• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet

Northern California Style

Northern California Style

  • Home
  • About
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet
  • Shop My Home
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Summer Picnic Ideas

June 3, 2021 By kimwheeler 17 Comments

Last year was hard, but we are beginning to see some good trends that emerged out of the chaos. One thing that my family and many others rediscovered, is the joy of picnics! We have had a lot of them in the past year, so I was excited when I was asked to join a few other bloggers to share some inspiration for picnics!

At the beginning of the pandemic our family did some car picnics at the beach which was old school fun.. Then last summer, my neighbor Kim started a fun idea of meeting for dinners on the town park square with chairs and a little table. We enjoyed that so much we did it with our own kids, bringing some drinks and appetizers and everyone picking up the takeout food they want, then chatting after on a summer evening.

We have realized that we almost enjoy this more than dining out in restaurants in many cases. As we’ve had more outdoor meals last year than ever before, I’ve stocked my kitchen with a few more portable containers, but for the most part we take real napkins, and silverware -and those tablecloths that are going unused, make great picnic blankets if they are sturdy cotton. So do throws and blankets. It’s fun to cull some things together and make a pretty coordinating mix with cloth napkins, a blanket and toss them in a basket or large straw tote and go. I like to roll the silverware in the napkins. Sometimes I tie them, sometimes I don’t. I repurposed nice glass bottles for waters.. You can get creative. The most important thing is to make it easy and fun.

For my picnic meal, I made a pesto pasta salad, Pink Lady Apple, cheddar and turkey baguette sandwiches, homemade chocolate chip cookies and some bought Have a Chips, strawberries and a variety of waters. I wish I had a more picturesque view, but we just had ours in the yard. It was a nice thing to do on a Saturday, which we usually wouldn’t bother with. Everyone came out and ate, unlike our usual, do your own thing lunches.

For the sandwiches, I found small single baguettes that worked great. They are cute if you wrap them in parchment paper to keep them together with a small bit of twine. Both my husband and I agreed that in the future we would probably enjoy the sandwich more with a nutty whole wheat bread. With the thin slices of pink lady apple, English cheddar and some crunchy lettuce, the wheat bread would have added just the right texture and crunch. Of course the sons preferred the baguette and they look cuter. ( I ate mine open faced as I am trying to eat less breads.)

For the pasta, it’s pretty simple. I changed the recipe up to use chickpea pasta, my first time trying it. Everyone liked it. It does look a little darker and is a bit drier and crumblier in texture than usual pasta, but works just great and in this kind of recipe, you wouldn’t really notice the change. It was actually a suggestion from my younger son Griffin, who came home from college a fan of this pasta. His roommate cooks and is gluten-free. They like the Banza brand best, (found here. )Chickpea pasta has nearly double the protein and fiber and almost half the carbs of usual pasta and it is gluten-free and low glycemic.. So much better for us!

Summer Pesto Pasta Salad

1 box of chickpea pasta

2-3 cups of fresh tomatoes of varying sizes. (I did part cherry tomatoes cut in half and some heirloom cut into small sized pieces)

I container of small fresh ciliegine mozzarella balls.

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons of fresh pesto

1/2 cup basil leaves

Shaved Parmesan to garnish.

2 cloves garlic cut in half

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Pepper to taste

Combine cut tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, pesto and garlic in a bowl, stir and cover in refrigerator. You can leave this overnight, but at least 30 minutes is nice. Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water to directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Remove the garlic from the mixture and toss with the pasta. Garnish with basil and top each jar with shaved parmesan. I used a kind of shell pasta, but the original recipe, adapted and changed from an old Domino Magazine, called for casarecce pasta can be found in a chickpea version here.

Hope you got a little inspired to do more picnics! Please stop by these talented blogs and see what they have for picnic ideas and recipes for us…

Annie Most Lovely Things
Cindy Cindy Hattersley Design
Mary Ann Classic Casual Home
Sheri Sheri Silver
Melaine My Sweet Savannah
Lisa Shine Your Light
Elizabeth Pinecones and Acorns

I hope your summer is getting off to a fun start!

