If you are like me, you not only like picnics because they mean outdoors, relaxed time, sun and play, but also because they involve good food, friends, and lots of nice gadgets to play with. Needless to say that I am a huge fan of anything I can find to make my picnics colorful and tasty. I like to feel as if I were dressing up a nice table outside.

You do not need much. A good picnic basket, some plastic containers that are easy to pack, a blanket, an umbrella, and a few picnic chairs. It can be done near a tree by a river, at the beach, or at the top of a mountain after an enjoyable hike.

To give you a few ideas, here are a few of my favorite items. Perhaps you can find some good ones for yourself too. For some ideas on what food to pack, check out my latest post on La Tartine Gourmande.

And let’s enjoy the good weather, time out and picnics.

Plenty of baskets to choose from:

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There is nothing I love more than putting together one of my gift bags or baskets! Friends and family all know if there is a baby, bridal shower or big birthday there will be a basket full of special treats coming their way! Though it takes me some time to pull together because like designing a room there is always a theme and for me, most pieces need to have some type of meaning to the recipient. The reward is I love doing it, and the time spent is all worth it when the recipient opens it and exclaims they love everything!

I have a friend who, with the purchase of her new house, has just become interested in interior design. So this Christmas, I have put together a small bag for her. Want to take a peek?

I started with this great reusable bag from Envirosax that I found on Delight.com. All of her gifts will fit perfectly in here. I love the orange and green retro look and seeing as she lives in the city, it is perfect for toting groceries home or carrying magazines for a trip to the coffee shop. Why not wrap with something reusable, such as baskets, kitchen towels and totes?

“Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style” by Kelly Wearstler is an amazing book. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Inside a room I want to be moved- I want to feel the drama” and literally, this book is all about drama! From the gorgeous white Casper Wingback Chair by Viceroy to the Trina Turk boutique in Palm Springs, the photos and advice will be sure to get the creative juices flowing!

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