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With summer weather finally here and the stay-at-home order extended in many states including New York, the need for some afternoon sunshine and evening breeze couldn’t be more fervent or universal. Yet for those lacking access to shady verandas and sprawling private gardens, to dine en plein air may seem just as novel an idea as wearing heels (or any shoes at all) for a Zoom call.
While I know I cannot leave my home, the nostalgist (and vitamin D obsessive) in me, longs for a good old-fashioned picnic, and I’m determined to make it happen—even if all I’ve got is a walk-up studio apartment with nothing but a fire escape to climb out onto. If there’s anything this time has shown us, it’s the power of making the most of what we have, whether it’s learning to do our jobs effectively from a laptop, adjusting our cooking routines to allow for limited grocery runs, or finding ways to be creative with the one change of clothes we packed for self-isolation.
From rooftop hors d’oeuvres to backyard barbecues, a sunny forecast is the only excuse one needs to enjoy a fête champêtre with their quarantine companions, no matter how big or small their outdoor dwelling space may be.
If you re in need of inspiration, simply take a gander at our at-home picnic guide below— you’ll be wining and dining in the great outdoors faster than you can say “al fresco!”
Fire Escapist
For the shoebox apartment dwellers among us, outdoor fun is a quick crawl through the window away. Turn your rickety fire escape into a throne fit for a queen with a string of paper lantern lights, cushy blankets, a tray for your vittals, and an official-looking megaphone for interacting with the passersby roaming about on the street below. Kitten heels don’t bode well with standard issue two-inch iron slats, so be sure to wear flat, sturdy shoes––and of course, a hat to protect from the occasional pigeon.
Backyard Barbecue
If your current digs include a proper backyard, a festive summer barbeque is in order. Once you’ve donned your most picknicky sundress and the table is set (we suggest retro enamel dishes and plaid linens), fire up the grill for a meal straight out of a mid-century campsite.
Balcony Bistro
The only thing more romantic than balcony dining is balcony dining by candlelight. And since date night can really only happen at home these days, you might as well pull out all the stops. Keep your vins de Provence chilled in a sweet wicker wine basket (to go with your seagrass bistro lights), and let your al fresco menu inspire your outfit (might I suggest the spaghetti alla vongole and an embroidered cabana shirt to match?).
Seaside Dock or Widow’s Walk
If you’re currently near a coast, you might find a breezy ocean dock or widow’s walk for your picnic perch. Pack up your basket with all the fixings for a seaside feast, grab some sailing-inspired rope sandals with a rattan beach lantern to match, and cinch up your caftan with a chic pouch that can double as a lobster-cracking tool belt.
Raise The Roof
Roof access is a hot commodity, as those lucky enough to possess it well know. If you’re finding yourself sans-elevator, opt for walkup-friendly accoutrements like a portable top-handle speaker, convertible backpack-turned-picnic blanket, and plush floor pillows for sprawling out on while you take in the sweeping city views from behind round Lennonite sunnies. Channel your inner earth child with ‘70s-inspired sandals, a floral-embroidered midi dress, and a patchwork headscarf in case of sudden winds.
Veranda Vibes
Fancy a more formal picnic setup? We know just the way to do it, no matter how small or quaint your outdoor space. Simply slip on your daintiest kitten heels and a pale pastoral frock to toast your quarantine comrades (hand painted flutes and boxwood topiaries are optional but highly encouraged if your space will permit).
