Fun Ideas To Spice Up Your Next Picnic

With our new and social distancing-embracing world, picnics have become a favorite activity of mine to gather with friends and family. Not only are picnics great to promote social distancing while still seeing those that you love and care about, but they can also bring us together to enjoy a nice meal or to simply catch up. Today, I am going to be sharing some fun ideas to spice up your next picnic, and make them OH SO special during this unique time!

1 – Pick a New Location To Picnic Each Time

Whether on your college campus, somewhere nearby, or both, picnicking at a different place each time allows for you and your crew to explore different places in your area while still enjoying one another’s company. Especially if you and your crew meet regularly to picnic and are able to get around to different places, then picnicking in various places nearby would be such a fun way to explore your local area while catching up with one another. That way, you and your crew can travel together nearby while enjoying each another’s company.

2 – Order Takeout

Just because you’re having a picnic does not mean that you have to have home cooked food each time! While sandwiches, fruit, and chips/crackers to nibble on may be the classic picnic staples, they don’t have to be. From the Cheesecake Factory to Taco Bell to a local favorite, the possibilities for takeout are ENDLESS. Since eating out at restaurants may not be the safest option for everyone, ordering takeout from your favorite places and having a picnic instead can be the next best thing for us all in the meantime!

3 – Make Breakfast Favorites

Okay ladies, let’s make a picnic toast with some mimosas!!! Breakfast for a picnic?! I think YES! From biscuits to pancakes to waffles and everything in between, breakfast is such a staple meal of the day that can be a super fun way to have a picnic with your crew. Let’s just say that I made waffles for a picnic with some friends, and it was a HIT!! You can even spice it up a little more by having a mimosa together, just as if y’all were at your favorite breakfast joint.

4 – Fun Dining Ware

Nothing says a cute picnic like fun plates, napkins, & cutlery! Luckily, places like The Dollar Tree, Walmart, The Christmas Tree Shops, and Target all sell super adorable and affordable party dining ware that can be used for picnics as well. I’ve LOVED finding super cute and fun dining ware, as they do add an extra fun twist to any picnic, and I know you will too!

5 – Bring Something Homemade

There’s nothing better than going to a picnic and showing up to seeing something homemade from the heart. I LOVE making something of my own for a picnic, as I feel it adds an extra touch as if I’m hosting someone in my own apartment. Like being in the kitchen, you can make just about anything to bring on a picnic, just be sure you can transport it. From pizza to a cheese board to pasta and even soup, the possibilities for homemade recipes are NEVER-ENDING!

6 – Do a Craft Together

Nothing says a fun time like a craft party! I know I LOVE doing crafts, especially in social gatherings. While picnics may be the new normal in terms of social gatherings for the time being, it does not mean that we cannot do the activities that we love such as crafting while at it. Craft parties have always been a favorite of mine, through doing activities such as wine and designs, card making, and scrapbooking. Why not do a craft party picnic style?!

7 – Potluck Style

Similar to any social gathering that is not social distanced, why not make a picnic a potluck picnic?! Depending on the size of your crew that you’re meeting for a picnic, it can be pretty tricky to transport everything for your picnic all on your own, which will make having a potluck a much more practical way to go. Likewise, doing a potluck style picnic will also allow everyone that you’re meeting up with to feel included and apart of the picnic. A potluck style picnic is definitely a fun way to go, with it allowing for easy transport of goodies and everyone in your crew to feel included.

8 – Have a Photoshoot Too

A picnic AND a photoshoot?! Let’s give it a GO!!! Since social distancing has brought about several changes in the ways that we gather with our friends, a picnic AND photoshoot will allow you to capture those memories while still gathering. Y’all will simply be gathering in a different way!

9 – Play a Card Game

Cards Against Humanity, What Do You Meme, and Apples To Apples, OH MY! The number of card great games out there is INSANE. This high number of card games will allow you and your crew to eventually find one that y’all will enjoy while picnicking together and making memories all at the same time.

