This post is sponsored by Cupcake Vineyards, all opinions are my own.

Here in the city, we’re all eagerly waiting for the day temperatures climb above 70 and sunny once spring comes around. This season can be so finicky, but the closer we get to summer and consistent weather, the sooner we can get to celebrating life outdoors!

Living in such a walkable city, hosting a picnic in the park is one of my favorite things to do. We have Central Park as the star, with tons of hidden gems in every neighborhood. Speaking of these gems, I decided to host my first picnic of the year in a new park: Carl Shurz Park! Located in the Upper East Side, it’s a waterfront park filled with activities, lots of greenery and space to lay down a blanket and get to the best part...dining.

The perfect formula for a picnic pack needs:

The Perfect Decor: Whether you’re getting the perfect ‘gram, or trying to stand out among the other picnic-goers, you’ll want to bring some goodies to create the perfect aesthetic. I purchased all gold everything — napkins, paper straws, plates — because they create a perfect accent. There are also really fun picnic blankets in both checkered or plain via Amazon.
A Food Spread: You’ll want to make sure you’re energizing yourself with some snacks. My go-to thing to bring is a Spanish meat & cheese selection. My local grocery has the BEST Iberian spreads that you can just open and serve. I usually ask my friends to bring an assortment of fruits as they’re a refreshing addition to the heavy stuff. Bonus: you should always have watermelon - they are both yummy and so cute in photos!
The Drinks: Let’s face it - no one wants to be parched under the summer sun. Always make sure to bring ample water, but treat yourself to some wine. I drink Cupcake Vineyards year-round, and their wines in a can are the best to keep in your picnic basket. They’re refreshing, delicious, and totally portable. What I love about the brand is that they’ve made quality, complex wines a little less complicated so we can focus more on enjoying the moment and choosing joy!

The Rosé has notes of watermelon, strawberry and white nectarine; and the Sauvignon Blanc has notes of Meyer lemon, white nectarine, key lime with hints of grapefruit.

Cupcake’s line of delicious, complex wines are made for those who choose to find little moments of joy every day — like spending time outdoors with your friends! *cheers to that*

What are your favorite things to bring when celebrating outdoors or hosting a picnic? Let me know in the comments!
For more information about Cupcake Vineyards visit their site.