1. Send an Invitation
Make this picnic extra special by sending her an invitation to join you for lunch. Craft your own paper invite and include a heartfelt Mother’s Day quote, or repurpose one of our last-minute printable Mother’s Day cards into a pretty invitation.
3. Bring a Basket
The key to a good picnic is a cute-yet-functional picnic basket to hold your sandwiches, chips, and cookies. If you’ll be traveling to a park or beach, be sure to choose a sturdy basket with a lid that securely closes. For a truly Instagram-worthy setup, add a pretty patterned dishtowel and mini bottles of champagne.
4. Personalize with Pillows
Create a restaurant-style ambiance yourself! In addition to the typical picnic blanket, add a few bright throw pillows as well. Go with a classic summer print or opt for something more subtle, like solid tasseled outdoor pillows.
5. Make It Eco-Friendly
If you’re individually wrapping your sandwiches, consider using beeswax wraps to hold them together so the fillings don’t fall out. The coating is naturally tacky so it seals tightly, and is much less wasteful than using individual zip-top plastic bags. They’re easy to make yourself, and mom can take the leftover wraps to reuse in her kitchen. We also suggest packing eco-friendly flatware that you can toss after the picnic (the fewer things you take back into your house, the better). Slide folded napkins and compostable flatware like wooden disposable utensils into paper snack bags, then fold the bags and secure them with decorative washi tape for a special touch.
6. Keep the Menu Simple
Don’t go overboard on the menu: Mom will appreciate your time the most, so stick to a few simple (and delicious) recipes. Easy sandwiches, a quick bean salad, and a sweet dessert are all you need for the perfect summer spread. In-season green beans, corn, and cilantro mixed with edamame and garbanzo beans (or any other canned beans you like) are the base of this dish. We recommend transporting this in a travel container over ice. To cut down on mess, you can also trim a food-safe paper treat bag to a 5-inch square and place one pie inside.
