Effortless Entertaining: Early Fall Picnic

Hello, La Dolce Vita readers! Erin of Fig Cotton is back with another installment of Effortless Entertaining. Today, I bring you the recipe for a perfect fall picnic. I actually added in an unusual variable to my entertaining inspiration this time…toddlers.
I am the mom of a wonderful (and totally rambunctious) three-year-old boy, Rex. Now that we are in the throes of football season, moms across they country, like myself, may find themselves spending more alone time that usual with their beloved babes over the weekends.
I think this calls for a celebration, a celebration of the “mommy and me” variety. Now, this inspiration board can DEFINITELY be used for an adult-friendly affair, but today, we will focus on having a special afternoon with your friends and the kids.

1 / There are so many easy and fun ways to make picnic foods memorable. Line your picnic basket with scraps of burlap, wrap your sandwiches with brown paper and twine, and stock up on shiny red apples.

2 / Yard games are always a hit with kids and adults alike. I love the idea of DIY-ing some beautiful fall gourds into a fun game of bowling.

3 / A casual and chic outfit is always appropriate. Check out more fall fashion inspiration here or on my style Pinterest board.

4 / In my opinion, fun paper is always needed. I originally designed this Minted.com invitation for a baby shower, but it could definitely be used here as well.

5 / Bring the inside outdoors. We have a great Pottery Barn teepee in our playroom, and I just know the kids would love to lounge around inside it after the autumn food was devoured.

6 / Anything in a mason jar is pretty good in my book, but this particularly Southern vessel will definitely help with messy pie cleanup.

7 / Blankets like these offer shelter from the wind as well as padding on the ground.

8 / A yummy cocktail for the moms. Obviously.

9 / These ice cream cone teepees are the perfect play date craft project and a great little favor for later.