Take a bold chance this summer by ditching the frigid shopping malls for the natural breeze and oak-tree shade of a gorgeous outdoor picnic. Your al fresco dining guests will marvel at these bright summertime items that capture the fun of the season. And to help you actually locate the great outdoors from amid the surrounding urbanity, check out the Valley-area parks mentioned below (all of which feature picnic spaces and tables).
Kosher? Check. Sweetly satisfying? Check. A charming basket you can use for many picnics to come? Check, again. Induldge your sweet tooth during your day in the sun with the crackers, cookies and chocolates inside the Deluxe Kosher Basket ($100). dolceinc.com
The lightweight silk of this ‘Antigua’ Sweetheart Strapless Dress by Shoshanna ($218) will help you keep your cool all day long in the Valley heat. With its flexible corset and flattering sweetheart neckline, ladies can embrace their flirty side while tossing around a Frisbee. bluefly.com/designer/shoshanna
The top notes of lime, chamomile and tropical fruit in the 2009 Herzog Special Reserve Chardonnay ($36) are a perfect complement to a romantic evening picnic. This refreshing summer wine comes from Oxnard’s own Herzog Wine Cellars — a Jewish family-owned winery with a long history of kosher winemaking. shopherzog.com
Judith Leiber’s Shanghai Lily Sunglasses in emerald ($475) will give your eyes 100 percent UV protection from the glaring 818 sun. Go “green” and chic with the uniquely colored frames and hand-set crystal flowers. judithleiber.com
Vintage L.A. style finds its way into outdoor dining with Jonathan Adler’s line of “Hollywood” dinnerware: dinner plate ($12), salad plate ($9), divided tray ($48), salad servers ($12), rocks glass ($9) and highball glass ($11). The bright colors and funky patterns are sure to make your picnic pop! jonathanadler.com
Hooray for a super-stylish shoe that ditches the discomfort of heels! Donna Karan’s gladiator-style Vacchetta Calf & Washed Linen Lace Up Flat Sandal ($595) laces up the leg to show off sexy summer ankles. donnakaran.com
Perfect picnic spots!
Tapia Park
884 N. Las Virgenes Road Calabasas
Los Encinos State Historical Park
16756 Moorpark St.
Encino
Arroyo Sequit Park
34138 Mulholland highway Malibu
Chatsworth Park North
22300 Chatsworth St.
Chatsworth
