Nothing says post-lockdown summer like a picnic with friends in the great outdoors, but if you aren’t ready to go to a public park just yet, hosting a picnic in your backyard or that of a friend or cousin is the next best thing.
For last year’s BLACK FOODIE Picnic Day, we shared a video of the dreamy sunset picnic that traveler and content creator Ribicca Mamuye of @iamabyssinia created with fairy lights, elegant center pieces, and the prettiest strawberry cocktails, so this year we had to get the inside scoop on how she makes the magic happen.
Here are her top tips for setting up an Instagram-worthy picnic in your backyard:
Start with a sturdy outdoor blanket.
Having a solid foundation for your picnic set-up will go a long way to making sure that you’re comfortable and able to move around with ease for the duration of the event. Use a blanket that’s made for the outdoors and has a rough underside that won’t slip and slide on the grass.
Add a mini folding table or tray to your picnic set-up.
This suggestion is optional but it’s great for adding drama, a touch of elegance, and a traditional eating set-up to your outdoor space. It also helps to organize the space so you know exactly where to find cutlery or fragile desserts. Ribicca got her mini folding table at Target.
Use wide, firm pillows for seating.
If you’re going the traditional route for your backyard picnic, that means you’ll be sitting on the ground for quite a while. Make sure that your lower back is supported with the help of firm pillows — use more than one per person wherever possible!
Bring a small portable speaker to create a vibe!
There’s no such thing as a great event without music, so don’t forget to bring a speaker that can connect to your phone or device to set the mood. If you’re looking for a dope playlist with afro beats, smooth grooves, and throwback hits, try our official Picnic Day playlist.
Add some fresh flowers to create ambiance.
Natural beauty is a theme that shows up in most of Ribicca’s content, so it’s no surprise that most of her outdoor event content that we love features floral arrangements and beautifully styled greenery. This suggestion is completely optional, so if you want to be bougie on a budget, you can’t go wrong with a $10 drugstore bouquet styled in a mason jar with ribbon.
Put a little effort into your picnic menu!
At the end of the day, picnics are about enjoying delicious food while relaxing outdoors, so take the time to plan a picnic menu with foods that are perfect for all temperatures and a refreshing drink that’ll keep you cool all picnic long. If you’re looking for menu planning inspo, we’ve got you covered with the official BLACK FOODIE WKND menu.
Enjoy your picnic wherever you are and don’t forget that any outdoor event can be made unforgettable with a little attention to detail.
For more travel and style inspiration, follow Ribicca on Instagram or get lost in her blog over at amromenor.com.