10 – Get in a Walk, Too!

Why not get in a workout too?! There are SO many places that offer walking trails and areas to picnic. If you’re like me, then you may be the type of person who goes for a long walk and then gets hungry and vice versa. Going for a walk and exploring the scenery and enjoying some time setting and taking everything in for a nice picnic is most definitely the best of both worlds! Why not take full advantage of your local parks?!

Social distancing or not, picnics are an excellent way to gather with those you want to see. While picnicking may be the latest and greatest way to catch up with your crew amid the coronavirus pandemic, there are definitely SO many ways to make your picnic super fun and uniquely yours. The most important thing is that you and your crew are able to catch up and make memories together, even if they are done in a different way for now.

XOXO – Katie <3

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15 Items I LOVE Having in my College Dorm/Apartment

With college move-in coming upon us quicker than ever, it definitely is exciting to make your lists and check them twice on what you need for your dorm/apartment. It definitely is daunting to be sure you have absolutely EVERYTHING that you need. Luckily, going away to college is not like packing your bags for a trip to Italy, as most likely there will be a Target nearby your college. As a college Senior, I have been through all of the ups and downs of packing and deciding what to bring to your new dorm/apartment. Throughout my time as a college student, I have figured out what products I LOVE having in my dorm/apartment, which I have listed 15 of them here!

1 – Bath & Body Works Wallflower

No one that I know likes a room that smells weird! Unfortunately, college dorms and even apartments can most definitely have strange odors from time to time. Luckily, Bath & Body Works’ Wallflowers are great to add a fresh scented aura to any small space. Upon moving into my Freshmen dorm, I purchased one of their plug-in Wallflowers, which can easily be refilled once every 4-8 weeks with a new scent. If you’re like me and you LOVE Bath & Body Works, then you know that they carry several super amazing scents from lotions to perfumes to soaps which of course are available for their Wallflower plug-in refills. Bath & Body Works’ Wallflowers have definitely been my favorite over the years, and I will definitely still be using them after college too!

2 – Throw Blanket

Nothing says I need to wind down better than cozying up with a throw blanket after a long day of classes. Over the years, I have LOVED having a throw blanket in my dorm/apartment. Not only does it make me feel really homey in my home away from home, but it also keeps me warm when the dorms/apartments are ridiculously cold (which they can be!).

3 – Cards Against Humanity

Cards Against Humanity has definitely been a classic card game amongst many adults of all ages, but especially college students. The majority of college-aged students that I know are big fans of Cards Against Humanity, which makes it an excellent social gathering. In fact, many college students host parties in their dorms/apartments just to play this awesome card game. That being said, it is definitely worth looking into purchasing a pack before you make the move to college.

4 – Fan

College dorms and even apartments are extremely weird with their heating and air systems at times. One day you may be living in a sauna and the next you may be living in what feels like an igloo. Keeping this fact in mind, I would definitely purchase a fan no matter the size before you go off to college, as you will have days where you need it. I sometimes even carry around mini battery-powered fans that I found for under $2 at Walmart during the Summer.

5 – Mugs

I feel that a persons’ mug collection tells a bunch about themselves and who they are. Mugs are such a fun way to have something that is uniquely yours while telling a bit about yourself. I know that I LOVE to collect mugs from my travels, as I have a few in my collection from when I studied abroad in Europe. Additionally, I also have a ton of mugs that are bright and bubbly with flamingoes and Lilly Pulitzer prints. Having a mug (or five) in your college dorm/apartment is a great way to tell a bit about yourself while also having something right in your own space that you can use to whip up your favorite morning drink.

6 – Air Purifier

Like any bedroom back at home, college dorms/apartments can get VERY dusty. Before I went to college, my mom invested in an air purifier for my dorm, and I am OH SO GRATEFUL that she did. Air purifiers are a lifesaver, as they simply purify the air in your dorm/apartment throughout the day – something that not all the dusting and mopping in the world can fully do.

