Picnic Makers Journal

Curated stories, guides & inspiration for unforgettable outdoor moments

Published weekly from Los Angeles

15 Backyard Picnic Ideas

15 Backyard Picnic Ideas

What makes a backyard picnic timeless is that it is relaxed, private, and way easier than meeting up at a packed park. This picnic idea eliminates the parking hunt and hauling everything across a...

read more
40 Picnic Appetizers that Feel Gourmet

40 Picnic Appetizers that Feel Gourmet

Key Takeaways: Choose picnic appetizers that are easy to carry and stay fresh during travel, such as handheld skewers or neat cups that prevent messy spills. Prevent your food from getting soggy by...

read more
15 Best Picnic Drinks

15 Best Picnic Drinks

Key Takeaways: Choose from various refreshing recipes like herbal lemonades or fruity mocktails to find the best picnic drinks that fit your group's unique style. Keep your beverages cold and bubbly...

read more
History of Valentine’s Day

History of Valentine’s Day

Key Takeaways: The history of Valentine’s Day began as a mix of ancient Roman rituals and religious traditions honoring Christian martyrs. The holiday shifted toward romance during the Middle Ages...

read more
12 Rehearsal Dinner Ideas + Tips

12 Rehearsal Dinner Ideas + Tips

Key Takeaways: A rehearsal dinner is a relaxed meal for your inner circle that takes place after the wedding rehearsal to help everyone connect before the big day. Traditional etiquette says the...

read more
Who Pays for the Bachelorette Party

Who Pays for the Bachelorette Party

Key Takeaways: Most groups use a shared cost model where bridesmaids and guests cover their own travel while splitting the bride's portion of the bill. When deciding who pays for the bachelorette...

read more
30+ Bachelorette Party Songs

30+ Bachelorette Party Songs

Key Takeaways: Organize your music using a three-stage energy plan that moves from a relaxed warm-up to high-energy dancing and a final late-night cooldown. Select bachelorette party songs that...

read more
30 Romantic Things to Do on Valentine’s Day

30 Romantic Things to Do on Valentine’s Day

Key Takeaways: You can choose from many creative things to do on Valentine’s Day, like luxury picnics, scenic hikes, or themed workshops to fit your unique style as a couple. Heartfelt moments do...

read more

Top Picks for Picnic & Party Essentials

We review only the products we use or would use in our own luxury setups

Karaoke Machines: 5 Best Options

Karaoke Machines: 5 Best Options

Key Takeaways: The best karaoke machines, like the JYX and TONOR models, focus on high sound quality and portability. These are top choices because they are easy to move around and usually include...

read more
Bug Spray For Skin: Picnic Lovers’ Choice

Bug Spray For Skin: Picnic Lovers’ Choice

Key Takeaways: The most effective bug sprays generally contain DEET or Picaridin because they offer long-lasting protection against mosquitoes and ticks. You should apply sunscreen first and let it...

read more
Best Luxury Picnic Baskets

Best Luxury Picnic Baskets

Key Takeaways: Insulation matters most. Traditional wicker looks beautiful, but it cannot keep food safe on its own. You need a basket with a built-in thermal liner or a separate cooler bag to...

read more
Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens, Reviewed

Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens, Reviewed

It’s 9 AM on a cloudless Malibu morning. The sun is already warming the sand, and the Picnic Makers team is in motion. We’re laying out heavy Moroccan rugs and fluffing velvet cushions for a...

read more
6 Best Beach Wagons: Ask a Pro!

6 Best Beach Wagons: Ask a Pro!

Last weekend, we saw a family trekking across the sand, juggling a vintage cooler, three beach bags, a wobbly stack ofbeach chairs, and two flying kites. It was a classic case of beach-day chaos. As...

read more

Blog Category Navigation > InspirationPlanning | LA Local Guide | Picnic Ideas | Recipes | Reviews