This post is sponsored by Cost Plus World Market. All opinions are my own.
Enjoying the outdoors is something we all look forward to when Summer comes. Unfortunately, cancer can make heading outdoors a daunting task. Treatments and medications are hard on the body and sometimes the effects make being outside no longer easy. Having a family member affected by cancer can make it hard to take in what they have to miss out on due to the disease. Luckily, a picnic can be enjoyed anywhere and is a great way to take in the outdoors as well as bring the outdoors in.
Creating the perfect picnic basket is a fun and uplifting gift basket idea that brings Summer to those who are fighting cancer and those who’ve already won their fight.
Step 1. Find a basket
You can’t have a picnic without a basket! Finding the perfect basket is crucial to planning picnic success. With so many styles it’s easy to get lost between vintage or modern baskets. I prefer the more modern insulated type baskets. I was able to find this large, vibrant, insulated basket that features an adjustable carrying strap, lots of space and even wheels and a handle for it to be rolled.
Step 2. Grab a blanket
Having a nice place to sit and enjoy your picnic is key. Make sure you find a blanket that’s large enough for your guests to sit on and still offers a place for your food. Since nature is unpredictable, I recommend bringing a blanket or a mat that won’t easily soak up moisture from the ground. I absolutely love these Indoor Outdoor Rio Floor Mats from Cost Plus World Market. They are light weight, portable, super easy to clean and comfortable. Not to mention they come in so many fun styles and sizes. I always have 2-3 of them on hand and we take them anywhere from sporting events to the beach!
Step 3. Decide on dinnerware
You’ll want to find reusable and durable items to fill your basket with. This will cut down on breakage and helps keep trash to a minimum. I use melamine plates, bowls, coasters and acrylic glasses. These are great because they are lightweight and won’t easily break. Make sure there are enough setting items for each guest. Storage containers are a great way to transport food and can double as a serving dish. Plastic straws and cloth napkins are a fun touch and also help to cut down on waste.
Step 4. Fill your basket and gift it
This is my favorite part! To create your picnic gift basket, you may need to place filler in the bottom to lift up the items so everything can be viewed nicely. I did this by placing a piece of packing styrofoam in the bottom of the picnic basket and covering it with a placemat. I then arranged my items with taller ones in the back and smaller items towards the front. If you end up with extra items like I did, you can easily place them next to the basket.
HINT: if you have an item that won’t stay in place, a piece of rolled over tape can help it stick to another item to keep it in position.
Whether your picnicking indoors or out, sharing great food and spending time together is a wonderful way to make new memories.
World Market’s Amazing Women Sweepstakes
Cost Plus World Market is partnering with the American Cancer Society to celebrate amazing women! Enter for a chance to win a $2,500 World Market shopping spree for you and a $2,500 shopping spree for an amazing woman in your life. Enter by 6/4/17 for a chance to win one of Three First Prizes of $500 World Market gift cards. Enter online at worldmarketsweepstakes.com!
Dazzle and Donate
Support strong women everywhere through World Market fashion! In May, buy your favorite jewelry and 10% of the sales price, up to $10,000, will be contributed to the American Cancer Society.
Shop this idea
Curious about all the beautiful products featured in this post? I had a great time finding them at my local Cost Plus World Market in the Belgate Shopping Center in Charlotte, NC. Grab these perfect picnic gift ideas for yourself and find your local store here!
Bettina Floral Insulated Rolling Trolley Tote Bag | Reusable Lunch Box Ice Mat | Acrylic Stemless Wine Glasses |Fushia Buffet Napkins | Fuchsia Mosaic Indoor Outdoor Rio Floor Mat |Tropical Icon Melamine Coasters | Assorted Bamboo Fiber Storage Bowls | Wood Serving Spoons | Aegean Melamine Plates | Coastal Blossoms Melamine Dipping Bowls | Polka Dot Straws | Glass Bottle with Clamp Top
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