Impromptu picnic

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Summertime, and the livin' is easy...

Text by Chris Christen

Photo by Kurt A. Keeler

Load the 100 Greatest Summer Songs of All Time on your iPod, pack a picnic supper and escape with your honey for an intimate dining experience. Find a shady park, a sandy beach, or a scenic overlook and make yourself at home. What? You hate ants and flies? Get over it! Uncork a favorite bottle of wine, and you'll forget the pests about the time you hear Perry Como crooning “that Moonglow gave me you.”

FASHION & FUNCTION

ZAK! Designs melamine dinner plates, $5.99 each, and bowls, $4.49 each. Party Besteck utensils, 5-piece set, $11.99. Dress up the plates: Andreas silicone non-slip trivets, $14.99 each; Chilewich laser-cut, pressed vinyl placemats, $7 each.

WINE COOLER

Chill your favorite varietal in style with a soft-sided Cool Coat by Menu. Imported from Denmark; $47.95. Plastic goblets, $4.29 each. All from the Gadgeteer.

CONVENIENT CADDY

Pier 1 Import's wicker basket with canvas strap is roomy and sweetly lined with red-and-white gingham; $45. Harvey & Strait buffet napkin, $44 for six, at Gadgeteer. Napkin ring, stylist's own.

FRESH AND FLAVORFUL

Spend a lazy afternoon perusing “Picnics: Delicious Recipes for Outdoor Entertaining” by Sara Desera; photographs by Jonelle Weaver. Themes, menus and picnic advice, including a checklist of items to pack; $14.95.

EXTRA TOUCHES

Foldable PVC vase, $5.99, from Gadgeteer. Striped fabric remnant, $3, from Hancock Fabrics.