Sales & Shopping

• Previous Hanging 10: Friends Canvas Swim Trunks
• A Third-Street Secret Revealed: It's Open Season on Vie L.A. Next

• June 24, 2008
• Ebay Daily Score

Ground Control: Summer Picnics Rule!

By Christene Barberich

On those less muggy days, we'd like nothing more than to disappear into Prospect Park and hunker down for some lazy alfresco nosh. As far as I'm concerned, Thursdays are the best days for picnics (too bad about the whole work thing), but any of these trusted must-haves will have you prepped and ready to go the next time you feel nature's call.

Vintage Boom Box—Tell your parents to send you all your old mix tapes from junior high or better yet, go pick up someone else's at the Salvation Army. You could listen to All Things Considered on this gorgeous old thing, but at a picnic, that would just be lame.

Cotton Camp Blanket—Three things required for the perfect picnic platform: 1. Cotton (wool = itchy, sweaty, rashy). 2. Bright colors or patterns (won't show the mustard and red-wine stains). 3. Looks good draped over the sofa when off-duty.

Metal Picnic Basket—I frown upon those fancy new picnic baskets with compartments for everything. Throw all your sandwiches, apple slices, and cheese cubes into this swank metal carryall (love the faux wood look). I bet it would fit into many a bike basket.

Vintage Cotton Dress—This was chosen mostly on how I would look playing badminton in it. Added bonus: It's the lightest cotton ever and a print that won't clash with the picnic blanket.

Vintage Badminton Set—After the catnap under that shady elm, whoop some Gatsby butt with these.

More Posts:
All 4 One: Rompers on the Street
Ed Droste: 10 Things I Learned About Digital Media in 24 Hours in Vegas