7 – Fun Magnets

Like mugs, I LOVE to collect magnets from my travels! Magnets are just such a fun way to decorate your fridge or mini fridge with all your adventures from the years. Besides how fun they are, magnets are also extremely easy to transport and super duper affordable. That being said, one or even 20 magnets definitely will not hurt the budget and leave you with some super fun digs for your new fridge no matter its size.

8 – Vacuum

A vacuum has definitely been my saving grace during my college years! Having a vacuum has allowed me to keep my place clean and neat. Personally, I feel that this item is worth the investment for anybody moving into a college dorm/apartment without explaining too much!

9 – Decorative Banner

Bar carts, over the bed, and desk side, OH MY! The possibilities for where to hang a banner are ENDLESS. Decorative banners have always been a favorite of mine, as they are easy to transport as well as either make or order online. I have found that banners make for a fun nice touch in any place, especially one that you’re making into your second home.

10 – Anti-Wrinkle Spray

My step-mom bought me anti-wrinkle spray when I moved into my Freshmen year dorm, and it has definitely been one of the best things that she introduced me to! Anti-wrinkle spray is a simple and practical way to get rid of wrinkles in your clothes without having a use an iron. All you have to do is spray it on the garment where the wrinkles are, straighten out the wrinkles on the garment, and poof they are gone!

11 – Plates & Utensils

This one mostly goes for those living in a dorm, since having plates and utensils in an apartment is pretty much a necessity. When in a dorm, the dining hall food most definitely gets old, even after the first week. In my dorm, I most definitely made a ton of microwaveable dishes that required a plate and my own utensils. They were most definitely a lifesaver for me in my own dorm!

12 – Throw Pillows

Like a decorative banner, throw pillows definitely add a personal and fun spice to your dorm/apartment. I have found having throw pillows to make my dorm room extra homey while away from home too!

13 – Bar Cart

Whether for snacks or drinks, bar carts are definitely the way to go! I LOVE having a bar cart in my apartment, as I can successfully store all of the snacks and drinks that I enjoy throughout the days. The best part about a bar cart is that you can easily add a banner or frame and really make it your own. The possibilities are limitless with a bar cart!

14 – Coffee/Tea

Whether you love coffee or tea, I would definitely get a few of your favorite morning drink staples before heading off to college. Although I am an avid tea lover, I do know many people who LOVE coffee and have really benefitted from having their own Keurig. At the same time, the dining hall may only offer so much when it comes to coffee and tea and Starbucks/Dunkin’ adds up real fast. Whatever floats your boat in the morning when it comes to drinks is what you need to stay afloat throughout the crazy college days!

15 – Wall Art

Like a throw pillow, mug, throw blanket, or magnet, wall art is a telltale way to make a space specifically yours. While you may be moving into a space temporarily that many have lived before you and will live after you, having your own wall art sets your place apart from everyone else’s. Most importantly, wall art makes your space uniquely yours.

Even though college dorm/apartment can be hectic from time to time, it is also really exciting! While my list varies on categories of items that I cannot live without while away at college, each of these items has truly made me feel much more at home in my brand-new and temporary space. Hopefully, the items that I shared will provide you with some inspiration on what to get for your own college dorm/apartment as you make a new space your own too!

XOXO – Katie <3

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At-Home Wine Night Essentials

Just because social distancing may be the new and temporary normal does not mean that we cannot recreate as much as what we used to enjoy in our pre-pandemic lives. I know that I really looked forward to having wine nights with some of my friends at school and at home, especially once I turned 21. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I have had to find more creative ways to create new memories. I recently created a blog post titled 11 Social Distancing-Approved Gatherings, which listed ways that we can still gather with our friends and family while maintaining our social distance. Although group wine nights may not be done the way we are used to having them such as in-person with The Bachelor and a big bowl of popcorn, but it does not mean that we cannot recreate what we love about wine nights at home! In today’s blog post, I will be sharing how to create your own at-home wine night.

