Spring Flings & Picnicking Things
New Yorkers have Spring Fever, and in a city that doesn’t have square footage to spare, who can blame them? The weather is warming, flowers are blooming and birds are chirping; all reasons to flee the tiny apartment you share with multiple roommates and find sanctity in the great outdoors. For some, the return of spring might just mean the return of intramural softball, happy hours and Yankees (or Mets) games. The real essence of spring, however, is celebrating the rebirth and new beginnings in nature, life and love – and picnicking in the park is one of our favorite ways to do so. Whether it’s romance or solitude you crave, here are some suggestions for planning a perfect NYC picnic.
A-Tisket, A-Tasket…
Smarter than your average pic-a-nic basket, this Red Picnic Cooler has a built-in bottle opener! We love it in yellow too (Crate & Barrel, $62.95).
Prefer the classic look? Crate & Barrel Outlet carries woven picnic baskets for $29.95.
Sit Pretty…

Zip-up blankets from Target are easy on the eyes, wallet and subway (available in Red Stripe or Yellow Medallion, $19.99 each).
Pack A Punch…
While we’re all for drinking wine in public, the NYPD isn’t and will write you a summons – take our word for it. However, it’s often overlooked at special events like the NY Philharmonic concerts in Central Park. So, wine-drinkers anonymous, these stacking wine glasses from Crate & Barrel are for you…and they’re only $9.95 for a set of 4 (less expensive than your potential fine!).
You Are What You Eat…
For picnicking in style, splurge on: assorted meats, cheeses and olives, accompanied by crusty French bread; a medley of gourmet sandwiches; mixed berries, fresh cookies, pastries or tarts.
Depending on where you live and where you’re setting up shop, you can find all the necessary fixings at Whole Foods, Le Pain Quotidien, Citarella, Marche Madison, Fairway, Eataly, or Blue Ribbon Bakery Market (which won NY Magazine’s “Best Picnic Provisions” back in 2006).
Early Riser? Go Continental – create your own breakfast basket with mini-muffins, croissants and scones with jam.
Necessary Object(s)…
Zyrtec
, or your allergy drug of choice (drugstore.com).
Something to play catch with.
May 4, 2012




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