JPM Design’s Summer Picnic Essentials

Mary from JPM Design joins us today to share her summer picnic essentials. Mary’s a California-based interior designer who knows how to get creative with even the tiniest of spaces – check out her home office:

On her blog she shares projects from around her house as well as what she’s working on for clients, and loads of inspiration pics. Read on for ideas to enhance your next picnic.

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I’m so excited to be guest posting here today for Laura while she’s busy being a new mommy! Usually I am blogging about all things design and decor related, so I thought I would take this opportunity to talk about something else. I’m a California girl, and summer is by far my favorite season because it means there is always so much to do! I love being outdoors as much as possible and soaking in the sun. On the weekends you can find me pretty much living outside, going on adventures and being active! Whether I’m camping, riding bikes, hiking, surfing, kayaking, or just laying out at the beach or the lake, I always pack a picnic lunch to ensure a good time is had by all! Here’s my list of summer picnic essentials that I don’t leave home without!

1. Blanket – Every picnic needs a blanket! I love using Mexican serapes at the park, beach, lake or wherever! They are super durable and easy to shake all the dirt or sand off of, plus the bright colors make me smile.
2. Waterproof backpack – I picked this one up a few months ago and it’s great for keeping your belongings from getting wet, no matter where you go. Plus, it’s just large enough to fit my next essential picnic item. . .
3. Ice chest – I love this Polar Bear cooler. It’s soft sides are insulated enough to keep snacks and beverages cold, and it’s small enough to slide into a backpack!
4. Snacks – Of course, what’s a picnic without food?! I like packing easy things like cheese and crackers, grapes, or any other fruit I might have picked up at the local farmer’s market that week.
5. Beverages – While water is numero uno when you’re spending time outdoors, don’t forget to pack a bottle of wine or a six pack of beer as well! My favorite this summer has been Kona Brewery’s new Wailua Wheat beer.
6. I never leave home without spray on sunscreen and a pair of cheap sunglasses (don’t judge!)
7. My little Canon Powershot Elph camera is always with me, no matter where I go.
8. I like to pack along a few magazines whenever I plan on picnicking, Coastal Living and House Beautiful being two of my favorites.
9. Another thing I never leave home without is my iPhone. I love using Pandora to listen to music where I go!

I hope everyone has been enjoying the summer months as much as I have! Although fall is slowly creeping in and we are nearing the end of summer, there is still time to squeeze in a picnic with a loved one or friend!

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Thanks so much, Mary! I’m an iPhone user myself. While I don’t have a ton of apps, I always check my email and Facebook on it, which has been so much easier now that I have only one hand to work with most of the time. Please stop by Mary’s blog to say hello!