With Memorial Day just around the corner, my mind has officially wandered to summer plans, which primarily means picnics, camping, and cookouts in the heat of the sun or in the shade next to a peaceful creek among family and friends.

I particularly can’t wait for a summertime picnic and Meijer has the most gorgeous, trendy, but yet classic, outdoor picnic essentials for Memorial Day (and the Fourth of July)!
Admittedly, I went a little crazy when I saw all of the Americana picnic products at Meijer! We are re-doing our deck this summer and I’ve already started decorating with red, white, and blue, so naturally, my mind tends to think in practicality, and I knew all of the products I purchased for my American picnic could also be used for all of our outdoor dining needs this season. Such a bonus!Nothing screams an American holiday like the classic red, white, and blue plaid tablecloth I picked up! The colors are especially rich in-person, it can double-up as a picnic blanket, and the plaid pattern provides the perfect backdrop for an assortment of other fun Meijer picnic goodies!

I also had to have Meijer’s white lantern that comes equipped with an LED light. The lantern makes for a sweet centerpiece for a fun picnic and you can also use it inside well after summer is over. The glowing flicker of a candle is always calming and cozy, whether authentic or artificial.When I saw the small and large blue and white ceramic fish bowls, I instantly snagged both! The fish shape is so unique and who doesn’t love a huge white bowl for picnics and gatherings? So useful and versatile.An ice-cold glass of Riesling or Rosé pairs so very well with the laid-back menu of a picnic but glass wine glasses do not! Meijer has the most delightful set of plastic wine glasses that look as if they are real glass. The shape of the bowl is on-trend and you would never know they are plastic, until you pick them up, of course! Also, water is a must at a hot summer picnic! I poured ice-water into the blue carafe I picked up to fill up the blue melamine glasses.The tan scalloped placements added an element of texture to the tablescape and will be used both inside and outside for dining! For even more character, I discovered rope drink and plate coasters that added a fun nautical vibe to the picnic.The red, white, and blue snack bowls set were essential for tasty nuts and fruits. Plus, the blue melamine 3-section dish was ideal for serving a veggie tray. Also, while I ventured outside of the seasonal themed aisle at Meijer, I found the perfect blue pie plate for my blueberry pie as well as a wooden cheese board that is the sweetest size for a cheese, cracker, and/or fruit board or tray.To add to the theme of American alfresco dining, and also to forgo the plastic route for an easy-breezy touch of class, I added in blue-handled silverware, red, white, and blue melamine plates, white melamine bowls (that have cute blue fish on the side) and pretty chambray napkins. Throwing in a couple of navy outdoor pillows was the finishing touch for a fuss-free, comfortable, and relaxed vibe: Just how summer should be.

This post was sponsored by Meijer, a Midwest company that I adore. You can view the original post on Meijer Style blog. All opinions are my own.

The post How to Host the Perfect Memorial Day Picnic appeared first on girl about columbus.