If we had to rate things we love about summer, dining al fresco tops our list. Whether you plan to do so at the beach, the park, or in your own backyard, here are our picks for items found across the North Fork to help you set up the perfect picnic.
BAMBOO FLATWARE
An eco-friendly alternative to plastic disposable flatware, this 8-inch bamboo flatware is picnic perfect. Sold as a set of one fork, one knife, and one spoon in its own muslin bag. $8 per set. The Weathered Barn, 41 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-6811
VINTAGE PICNIC BASKET
A vintage picnic basket brings some serious charm. Because they are vintage, each basket is unique. Prices start at $25. In The Attic Too, 1095 Franklinville Rd., Laurel, 631-745-3848
NORTH FORK POTATO CHIPS
For a truly local North Fork picnic snack, North Fork Potato Chips are a no- brainer. These kettle-cooked chips come in seven flavors including original, sour cream & onion, salt & vinegar, rosemary & garlic, barbecue, sweet potato, and cheddar & onion. Pick up a bag at markets across the North Fork including Lombardi’s Love Lane Market or order online at northforkchips.com. Lombardi’s Love Lane Market, 170 Love Ln., Mattituck, 631-298-9500
BEESWAX FOOD-SAFE WRAPS
If you’re looking for a sustainable way to store your picnic eats natural beeswax food wraps are the answer. These malleable food wraps are handcrafted of organic unbleached cotton, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and tree resin, and are free of chemicals and dyes. Two options are available varying in size. $24 for the Lunch Set, which contains two large and two medium wraps. The Weathered Barn, 41 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-6811
WINE PURSE
Equipped with a handle and chrome feet, this wine purse makes wine carrying a breeze. Inside you’ll find a corkscrew and elastic strap to keep your bottle secure. Purse comes in multiple colors and patterns, black quilted shown here. $22.50 each. Sweet Indulgences, 200 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-8250
BACKYARD BRINE PICKLES
Pickle lovers rejoice! These pickles are locally made on the North Fork and are 100% all-natural, making them the perfect addition to any picnic. Backyard Brine makes 10 pickle flavors including a seasonal holiday flavor. Buy a jar or two at markets and grocers across the North Fork, select Whole Foods Markets and online at backyardbrine.com. Lombardi’s Love Lane Market, 170 Love Ln., Mattituck, 631-298-9500
WAXED CANVAS LUNCH BAG
These insulated waxed canvas bags are picnic-ready but also great for everyday use. Available in two sizes (small and large) and three colors: khaki, slate, or olive. Large olive bag is shown here. $52 for small, $60 for large. The Weathered Barn, 41 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-6811
WINE STOPPER
No wine left behind with these vacuum wine stoppers. Preserve any bottle of wine for longer with a simple press of a button. Multiple styles available. $9.99. Sweet Indulgences, 200 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-8250
ECO-FRIENDLY PLATES
These 9-inch black square plates are edgy and different. Composed of 50% bamboo and 50% melamine, they are biodegradable. $15 per plate. The Weathered Barn, 41 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-6811
CORKCICLE GLASSES
Keep your wine cool with these triple-insulated, stainless steel, stemless glasses by Corkcicle. Glass is ergonomic with a non- slip silicone bottom and comes with a spill-resistant lid. Keeps beverages cold or hot. Multiple colors and styles are available. $25 each. Love Lane Sweet Shoppe, 125 Love Ln., Mattituck, 631-298-2276
PAPER NAPKINS
Step up your napkin game with these printed paper napkins from Greenport’s Sweet Indulgences. Multiple styles and sizes are available. NoFo is shown here. Cocktail, $22.99 per box of 45; Guest, $24.99 per box of 28. Sweet Indulgences, 200 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-8250
LINEN THROW BLANKET
Add a little luxury to your picnic setup with this linen throw. Made of 100% linen, these throw blankets measure 52 x 66 inches and have a frayed edge. Multiple colors and patterns available; khaki shown here. $145 each. Pearl on Main, 53935 Main Rd., Southold, 239-628-9717
POP-UP TABLE
These quick-fold plastic tables are a great item for your picnic setup. They’re convenient, sturdy, and ready to go in seconds. Red and green available. $19.99 each. Orlowski Hardware, 320 Love Ln., Mattituck, 631-298-8420
We would like to thank the following businesses for donating items for the styled shoot: Bayview Farms & Market, Mattituck Florist and Lenz Winery.