First Things First: The Wine!

Y’all are going to laugh at me – it is kind of embarrassing – but I am not well-versed in the world of wine. However, my very favorite so far out of them all of Cupcake Vineyards’ Chardonnay (as pictured). I also really love Prosecco. So, I have asked three of my good friends who have pretty good taste in wine (if I say so myself!) to share their recommendations on the wine’s that they LOVE!

Alanna’s Suggestions

  • Menage Trois Moscato
  • Woodbridge Moscato
  • Jacobs Creek Moscato
  • Barefoot Moscato is pretty good I’ve tried the watermelon and strawberry Fruitscoto and the Apple Barefoot Spritzer is really good!

Lexie’s Suggestions

Wegman’s literally has the best wine selection that I have seen so that’s where I always get my wine now. They literally have one in every county and region of North Carolina now (as well as Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and many other East Coast states).

Then I really like the Dark Horse wine too!

Jasmine’s Suggestions

The two wine brands that I know a bit about are 19 Crimes (they have good red wine/Cabernet) and Cupcake (the Moscato is literally fire). Also, I’m a big fan of Lamarca Prosecco. All of these are super market finds and are reasonably priced.

Second is Snacks!!

Now that you have determined what bottle of wine you are going to have at home, it’s now time to grab some snacks! My friends and I are definitely fans of a popcorn and wine night, but that is not the only option. A cheese board is such a fun way to spice up a wine night as well as a homemade dinner dish such as pasta, pizza, or risotto. Additionally, a baguette/toast and olive oil is also another simple way to enjoy some wine. Nevertheless, the options are ENDLESS!

Recruit Your Crew and Get on Zoom!

Once you’ve decided on the perfect bottle of wine and something to nibble on, it’s now time to recruit your crew! Get your best buds together and set up a time on Zoom or FaceTime to catch up with your favorite wines in tow. One fun thing that y’all can do is each share what wine you’re drinking and/or recently loving. You can also choose to watch a movie or TV show together, such as old episodes of The Bachelor or 90 Day Fiance or play an online card game like Cards Against Humanity. There are in fact several things to choose to make it fun. Whatever y’all choose to do, make it fun and uniquely y’all’s!

Cheers!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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11 Social Distancing-Approved Gatherings

With most businesses having reopened their doors amid the coronavirus pandemic and Covid-19 cases rising in some states, social distancing measures still remain intact. With that being said, life looks extremely different, as social distancing measures and mandatory face coverings in public settings will be enforced in schools and businesses alike across the world. Because social distancing is our new and temporary normal, it does not mean that the social aspect that comes with life can’t still be in person and FUN – things just have top be done a bit differently! While our social lives may look a little different right now, it does not mean that we cannot still gather and enjoy special times with the people that we care about. That being said, I have listed a 11 ways to social distance, while STILL having a social gathering!

1 – Get Outdoors!! Let’s Take a Hike!

Ever heard the phrase “let’s take a hike”?! Well, it may be time to do just that! Hiking is an excellent way to get a group of any size together while still keeping some sort of distance. It is also a fun way to explore a new place, especially one that may be in your local area that you may have never explored before. Think it may be hard to convince some of your friend circle to go for a hike?! Well, most places have several local parks that offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from those that are handicapped-friendly and on a smooth trail only to those that involve walking and climbing on rocks. There is definitely a hiking trail for everybody! Personally, I have always wanted to explore many hiking trails and parks in my area, but never had due to academics and other social commitments. I suggest when going with a group of 5+ to either split into smaller groups, especially when passing other groups on trails in order to maintain a social distanced. Splitting up while hiking can also allow those in your circle who are more avid hikers to take a trail that and at a pace that they would enjoy more than those in the group who are not as familiar with the art of hiking.

2 – Pick a Pumpkin, ANY Pumpkin! Go Pumpkin/Apple/Berry Picking!

