Beach Bash

Nothing says summer quite like a beach picnic. There is a simple happiness and relaxed comfort, from the clothing you'll wear to the food you'll eat. The trick as the host of any beach picnic is preparation; that way, you aren't left at the end of the night, salty, sticky and hauling a lot of dirty dishes in the dark.

Make sure to pick food that is simple and easy to handle- this is not the time for your crème brûlée torch! From chips and salsa to lobster rolls, make sure as much as possible is prepped and ready to serve prior to leaving your home. Opt for reusable plates and glasses. There are endless options out there and they get chicer by the day.

My two tricks? Always bring 2 trash bags, one for actual garbage and one for all the dirty dishes. That way you can easily transport your cutlery, plates and glasses directly from the beach to your sink. Second is to always tie a bottle opener to your picnic basket. Tie it tight and never remove it. It's a huge bummer to arrive at the beach and realize you have beautiful wine and no way to open it!