This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Lindsay Daneen. Find her on Instagram at @_lindsay_daneen. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Do you know what’s grossly underrated for our generation? Picnics. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that we’re considered the bottomless brunch and day party pioneers. We rightfully wear the crown with pride. But there are other types of hangouts that we can make more popular including the old-fashioned and authentic picnic. Now is the time as the warm weather is approaching, although it doesn’t feel like it is on the East Coast. Regardless, here are some fun and girly adult picnic ideas for the spring, summer, and even the fall seasons. From cost to food, to adult picnic activities, I’ve got you covered! Since we’re so far past the traditional gingham-patterned picnic theme, we’re going from brunch baddies to picnic princesses this year.
Picnic Prices
The great thing about picnics is that they can be as inexpensive or expensive as you want them to be. You can keep it simple with homemade sandwiches and blankets in the park or elevate it with decorations and specially curated cuisine and drinks. You can bring your favorite snacks from home, order takeout from a nearby food truck, or have your bites catered. Decorations are not a must but quickly elevate the experience at a cost. That’s another financial aspect to consider. Additionally, you can determine whether this will be a boozy picnic or a mocktail-friendly experience. The point is your picnic can be anywhere from free to as extravagant as a night out with bottle service. And that’s totally up to you!
Picnic Spots
I know the park is an obvious place to have a picnic. That goes without saying. The beach is also a viable option. But are there any other places? There sure are! Have you ever thought of an urban rooftop space or a garden? A local lake or pond can be a quiet and relaxing spot. You can even have one in your back or front yard. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just find a safe space to lay a blanket or beach towel and have a great time. Don’t be ashamed to use your living room or furnished basement either!
Themes
I love this part! Picnic themes are endless. So I won’t go crazy. I’ll just go over some fun ones that you and your girls will love. The most obvious theme that comes to mind is Barbie. I hate to be stereotypical but if 2023 taught us anything, it’s that we can all appreciate Barbie pink and feel like we belong in a Malibu dreamhouse. So pink it up! Finding outfits that fit her pink aesthetic will probably be just as fun as the picnic itself. Pink place settings are a must. And balloons and paper lanterns never hurt anyone! A beach theme may be appropriate too. Even though you may not be near any sand, grab those beach towels, margarita glasses, beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers. Sprinkle some seashells around you and get out of those bathing suits! There’s nothing wrong with being slightly delusional!
Another cool concept is the vintage Victorian picnic theme. This is for my girls who pride themselves on being extra and never shying away from a proper theme. Forget showing up in denim shorts and basic sun dresses. Elevate your look to the royalty level that you are on. I’m talking light and airy dresses, lace gloves, feathered hats, and dainty parasols. House of CB’s dresses perfectly embody this vintage look in the most modern way in my opinion. The point is to have fun! It doesn’t have to be realistic. Don’t forget that the point is to make it your own. Traditions be damned!
Food
I love this part more than the themes because what is an outing without food? You can go the easiest and most obvious route by bringing some homemade food. There are so many quick recipes to choose from like sandwiches and kabobs. That’s if you’d like to keep it simple. You can take it to the next level by utilizing places like Kured in New York City and Boston, a shop that curates the best charcuterie boards and boxes. They have various types of cheeses, meats, and condiments to choose from and ultimately perfect your boujie picnic.
There’s also the higher end of things if your wallet allows for such luxury. Try out places like Perfect Picnic NYC. Their full-service picnic experience packages allow you to leave all the planning to them. They include decorations, food, and prep for your magical outdoor outing. They leave no stone unturned as they handle everything from brunch picnics (starting at $415) to beach picnics (starting at $1,100). Although this is also another New York City company, they are one of dozens across the country just waiting for you to call them for your picnic needs,
Activities
Adult picnic activities may sound more difficult to come up with than they should. Activities can be anything from board games, UNO, frisbee, and twister, to good conversation. You don’t have to overthink it. But just in case you need some help brainstorming, I’m here. Consider watching a movie or show you’ve all been meaning to catch up on. Have you thought about making it a working session? Maybe this can be like your college days when you all did your homework together in the same room. It’s just a thought. Arts and crafts are great too! My advice is to think about things that will either make you laugh hysterically or allow you to relax and enjoy the gorgeous weather. You can also keep it basic, and people-watch. There’s nothing wrong with that! It’s intended to be fun and not stressful.
Guest List
Who do you invite to the picnic? Well, anyone who can appreciate the outdoors! If you have a friend who has recently expressed being sick of the same ole’ experiences, this is a great option. Maybe you should invite your introverted friend. We all either have that friend or are that friend that prefers to keep it low-key and intimate for their hangouts. This is the perfect invite for them. Ultimately, anyone who isn’t afraid of sun rays, fresh air, and good conversation should be at the top of your picnic invite list.
Be sure to take space into account as well. Parks are public spaces, yes, but you want to be sure that you have enough space to have a great time. You also want to be considerate of the other people at the park, pets, children, etc. So, a 50-person gathering in the grass may not be ideal. I think a maximum of 10 people is enough, especially if you are doing it the non-bougie way and not hiring a company to organize it. Be intentional about the time you show up too. Do you want an early morning, mid-afternoon, or sunset picnic? And if you’re utilizing free park tables and resources, don’t forget they are usually available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Oh, and make sure whatever you do does not require a permit. That can quickly complicate things.
Are You Sold?
Hopefully, I’ve convinced you that picnics are in! This is yet another thing that we can put our Zillennial mark on! Picnics aren’t new, but the way we’re about to do them is elite. There’s truly no limit to what you can do with them. So enjoy the weather and your besties by pulling this concept out of the time capsule. Happy picnicking!
Would you plan a girls picnic? What themes and food would you choose?
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