Create a Gorgeous Parisian-Styled Picnic-See me creating a picnic LIVE on Tuesday, June 9th at about 10:45.
One of my favorite things about the French is their ability to transform ordinary moments and ingredients into something memorable. A simple meal becomes an occasion, a bottle of wine a celebration, and an evening with friends becomes an experience.
The good news? You don’t need a plane ticket to Paris to capture a little of that magic.
A Parisian-style picnic is one of the easiest and most elegant ways to entertain. There’s very little cooking involved, it can be assembled in minutes, and it feels far more special than the effort required.
Whether you’re planning date night, hosting girlfriends by the pool, or gathering friends for a casual dinner, here’s how to create a French-inspired feast with ease.
The secret to effortless entertaining is a well-stocked kitchen, not spending hours preparing. Keep a few picnic-worthy staples in your pantry and refrigerator, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a spread that feels both effortless and elegant.
Adding super-fresh ingredients to your picnic is also a must. For this time of year, I like berries, cherries, radish, and cherry tomatoes, along with a beautiful sliced apple, always a favorite when serving cheese.
The beauty of a French picnic is variety. A little bit of a lot of things creates abundance. Later in the post, I’ll share a complete Picnic Checklist and a favorite picnic recipe at my house.
When arranging items on a board or surface, select a variety of textures, colors, and shapes to make the prettiest boards.
Create a sense of abundance by loading boards and bowls with goodies. Arrange creamy cheeses next to crunchy nuts. Tuck bright berries among slices of salami. Scatter cornichons and olives throughout the board. Don’t overthink it. The goal is for the display to feel generous and inviting rather than perfectly styled.
Open a favorite bottle of wine, uncork a bottle of Champagne, or serve sparkling water with slices of lemon, orange, or fresh berries. The French understand that presentation matters. Serve beverages in proper glasses, even if you’re dining poolside.
This may be the most important step of all: set the scene. Spread a casual linen tablecloth across an outdoor table. Lay out a blanket in the yard. Cover a coffee table or buffet with a strip of butcher paper and write in marker to label foods. Add cloth or paper napkins, a few flowers from the garden, and a candle if you’re entertaining in the evening.
Then put on a little French music and let the evening unfold. The most memorable picnics aren’t about the food, they’re about slowing down. Lingering over conversation, sharing another bite of cheese, pouring one more glass, and enjoying the people gathered around you.
That’s a lesson worth borrowing from the French any day of the week.
With a handful of pantry staples, a few fresh ingredients, and almost no cooking, you can turn an ordinary evening into a little trip to Paris.
I hope you’ll tune in to Fox 4 at about 10:45 on Tuesday, June 9th to see me making a picnic live on The TEN!
Picnic Checklist
Bottle of Favorite French Wine, Champagne, or Sparkling Soda
Bread—Butter—Jam
Cheese—Meat
Olives—Cornichons—Nuts
Tapenades—Tomato or olive or Spreads
Fruit—Dried Fruits
Vegetables—Cherry Tomatoes, Radish
Tomato Basil Tartlets
Something sweet—your favorite chocolate, or pick up tiny cakes or cookies
PREPARE
Spread and Blanket cloth or brown paper
Put on some music
Add Flowers
Light a Candle
Enjoy
Tomato Basil Tartlets
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 cup Gruyere cheese
¼ cup fresh basil cut in a chiffonade
2-3 Roma tomatoes cut into slices
½ teaspoon fresh thyme
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut tomatoes into thin slices, about 1/8 of an inch thick. Lay tomatoes in a single layer on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Roll out the puff pastry to eliminate creases. Using a biscuit cutter, cut 12 rounds from the sheet. Place rounds on a greased baking sheet. Mix the cheese, basil, and thyme in a small bowl. Put a pinch on each pastry round. Top with tomato, salt, and pepper, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake for 12-14 minutes until tarts are puffed and beginning to brown.
Dreaming of a trip to France? A Taste of Paris small group trips are OPEN for registration!
Want more information and to see the gorgeous digital brochures? CLICK HERE!
April in France 2027
Paris FLAGSHIP — April 18 – 25th, 2027
We’ll cook and taste our way through Paris while seeing the major sites and museums. This trip is ideal for first timers and guests who simply LOVE Paris
The Loire Valley — April 9th – 15th, 2027
Cook. Sip. Chateau, repeat!! A week spent in this charming area of France will inspire and invigorate gardeners, history buffs, wine lovers, and food aficionados.
I can’t wait to welcome you to the group!
XOXO and See you soon! Lorie
