Picnic

Take Your Valentine's Day Outdoors With Our Romantic, Low-Key ...

Anna Yu on Feb 3, 2009 7:19 AM PST

Sick and tired of seeing bad movies surrounded by sappy couples or eating way-too-expensive dinners? Looking for romantic and low-key Valentine's Day date ideas instead? If you're in an area that usually gets good weather in February then why not try having an outdoor date right in your backyard? Totally suitable for the daytime, lay out a comfy blanket on the lawn, pop a chilled bottle of nice champagne and load up on fresh fruit, cheese, cold cuts and a loaf of French bread for a private and romantic picnic with the help of this 2-person picnic set. Add candles and lanterns when the sky gets dark for some romantic mood lighting. End the day with some stargazing and maybe s'more making over an open fireplace! And you don't have to reserve these moments just for Valentine's Day so you can definitely keep the romance alive almost all year 'round. Take a look at my slideshow for more outdoor Valentine's Day ideas.

Tags : valentine's day , valentine , s'more , picnic

Can't Afford to Travel? Take a Vacation in Your Own City!

Kristin on Jan 7, 2009 1:21 PM PST

These days, people are looking to get away but may not be able to justify buying a plane ticket, a room at a pricey hotel, or even a couple of extra tanks of gas for a road trip. That being said, why not take a vacation without even leaving your city? It's easier than you might think. You often don't do the touristy things in your own town, and this is your chance! If you're an outdoorsy person, spend a day at your local indoor rock climbing gym or learn to surf. Grab a picnic basket full of goodies and head to your local park. You could even make your own home into a campsite by setting up sleeping bags in your living room and making s'mores. If you normally like to completely relax on your vacations, leave your cell phone at home and book yourself a day at the spa. Or instead of cooking dinner, go out to a great restaurant you haven't tried or browse the Lonely Planet guide for your own city and explore! The possibilities are endless. Check out the SLIDESHOW and get to it!

Tags : zagat restaurant guide , zagat guide , zagat , vacations , picnic

Editor's Pick: 10 Must-Haves for Your Hip Picnic

Lisanne Silverman on Jun 12, 2008 2:16 PM PDT

Sunny summer weather calls for flip flops, breezy dresses, and of course, picnics! Whether you choose the beach, backyard, park, or hey, the rooftop, you won't want to be without today's essentials. After all, tyou don't want to find the perfect patch of grass, lay out the perfect spread that you (or Whole Foods) prepared, and eat with plastic forks and Solo cups. Our slideshow is packed with all the things you'll need for a hip picnic, from chic blankets to elegant wine glass holders. We've also thrown in a few other accessories for fun, including a little surprise from Kate Spade, because sometimes a spur-of-the-moment picnic for one is just the thing. Click SEE SLIDESHOW and get your picnic on!

Tags : wine , williams sonoma , thermos , picnic