With the ever-changing seasons in Virginia and North Carolina, I surely do love the fruits and vegetables that come with them. Berries, peaches, and flowers of all kinds in the Spring/Summer and pumpkins and apples in the Fall always means that there are several different fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from. Usually, most of the farms that offer picking of their fresh goods are small, local businesses that especially need our support during this new, temporary season of social distancing. With berries, pumpkins, and apples galore, there also comes a great photo opportunity for you and your crew! I mean who doesn’t love to see a pumpkin shot (or a few) on their Instagram feed?! Not only will you get some great goods, photos, and memories, but you will also be supporting locals within your community.

3 – Let’s Make a Picnic!

Ever picture a dreamy picnic basket filled with a baguette, cheese and meat platter, and maybe even some grapes?! Well, it may be just the time to invest in a picnic basket and blanket! Picnic’s are such a great way to get together with friends and share a meal together. You can also easily share a meal together, as long as no one shares plates or serving utensils (plastic or paper is probably the way to go in this case) and you’re potentially sitting on different blankets/towels depending on who lives together. It may also be fun to do it potluck style where each person person brings a different dish to share! Wanting to share a meal on a gloomy or cold day?! You can always gather in a common area that allows for eating as long as you’re spaced out far enough from one another. Moreover, no picnic has to be as fancy as to offer a baguette, cheese, and meat platter unless you choose to!

4 – Craft Party Anyone?!

Wine and design anyone?! I know I surely do love getting together with friends AND leaving with something handmade to commemorate that gathering. Crafts are definitely a great way to go when it comes to social distancing while still socializing. You and your friends can easily get together and spread out in either a common area like a big long table such as in a dining hall or sitting in a big circle, while talking and doing something fun together. When deciding on a craft, I would suggest that one person in the group at least be familiar with it to some extent before doing it as a group. Additionally, each participant should chip in for the cost of the crafting supplies, as they can definitely add up REAL fast. One great Covid-related craft would be to either handmake, embroider, or even bedazzle masks, which can make for a super fun photo opportunity as well! Whether you choose to have a wine and design, a mask decorating party, or even both, you will definitely be sure to make a precious craft that has even more amazing memories attached to it. 

5 – Who Doesn’t Love a Game Night?!

What college student doesn’t love Cards Against Humanity?! Cards Against Humanity is definitely an extremely popular card game amongst many college students, but it is not the only one! There are a multitude of card and board games out there for you to play – Apples to Apples, What Do You Meme, and the likes. The best part is that these games make for excellent social distancing in-person activities, as they can be practically played anywhere, whether outside or in a common area. This great asset of playing games, allows not only for a fun time but also for tons of flexibility and convenience on where to meet and get the crew together!

6 – Cafe Date for the Win!

As a college student, I have always found cafes to be such an easy and convenient way to meet up with friends. Not only are they a perfect spot to hunker down and study at while enjoying some tea or a latte, but they’re also great for simply catching up with others while still social distancing. Although Starbucks may be your favorite coffee joint to hang at, I also recommend scheduling some of your hangouts at more local cafes within your area. Most local cafes that I have been to have such a unique feel to them that I would not be able to find at any Starbucks location. Additionally, local businesses need our help and support more than ever before, as they have most likely lost a lot of business due to the coronavirus pandemic. You will not only be helping out some locals in your area, but you’ll also discover a new and cool hangout spot for you and your buds. 

7 – Go Explore a Park!

Outdoor sports/games, hikes, picnics, walks, and dogs galore! A park pretty much has just all kinds of people doing all different things. That being said, parks are such a great way to social distance and get your group of friends together. Luckily, most cities and towns have plenty of parks to choose from, meaning that you can probably explore a brand-new park nearby or frequent a local favorite. One of the best things about parks is the fact that there is a ton of things that you can do while there, such as outdoor games, a picnic, a photoshoot, and even just a simple stroll. Keeping all of this in mind, you can easily plan the gathering of your group’s liking at a park!

8 – Missing Chips & Queso?! Plan a Restaurant Outing!

