Set the Table: Pack a Picturesque Picnic

Between the music series in Millennium Park and free movie nights in neighborhoods throughout the city, the siren song of alfresco dining is impossible to ignore this time of year. Of course, a fetching picnic setup like this one, with its eye-catching blanket, whimsical drinking straws, and papel picado–inspired plates, could be reason enough to sup under the stars any night of the week. All that’s missing is a few sandwiches and ready-to-go sides from the nearest Goddess and Grocer. The Spread Choose lightweight items whenever you can—think airy, reusable melamine plates instead of weighty china ones—to avoid lugging a heavy setup all over town. And invest in a roomy tote or two: they can hold all the essentials without poking fellow CTA passengers the way a bulky picnic basket would. 1. Pyramids travel throw; Terrain ($68) 2. Leather thermos; Jayson Home ($120) 3. Bright Shapes melamine salad plate; West Elm ($2.99; on sale) 4. Paper straws; Kikkerland ($8 for box of 144) 5. Enamelware tumblers; West Elm ($24 for set of four) 6. Turquoise enamel flatware; World Market ($5.96+) 7. California Baby natural bug repellent; Aaron’s Apothecary ($13.49) 8. Totes Ma Goats tote bag; West Elm ($18)