I have unofficially dubbed this summer as "the summer of picnics" and I'm not mad about it one single bit. With mostly mild weather and so many great locations to choose from, can you really blame us for all our al fresco dining? Of course, with all of this picnicking, I felt that it was my unofficial responsibility and duty to help you pack up a picnic basket like a boss!

So what exactly are these game changing, er picnic changing, picnic basket essentials?

FOOD || Food is always my number one priority (no food, no picnic), so first and foremost figure out your eats and treats. I generally have three things that I choose from for the main picnic dish- a simple salad, a cheese board, or sandwiches (stay tuned for tomorrow's post where I'll be sharing recipes for two delicious and easy picnic sandwiches). I like to pick things that are fresh, easy to eat, travel well, hold up in heat, and that aren't difficult to make. In addition to the main dish, I also like to have a few "bites" (cheese & crackers, chips, olives, Gherkin pickles, veggie sticks, hummus, etc). Of course, if you know me, then you know that I also have to have something sweet to eat. I love to bring along whatever fruit is in season and either homemade cookies or a treat from a local bakery. As a rule of thumb, I try to avoid anything with chocolate or frosting as those don't hold up well in heat and travel. Last but not least, don't forget to grab beverages. Plain ol' water is far too boring for a picnic and options of healthy drinks found in individual bottles or cans is somewhat limited. Luckily, Izze just introduced their new sparkling waters in Blackberry Pear, Mandarin Lime and Raspberry Watermelon flavors (I'm totally loving the blackberry one!), which are picnic game changers. With only 10 calories per 12-oz bottle, these USDA organic certified drinks, made with organic natural flavors and just a hint of organic cane sugar, are the perfect way to add a little flavor and sparkle to any picnic.

BLANKETS || Secondly, you'll want to grab something comfy to sit on. A few blankets (I like the ones that roll up, like this), maybe toss in a couple of throw pillows and you've got a comfy landing spot for your glorious picnic feast.

FLAIR || Next, grab serving ware. While I mostly rely on disposable items, it's nice to have a few serving bowls or boards and some fun straws to add a touch of flair to your spread.

ENTERTAINMENT || Finally, you'll want to make sure you have something to keep everyone entertained. Bring a portable speaker to play the perfect picnic playlist, grab a game or a deck of cards, or even bring pencils and paper and test out your artistic skills.

WEAR || While this isn't a picnic basket essential, I thought it was still a good topic to discuss. I've actually found picnic dressing to be somewhat difficult. Shorts often bunch up and dig in at the waist when you're lounging on a blanket and dresses and skirts can often times be too short for you to find a comfortable seating position that doesn't bare all. The solution? A maxi dress. Light enough to be comfortable, long enough to sit however you want. Of course, that being said, wear whatever makes you comfortable and then jazz it up with a few simple accessories, like a hat or scarf, and you'll be good to go.

What are your picnic basket essentials?