Parisian Pique-Nique Starter Pack
Lakeside, local, and luxuriously casual, this is your guide to a French-inspired local picnic.
You can almost see the sun softly melting away our seasonal depression on the first warm day in MN. Arguably, there is no greater way to soak it all in than parking yourself in a sunny spot and basking in the shared energy with something delicious in hand. Casual, impromptu, and never without a special treat, a picnic is calling.
The art of the French picnic centers on two key components: exceptional food and effortless style. We’re lounging in the grass, for goodness sakes! The French believe in the simplicity of quality ingredients that come together to create a great meal, built on endless pairings of bread, cheese, meat, fresh produce, and of course, a phenomenal sip of wine.
Luckily, the Twin Cities are filled with specialty food stores, curated wine shops, and thoughtful homeware boutiques that elevate pickinicing into a practice instead of a mere once-in-a-while activity. Here’s where we’re filing our baskets.
La Table: What to Eat
One thing Midwesterners and Europeans have in common? An obsession with cheese. Fromage Co. in Excelsior makes it easy to build your own charcuterie board, or have the experts assemble one for you. For equally dreamy selections, France 44 and their sister store, St. Paul Cheese Shop, offer beautiful cheeses, cured meats, and sandwiches worthy of a park bench with an Eiffel Tower view.
For something lunchier, Grocer’s Table in Wayzata prepares generous boxed salads and sandwiches, while Surdyk’s remains a classic for deli staples done right. Add crusty bread or and sweets from Bread & Chocolate for good measure. Extra hungry? Scoop up burgers and fries from Le Burger for a protein punch.
À Boire: What to Sip
Move over, water bottle. For elevated non-alcoholic options, explore the curated selections at Marigold and Lucille’s Bottleshop, where every bottle is cuter than the next. Their experts can help you pair your picnic foods with an N/A sip that brings out allll the flavors.
For the amateurs de vin, find crisp, sunlight-in-a-bottle wine pairings at Henry & Son and Violet Wine & Spirits. For a vibe without the ABV, try a THC or CBD beverage from BLNCD. Prefer a croissant-fueled morning picnic? A thermos filled with coffee from your favorite spot will keep you buzzing all day long.
Le Lieu: Where to Go
It’s all about the view. Spread your blanket along the Chain of Lakes or claim a grassy perch at Lake Harriet for views dotted with sailboats and pleasant people-watching. For skyline backdrops, Boom Island Park is a perfect, photo-worthy spot.
If you’re ready to disappear into the meadow, Minnehaha Falls and Theodore Wirth Regional Park offer wooded trails and tucked-away clearings that feel all your own. For a dose of creativity, lounge around in the Walker Sculpture Garden and spend time among the art.
La Mise en Place: The Setup
Vibe curators, it’s time to lock in. For an experience beyond the blanket, layer patterned tea towels and shatter-proof enamelware from Golden Rule Gallery, or dine with bamboo plates and cutting boards from Soundwoven Goods. A plush throw and candles from Patina instantly elevate the mood, while beautiful pieces from The Foundry Home Goods make even a simple baguette feel styled.
Paired with a light breeze, dappled sunlight, and dozing off with a great book, picnic afternoons top our list for life’s little luxuries. See you out there!
Emma Geary
Emma is Collective Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief and LAB’s Brand + Editorial Manager. She loves getting lost in a story and is sharing her own on her Substack, Hot Girl Walk. Find her staring at the sun on her daily lap around Lake of the Isles.
