull does with melamine, and these nesting storage containers are a perfect summertime picnic staple.
by Picnic Fun
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Wow, picnic baskets have come a long way! This insulated version still gives a nod to the classic shape, but it adds extra storage and cooling power.
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| Before you go, whip up some popsicles in ten minutes flat; I swear they stay colder longer than the regular freezer pops too. Grab the Zoku accessories to carry them in style. |
by The Land of Nod
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Really take time to enjoy your surroundings; help the kiddos find birds, bunnies and squirrels, or maybe just spy on the neighbors.
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by Mattie Luxe
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| These gorgeous melamine trays (they have Lucite versions too!) are customizable — you'll be picnicking in style with your very own name right on it. So classy. |
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Add some laughs to your meals — bring along these paper cups with a different animal snout for everyone.
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A quick nap in a hammock is the best way to end a big picnic lunch, and this one features a padded bed for extra comfort. Doesn't it look like a leaf?
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Marimekko's classic flowers just scream summertime. What better place to see them than on your handmade, padded picnic blanket?
by Perpetual Kid
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You can lounge and rest while the kids unpack their very own pocket kites. They're affordable enough to get one for everyone!
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| For ultimate luxury, I'd love to add some floor pillows to my picnic style. I'm particularly in love with these chevron poufs. |
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Mmm, ice cream. Just add your ingredients, some ice and elbow grease; throw the ball until it churns the ice cream for you.
by Crate&Barrel
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The ultimate table, this classic rolls up into a portable bag. It's just the right height for eating your picnic lunch while sitting on your blanket.
by French Bull
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A complete set of these melamine plates will add some colorful zest to your meal. I love the quirky take on chevrons; kids will love the rainbow colors.
by Perpetual Kid
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Put that picnic table to good use; tabletop ping-pong seems best done outside — no breakables nearby!
by Fred Flare
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Bake some cupcakes for your picnic, then use these fortune teller liners to keep everyone guessing.
by Perpetual Kid
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Bubbles 2.0: These bubbles actually harden, so you can touch them, roll them, stack them, etc. I love the crazy colors and glitter.
by The Land of Nod
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Perhaps a full-on picnic sounds like too much work? Younger kiddos will be just as happy with a teapot full of water and this friendly tea set out on your deck.
by House 8810
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Maybe these plates and cups will help the entire family be happy campers!
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Croquet for the young'uns, this set is simple, modern and timeless.
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I wish this table came in adult sizes too; it's diamondback pattern and bright colors are a great fresh approach to the standard picnic table choices.
Next: 8 Ideas for Great Outdoor Dining
Next: 8 Ideas for Great Outdoor Dining
Ideabook published on June 12, 2012.
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