Kim

Filed Under: Featured, picnic` Tagged With: #picnicideas, #picnicinspiration, #picnics, #summerpicnics

ON MY RADAR...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa says

    June 3, 2021 at 7:26 am

    Kim I love your pretty linens and how your pulled together everything and made it look special. You have that touch!! I will have to try your chickpea pasta salad. My daughter told me about it a while back and I have yet to make it. This recipe looks and sounds delicious! So cute served in the jars!

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      June 3, 2021 at 7:57 pm

      HI Lisa, Thank you! I cannot wait to try out the Happy Hour picnic idea with some friends! I loved your flat basket and how you set it all up!

      Reply
    • Heidi says

      June 4, 2021 at 5:46 pm

      Hi Kim,
      Everything looks so pretty and bet it was tasty, too! I love a good picnic, growing up we went on them a lot. Sometimes we’d just drive to a big park and stay all day, my dad would find a tree to hang the dart board on, or set up badminton for us, or we’d just run around, Something would always have been forgotten on the kitchen counter at home , the potato salad or the watermelon, but regardless we always managed to have fun!
      We eat outside on the deck at home a lot, does that count as a “sort of” picnic?
      Hope you had a great time!
      Xo Heidi

      Reply
  2. Mary Ann Pickett says

    June 3, 2021 at 7:54 am

    Kim, my mouth is watering!!! I definitely want to make your salad!!! Hope you are having a fun vacation.

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      June 3, 2021 at 7:55 pm

      Thanks Mary Ann! I loved doing this with you all. xo

      Reply
  3. Sheri Silver says

    June 3, 2021 at 8:02 am

    Love this post Kim! The way you wrapped and tied the sandwiches is so charming AND practical!

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      June 3, 2021 at 7:55 pm

      Thanks Sheri! Loved your amazing jarcuteries!

      Reply
  4. chris says

    June 3, 2021 at 8:32 am

    Where did you buy the chickpea pasta that you used?

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      June 3, 2021 at 7:54 pm

      Hi Chris I bought it at Whole Foods, but the Banza is at Target!

      Reply
  5. Judy says

    June 3, 2021 at 9:33 am

    Going to def make that salad with the chickpea pasta You have made me hungry!!!!

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      June 3, 2021 at 7:53 pm

      Thanks Judy! Let me know what you think!

      Reply
  6. LA CONTESSA says

    June 3, 2021 at 9:43 am

    PINK LADY APPLES IN THE SANDWICH!!!!?
    I LOVE THAT IDEA!
    XX

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      June 3, 2021 at 7:53 pm

      Elizabeth, they are so good with the cheddar and turkey! xo

      Reply
  7. Elizabeth says

    June 3, 2021 at 10:06 am

    Kim this looks delicious! I’ve never used chickpea pasta and now you have inspired me to try it! Have a wonderful day and enjoy your vacation.

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      June 3, 2021 at 7:52 pm

      Thanks so much Elizabeth! You should definitely try the pasta! Thank you.. Fun doing this with you all. xx

      Reply
  8. cindy says

    June 3, 2021 at 1:22 pm

    Kim this sounds fabulous! I can’t wait to try the chickpea pasta. What brand did you use snd where did you find it? We didn’t picnic during the pandemic but I am really anxious too now and this menu sounds fabulous!!

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      June 3, 2021 at 7:51 pm

      Cindy mine was a generic brand and I have heard the Banza is better so I think try that! They have it at Target! Thanks so much! This was wonderful doing this with you all. xo

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Featured Posts

Spring Colors, White Jeans, and Skin Cleansers

Signature Style- Casual Chic Dresses

Signature Style- How French Women Wear Red

Signature Style- Resort Looks and Packing Tips

Fun Kitchen Styling Tips!

Summer Picnic Ideas

Get My Posts by Email!

Find Me on Facebook

Northern California Style

Archives

Categories

Footer

Don’t Forget to Follow!

Blogger, writer and explorer sharing about my native California, and parts farther afield. Join me here where I chat about things to love in the worlds of design, fashion, home, travel and culture.

