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How to Host a Memorable Spring Picnic
Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather gets warmer, the trees are blooming and we can finally entertain outside! The perfect way to celebrate spring and "May Day" is hosting a spring picnic. Equipped with spring blooms and the perfect spot under a cherry blossom tree, this picnic will inspire you to grab a bottle of La Crema and head to the park.
Why Spring Is the Perfect Season for Outdoor Entertaining
There is a specific kind of energy that arrives with the first few weeks of May. After months of cozying up indoors, that first truly warm breeze feels like an official invitation to take the party outside. Spring entertaining has a casual, effortless charm that you just do not get in the heat of mid July. The air is crisp, the sun is glowing but not overbearing, and everything in the garden is finally starting to show off its colors. It is the season of renewal, which makes it the most natural time to gather your favorite people for a celebration that feels both relaxed and refined.
Hosting a picnic during this window allows you to lean into the beauty of the "in-between." You get to enjoy the fresh, cool air that keeps your wine at the perfect temperature while soaking up the vitamin D we have all been craving. There is no pressure for a formal seating chart or a heavy three course meal. Instead, a spring picnic encourages a slower pace of life. Whether you are tucked under a canopy of cherry blossoms or simply enjoying a patch of green in your own backyard, the fresh air makes every sip of Pinot Noir taste just a little bit brighter. It is a time for lingering conversations, light bites, and celebrating the fact that patio season has finally returned.
7 Spring Picnic Essentials
Hosting an outdoor gathering requires a bit more foresight than a standard dinner party. When you are away from your kitchen, you want to be sure you have everything necessary to keep the wine chilled and the guests comfortable. Beyond the beautiful floral arrangements and the perfect location, these seven items will ensure your afternoon under the cherry blossoms is as seamless as it is glamorous.
- A Low Profile Table: Swapping a thin blanket for a sturdy coffee table or a set of wooden crates provides a flat surface for your wine glasses. This prevents spills on uneven grass and gives the picnic a sophisticated, "elevated" feel.
- Insulated Wine Carrier: To keep your La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay at the perfect crisp temperature, a high quality insulated bag is a must. Many even come with padded dividers to keep the bottles safe during the walk to your spot.
- Plush Floor Pillows: Since you will be sitting on the ground, comfort is key. Bring a variety of oversized pillows and cushions in soft spring colors to create an inviting lounge area for your guests.
- Real Glassware and Linens: While disposables are easy, using real wine glasses and cloth napkins immediately makes the event feel like a special occasion. Plus, the weight of real glass is much better for preventing those pesky wind gusts from toppling your drink.
- A Sturdy Picnic Basket: Look for a classic wicker basket with a flat lid. Not only does it look beautiful in photos, but the lid can also double as an extra serving board for your meats and cheeses.
- Eco Friendly Serving Utensils: Don't forget the small things like a cheese knife, a bottle opener, and serving spoons for your pasta salad. Having a dedicated set of picnic utensils keeps you from having to raid your kitchen drawer at the last minute.
- A Weighted Outdoor Blanket: Even with a table, you want a soft base for your "seating" area. A blanket with a waterproof backing is ideal just in case the spring ground is still a bit damp from a morning dew.
Creating a Spring Color Palette
Designing a beautiful picnic starts with looking at your surroundings. In a place like Washington Park, you are already working with a stunning backdrop of lush greens and soft pink cherry blossoms. To make your setup pop without clashing with nature, it is helpful to choose a primary color that offers a bit of contrast. Using a base of cool blue tones is a brilliant way to ground the scene. It mimics the spring sky and provides a sophisticated foundation that allows the natural pinks and greens of your floral arrangements to truly shine.
The key to keeping a "glamorous" picnic from feeling too stiff is the use of natural textures. You want to incorporate materials that feel at home in the outdoors but still suggest a sense of luxury.
- Wicker and Rattan: Using wicker chargers or a rattan picnic basket adds a rustic, tactile element that feels organic and timeless.
- Linen Fabrics: A light linen tablecloth or cloth napkins in muted tones provide a soft, airy look that catches the spring breeze beautifully.
- Natural Wood: Whether it is a low wooden coffee table or a simple bamboo serving board for your charcuterie, wood tones add warmth and stability to the palette.
- Floral Accents: Use your blooms to tie everything together. By pulling the pinks from the trees into your centerpiece, you create a visual bridge between your table and the park itself.
Crafting the Ultimate Picnic Menu
The best picnic food is effortless to eat and holds up well in the outdoors. You want to avoid anything too fussy that requires a steak knife or heavy lifting. Instead, focus on a spread that invites people to graze throughout the afternoon. Since you will be sipping on chilled Sonoma Coast wines, look for flavors that are bright, salty, and fresh. This allows the food to act as a partner to the wine rather than competing with it for attention.
- The Ultimate Charcuterie Board: A curated selection of meats and cheeses on a charcuterie board is the heart of any picnic. Include a mix of hard and soft cheeses, like a sharp white cheddar and a creamy brie. Pair them with salty prosciutto, spicy salami, and a handful of Marcona almonds or dried apricots to hit those sweet and savory notes.
- Spring Pasta Salad: Opt for a light, vinaigrette based pasta salad rather than one with heavy mayo. Using seasonal vegetables like asparagus, peas, and a hint of lemon zest makes it the perfect companion for a glass of crisp Chardonnay.
- Bite Sized Sandwiches: Think of these as "tea sandwiches" with a gourmet twist. Cucumber and herbed cream cheese or a simple chicken salad on a mini croissant are easy to hold and stay fresh for hours.
- Fresh Fruit Skewers: Seasonal berries or sliced melon are refreshing and provide a natural sweetness that cleanses the palate between bites of rich cheese.
Want more inspiration? Check out our collection of recipes and pairings blog.
The Best Wines for Spring Time Picnics
When you are packing your basket for a day in the sun, you want wines that are "quaffable," meaning they are easy to drink, refreshing, and versatile enough to handle a variety of flavors. The cool-climate origins of the La Crema Sonoma Coast collection make them the ideal candidates for an outdoor spread. Because the grapes are grown in a region defined by maritime breezes and lingering fog, the resulting wines have a natural brightness that feels as fresh as a spring morning.
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
This Sonoma Chardonnay is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. It offers a beautiful balance of citrus and exotic fruit notes with just a hint of toasted oak. It is the perfect partner for that spring pasta salad or a creamy brie. The crisp acidity helps to refresh your palate after every bite of charcuterie, making it incredibly easy to enjoy throughout a long afternoon.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
If you prefer a red, this Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is the answer. It is light enough for a warm day but complex enough to stand up to savory meats and aged cheeses. With aromas of red berries and spice, it mimics the scents of a blooming spring garden. It is best served with a slight chill, which keeps it feeling bright and lively while you lounge on your floor pillows.
Ready to plan your own "epically glamorous" afternoon? You can find both of these bottles by visiting the La Crema online shop. Grab a few of each to ensure your guests have the perfect pour for every picnic bite.
