June 01, 2022 Lifestyle » Field + Supply @ Chronogram

Summer is for picnicking. Throwing a blanket on the grass, breaking out the libations, and snacking your way through a lazy, hazy afternoon with friends is one of the best ways to enjoy the season. With all the outdoor concerts, theater productions, dance performances, art shows, and more coming up this summer in the Hudson Valley, there’s no excuse for showing up without an envious spread of nibbles—if the venue allows.

Need a little inspiration for what to pack? Here are our tips for putting together an easy, flavorful picnic basket that’s sure to pair perfectly with any outdoor event you’re headed to this summer.

Set the Stage An al fresco charcuterie board is just more fun when you have all the trimmings in tow. Grab a bag or basket big enough to store all your food and drink plus some reusable or compostable drinkware, plates, and flatware, an insulated water bottle filled with ice to help keep your beverages cold (and hydrate you later), and a lightweight blanket to plop down on the grass to set your scene. Be sure to pick a blanket or throw in a light-colored and lightweight fabric that won’t weigh down your bag or get too warm.

Pack Unfussy Fare When it comes to dining outdoors on a blanket, handheld foods that you can easily balance and only improve with resting time are the name of the game. Savory-sharp hard cheeses like Gouda or Manchego that won’t melt in the sun and pre-sliced hard charcuterie such as Finochietta are great anchors for your snack station. Cheese Louise in Kingston or La Salumina in Hurleyville have you covered with exciting, hard-to-find varieties of both.

Jazz up the meat and cheeses with in-season whole fruits (less messy than jams), space-saving seedy or herby crackers, a mini mason jar of olives, and a bag of crunchy almonds or pistachios. For dessert, keep it simple by packing a bar of good dark chocolate like the lightly roasted Dominican Hispaniola Dark 68% from Fruition Chocolate in Shokan.

Fun Beverages Are a Must Crisp Basque cider, bubbly Pét Nat, or a dry white wine like minerally Assyrtiko are always great go-to libations for the summer sun. A screw-top bottle will be easier to store and re-pour in your basket if it’s just you and a friend.

Fun Beverages Are a Must

Want expert advice on what to bring? Pop into a local natural wine shop like Kingston Wine Co., Bluebird Wine and Spirits in Accord, Dirty Bacchus in Beacon, or Grapefruit Wines in Hudson and ask the uber-knowledgeable staff to pick you out a bottle or two that will pair well with the occasion and the other goodies in your basket.

Looking for a fun, zero-proof option? Pick up a bottle of locally made fruit syrup from Maya’s Syrups in Jeffersonville in delightful flavors like Wild Foraged Elderflowers and Lemons or Raspberries and Thai Chili Pepper to mix with seltzer for an elevated mocktail on the fly.

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