EATING OUT
When the air warms up, the sun shines and the earth underfoot puts a bounce in your step, who can resist a meal outdoors? In Howard County, the picnicking possibilities are endless. A romantic evening at the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company or Merriweather Post, a day with the family at Centennial Lake, or a challenging hike through Patapsco Valley Park all beg for a satisfying nosh. We’ve found some must-haves for the ultimate picnic experience – no matter where your basket takes you.
THE ROMANTIC
A few modern touches help make this classic work.
Citrus RIMMING SUGAR, $8.95, Williams- Sonoma, The Mall in Columbia *Right: Wicker PICNIC BASKET lined with red gingham, $59.95, Pier 1 Imports, Columbia Crossing * Below, center: GSI Outdoors portable plastic NESTING WINE GLASS, $7.50, REI, Columbia Crossing II.
Citronella TEA LIGHTS, $8 for six, Nest, Clarksville * Recycled soda bottle VOTIVE HOLDERS, $15, Nest * Earth & Vine COCKTAIL MIXER, $16.49, Randy & Steve’s, Historic Ellicott City * Printed COTTON NAPKINS $5.99 each, and TABLECLOTH, $42, Nest * GSI Outdoors plastic SPICE RACK, $10.95, REI * GSI Outdoors plastic PEPPER GRINDER, $8.95, REI.
THE SUPER-MOM
Brightly colored, easy to use, and portable – everything you need for a perfect outing with the ones you love.
Colormate plastic chilled SALAD BOWL SET, $19.99, Sears, The Mall in Columbia *Scout “Pocket Rocket” patterned REUSABLE BAG, $44.99, River Hill Garden Center, Clarksville *Picnic Time soft-sided SIX-PACK COZY, $35, SuCasa, Historic Ellicott City *Citronella CANDLES IN METAL BUCKETS, $7.99 each, Sears *Melamine blue floral patterned PLATE AND BOWL, $4.99 each, Sears.
THE TRAILBLAZER
For the ruggedly-inclined gourmand.
Tote+Able printed canvas WINE BAG, $19.99, Randy & Steve’s *Badger natural BUG SPRAY, $10.69, Roots Market, Clarksville *Green soft-sided weekender COOLER, $49.50, REI *To-Go Ware bamboo UTENSIL SET with Velcro fabric CARRYING CASE, $12.95, REI *GSI Outdoors blue baked enamelware DISHES, $4.95 – $6.95, REI. *