Currently Pinning

  • Signature Style- Summer Sandal Edit
  • My June Must List, Tomato Garden Tips, Pretty Slip Dresses and More
  • My June Must List, Tomato Garden Tips, Pretty Slip Dresses and More
  • Blue upholstery barstool in Montecito home in House Beautiful
  • California Living room soft colors
  • bedroom in soft colors
  • Blue aqua stripe chairs by fireplace in House Beautiful Montecito
  • Printed floral banquette
  • My June Must List, Tomato Garden Tips, Pretty Slip Dresses and More
  • My June Must List, Tomato Garden Tips, Pretty Slip Dresses and More
  • Carmel Getaway to Bernardus Lodge, a Rails Capsule for Summer, Pretty Pots and more..
  • Carmel Getaway to Bernardus Lodge, a Rails Capsule for Summer, Pretty Pots and more..
A little reel of the pretty @bernarduslodge in Car A little reel of the pretty @bernarduslodge in Carmel Valley. We try and get here at least twice a year for a little weekend retreat. 

It’s in the perfect location as you can enjoy all the charms of Carmel -and soak up the sunshine while you’re at the resort just up the road from the coast. The rooms, pools, gorgeous gardens, and mountain views are soothing. It’s my happy place and if you are near Carmel, I can’t recommend it enough. 

#carmelvalley #carmel #carmeltravel #centralcoast #bernarduslodge #northerncalifornia #northerncalstyle
On the weekend blog I shared my favorite summer gr On the weekend blog I shared my favorite summer green salad. It’s the traditional with a few twists to make it have more flavor and crunch. A nice option for a Memorial Day barbecue if you’re having one today.. Link with details in bio.
@northerncalstyle 

We had houseguests and now a free day, but the weather has been dark and cool for this summer kick off.. 😕 Hoping you all get some time to enjoy this extra day off. 

I am thinking today of all those who gave their lives for our nation and democracy. ❤️ Their families are especially on my mind. 

#summersalad #californiatable
On the Weekend blog.. a @rails Summer capsule! I b On the Weekend blog.. a @rails Summer capsule! I brought some of these beautiful pieces with me on our weekend away in Carmel and loved how well they all work together!
More deets on the blog plus where we stayed and some pretty snaps of Carmel in bloom.

Don’t forget to visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet too.

 Our links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

Have a beautiful weekend .
This is a perfect time for a trip to Carmel-Monter This is a perfect time for a trip to Carmel-Monterey Bay as everything is blooming and the magic carpet in Pacific Grove is at its peak beauty! 

The beautiful flowers in the charming towns and the on cottages make it such a treat to visit. We had a fun two days and I’ll do another little reel on our pretty hotel in Carmel Valley. 

Have you been to Carmel in the springtime? It’s a bucket list item! 🌸

#carmelbythesea #carmel #pacificgrovemagiccarpet #pacificgrove #montereybay #ourgoldenstate #visitcalifornia #flowerstagram #californiadreaming
I splurged and bought myself this pretty planter f I splurged and bought myself this pretty planter for my favorite plant. This is from @beachwoodhome in Carmel which has beautiful things. It’s in the Carmel Plaza and I always love popping in there to see what’s new when I’m down there.

This plant is a peperomia plant which is so easy to keep alive! Yay. It loves to grow in cool shapes and needs just a few ice cubes here and there..

Hope you’re all having a good start to the week! 

#easyplants #houseplantsofinstagram #bluepottery #carmelbythesea #californialiving
Have you been to Tahoe in the summer? It’s just Have you been to Tahoe in the summer? It’s just magic. These are a few snaps of my Tahoe look, but on the blog I have more ideas and great pieces for you to consider when planning a summertime getaway there. 

You will find it’s very relaxed with an old school charm. Chill is the vibe and it’s all about comfort and California casual. Tahoe is all about enjoying the incredible nature and beauty up there! 

Find it all on my what to pack post with six of my friends sharing their destinations too..
Link in bio @northerncalstyle 
More on stories also!

#tahoe #laketahoe #whattopack #californiatravel #californiatrip #westshorelaketahoe #lakelife #oldschoolsummer #ourgoldenstate #californiadreaming #visitcalifornia
Hard to believe it’s almost summer, and are you Hard to believe it’s almost summer, and are you all ready for a vacation ?  I have the perfect blog for you today..a fun collaboration with six others, sharing their packing tips and outfits from their special spots in the country.. We’ve got Tahoe, Napa, Valley, Paso Robles, Santa Cruz, Florida, New York City, and North Carolina! 

