Garnished by an Aspen grove, seasoned with the aroma of salt water, or washed down with a fresh mountain breeze—a meal tastes even better when enjoyed in the great outdoors. Picnics can be formal affairs with fine china or impromptu spreads with bread, cheese, and wine; either way, they make occasions such as the Fourth of July, Mother's Day, or an anniversary all the more memorable. Packed with more than 40 recipes for salads, barbecues, desserts, drinks, and more, FESTIVE PICNICS is brimming with both picnic standbys as well as special-event fare. Traditional picnic eats such as Old-Fashioned Coleslaw and Black and White Chocolate Brownies will have your guests basking in life's simple pleasures. And the more gourmet recipes like Cold Avocado and Cucumber Soup, Hummus and Pickled Onion Sandwich Wraps, and Banana Cake with Blueberry Sauce will have your guests debating which is most outstanding—the food or the surroundings.Yet as appealing as the recipes are, it may be the craft ideas that make you set a date. FESTIVE PICNICS includes craft and decorating ideas perfect for an outing with friends or a beach day with the kids. Picnic Sand Pails, Picnic Party Fans, and Rice Paper Candle Holders are just a few of the crafts that will add ambience to your beautiful spread. Also included are a handy picnic packing list plus menu suggestions for holidays and themes such as Father's Day, a beach party, a bike/hike outing, and more. A guide to gourmet picnic eats plus craft ideas for making outdoor meals festive and fun.Features 8 recipes for picnic barbecues and 6 thirst-quenching recipes for cool picnic drinks.