Ever since I was a little girl, going out to eat at restaurants has always been a treat for me. With Covid-19 keeping many of us at home, restaurant outings feel even more special than ever before. While restaurants can be a nerve-wracking place to host a social-distanced gathering, as long as you and your crew wipe down your seats and wear masks upon entry into the restaurant, then you all will be in good shape for a great time. I mean, who hasn’t missed chips and queso during this new era of social distancing?!

9 – Taking a Stroll is Good for the Soul!

With social distancing not going away anytime soon, even something as simple as taking a stroll around campus can be a great way to catch up with friends. The Covid-19 pandemic has definitely affected many of us when it comes to our mental health, and simply getting outside and going for a walk is such an excellent way to help mitigate our potential mental health struggles. If one of your friends on campus has a dog, simply inviting yourself to come along for a walk (or two) is an excellent way to hang out with them and their fury fellow. You can also reach out to a few friends to schedule routine walks and become each other’s walking buddies. If you are new to regular walks or exercise of any kind, I have found it to be a struggle to get myself to do anything active without having someone there to hold me accountable so a walking buddy may be beneficial for you. Besides the great mental health benefits that walking has, you can also give yourself some time to simply stop and smell the roses and to enjoy the flora and fauna in your area. 

10 – A Fun Beach/Lake Day Under the Sun!

Lilly Pulitzer once said: “be the sunshine.” Why not channel your inner Lilly Pulitzer and spend a say soaking up some Vitamin C in the sun with a day on the water?! Beaches and lakes are excellent ways to spread out and social distance with a group of people, while still having a good time! I’ve been to the beach a few times this summer, and I have not felt nervous each time I went, as every group distances themselves from every other group. One suggestion I have when going to any beach is to wear a mask on your way from your car to the beach and back, as you will potentially be around more people as you do so. In fact, some boardwalks in certain states, such as Delaware where my beach house is, require masks on the boardwalk. However, you are free to take your mask off when you arrive at your spot in the sand to sunbathe and enjoy the water. Whether going by yourself or with a group, I 10/10 highly recommend a beach or lake day with your gal pals!

11 – Grab Your Smiles for an Outdoor Photoshoot!

Who doesn’t love a photoshoot?! I know I don’t! Social distancing has made us think and get creative when it comes to ways to hang out in general with others, however, you cannot discount the photoshoot favorite. Luckily, pretty much every college city/town has a variety of places outdoors where you and your crew can go and get some cute pictures. Is there a mural that you’ve always wanted to check out or a park?! Why not start there! As for a photographer, there is never anything wrong with getting your crew to use their phones to take the photos or even a friend with a camera. Another great option would be to get a classmate of yours who has a photography business and help support them, but only if your group is willing and able to pay for their services. As for masks, it may be fun to show off some of your cute masks in your wardrobe or go without them for a photo or two. Whether or not you and your group decide to model your outfits in your masks or take them off only for photos (either way I highly suggest if you do choose to take your mask off to ONLY do it for the photo opp), you can sure make for a fun day!

BONUS – Cheers to a Vineyard/Beer Garden!

You heard me right: vineyards and beer gardens make for excellent social distancing grounds! I’ve been to a few vineyards and beer gardens this summer and found that people are pretty good at social distancing there. That being said, each is a great place to have a social distanced cocktail hour (that is if you’re 21+). Outdoor venues, especially for vineyards, can be super fun and they usually offer plenty of gorgeous views for photos as well. Both beer gardens and vineyards typically have an upbeat atmosphere, making them a great place to let loose a bit as well. I say cheers to that!

Although the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically shifted our world especially when it comes to the social aspect, there are still many ways that we can still see our friends and family in-person. Personally, I see the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to get creative about ways that we can still have a good time yet maintain social distance. Hopefully, I have helped give you some suggestions of ways that you can still get together with your crew soon. While social distancing may still be suggested, socializing and gathering with others is never cancelled.

XOXO Katie <3

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