These packing lists and outfit ideas plus favorite spots not to miss, make these posts savers! 

My blog is what to pack and what to wear for summertime in Tahoe- which I can’t wait for. 💙

All our posts are linked in our bios.. 
me/Tahoe @northerncalstyle 

Annie/New York City @most_lovely_things 

Juliet/Napa Valley @makemineaspritzer 

Dawn/SantaCruz @fashionshouldbefun 

Cindy/PasoRobles @cindyhattersley 

Elizabeth/North Carolina @pineconesandacorns 

Mary Ann/Florida @classiccasualhome 

See what my friends recommend to pack and do for your summer getaways! 

#packingtips #whattopack #travel #traveltipsandtricks #tahoetravel #californiatravel #ourgoldenstate
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas and to all t Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas and to all those who mother and nuture! 💐I hope everyone is getting appreciated and spoiled today.. I spent some time at a lovely lunch with the family yesterday and am enjoying the garden today.. except for the hurricane winds! 

I can’t wait until my youngest Griffin is back home for a bit from college. My favorite days are the ones when we are all together as a family again.  I love being with Jackson and Griffin more than anything and they just make me laugh so much!  I feel so lucky to have very kind sons …except they make me feel so short 🤣..and I couldn’t be prouder. 💛
On the blog today.. How to style white denim!  I’m excited to partner with some lovely ladies today and we are all sharing our ways to wear the closet classic- white jeans! 

I am showing what I’ve been wearing lately and some of my favorite pairs as well as a few cool options that have come on my radar!  It’s all about finding what works for your body and choosing the right fabric etc.. 

Are you a white jean fan??

Please visit my friend’s blogs ..All our posts are linked on our bios..
@northerncalstyle - me!
@most_lovely_things - Annie
@classiccasualhome -Mary Ann
@cindyhattersley - Cindy
@sherryhdesigns - Sherry
@lavieongrand - Noelani

#whitedenim #whitejeans #whitejeansoutfit #whitejeanstyling #whitejeansforever #whitejeanseason #californiastyle
If you miss the weekend post and still need some M If you miss the weekend post and still need some Mother’s Day gifts I have some fun ideas for you.. I love market totes- especially with flowers in them, beautiful wraps, some inspiring books for summer living, and a few other little luxuries.. 

If you need some local fun, I will be a the Palo Alto @Rails store on Saturday where they are having a Mother’s Day event with 20% off and a gift with purchase! Stop by and say hi.

Pop on by my blog post for all the details and more gift ideas… 

Don’t forget to visit my friends, Juliet and Elizabeth if you miss their weekend posts too..
 Our links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#mothersday #mothersdaygift #giftideasforher #californialiving #momsday
Do you love @rails beautiful California clothing? Do you love @rails beautiful California clothing? I don’t know what your weekend plans are, but on Saturday the new Rails at Stanford is having a fun event with 20% off, light bites, and a little gift with purchase.. 

I’ll be there for a few hours to help you pull together looks for summer or shop for a Mother’s Day gift - maybe for yourself? 

If you haven’t been to a Rails store, they are so inspiring and have the whole collection for women and men. It’s great to see the clothes up close and how gorgeous they are. 

Please pop by if you are at Stanford  Shopping Center and say hi! I would love to meet some of you.  I’ll be there 11-12:30, but the event is on all day and the Rails team is so great! 

Maybe a fun day out to shop with a friend or your mom and have lunch after at Stanford? 

Looking forward to this and meeting some of you! 

#rails #stanfordshoppingcenter #paloalto #railsclothing #californiastyle #californialook
It’s time for May’s Signature Style and Cindy It’s time for May’s Signature Style and Cindy and I are sharing our Summer Wish Lists.. ☀️My wish list has one shoulder tops, longer skirts and the super flattering small jacket- plus some other cute finds and accessories.

I’m sharing it all on the blog and Cindy is too..

As always links are in our bios and stories..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

Looking forward to seeing you there!  If you want the links they are on the blog or I can send you the link in a DM.

Copyright © 2023 · Northern California Style· Blog Design by Little Blue Deer