Picnicking

Picnicking is a cherished tradition. Just moving a meal outdoors transforms it into a bona-fide occasion, especially when the meal is a leisurely one shared with good friends (and good weather). Make your al fresco afternoon picnic a breeze with these menu ideas.

Start with the staples--there's a reason these classics endure! Lazy days of summer conjure treasured images of potato salad, coleslaw, buttermilk biscuits, deviled eggs and fried chicken. Cakes and brownies may be more portable and picnic-friendly, but what says summer more than a traditional American Apple Pie?

Add a little Mediterranean flavor to an all-vegetarian menu with hummus sandwiches, orzo and lentil salad, stuffed grape leaves, couscous salad and baklava.

Planning a picnic under a time crunch? Keep it simple (and oh-so-European) with baguettes, a wheel of Brie, wine, seedless grapes and a quick and classy Caprese Salad.

Are your friends foodies? Go gourmet and impress your guests with beet salad, lobster salad sandwiches, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and French apple tart.

For a unique, hands-on experience, bring the fixings for wraps and let your guests assemble their own. Or feed a family with a single loaf: ham and cheese picnic bread with pimento and olives.