by Alessandra Busacca @alessandra_busacca

The sun finally begins to grace us with its mild presence, warming the days, the gardens, and the tables set outside. The zephyr blows over the light butter-colored clothes as we nonchalantly lie on the lawn. The scent of roses in the May air-what better atmosphere for a picnic with friends?

Wicker baskets and Vichy print tablecloths are perfect in the pristine nature. But what are the best mise en place for a Gourmode-style picnic, and what recipes and delicacies are not to be forgotten?

Even the bon-ton picnic has its rules. And some tricks make all the difference. Here are our suggestions for items and delicacies to set it up at its best!

Between glasses and tablecloths, the picnic is a great excuse to show off floral arrangements, romantic stemware, and soft pillows! The best items, such as water bottles or baskets complete with cutlery sets, are the functional ones, but those who are Gourmode disliiiiiiike this attribute and do not forget that the eye wants its part, always! So yes, to baskets fonctionnels but only if très chic!

Micaela Spadoni

Jane Birkin knew a thing or two about elegance…she loved to use a basket as a bag, and she had every reason in the world. Besides being super capacious, it is now iconic, almost symbolic of the picnic itself. Micaela Spadoni’s baskets, with a vintage touch, open or closed, naked or covered in made-in-Italy fabrics, can be used to carry essential provisions, or even better to pick wild strawberries and wildflowers on the spot, so that they can then be dried in the pages of a book, just like in the days of the other Jane, Austen.

Luisa Beccaria

A magical brand, capable of creating idyllic atmospheres and bringing distant fairy tales and myths to life. Light dresses, pictorial inspirations, luxurious fabrics. For the brand new home collection, Luisa Beccaria offers dégradé glassware and ceramics in the clothes’ palette.

Lisa Corti

Lisa Corti has come up with a set of eclectically styled pillows coordinated with soft plaids. This bedding à la mode will have you gently traveling to dreamland during a relaxing afternoon nap, and for an even more sucrè awakening, it is recommended that a slice of soft and fragrant apple pie be saved for the Gou Gous.

Bitossi

A brand under the banner of sharing and conviviality, an invitation to joy and poetry. The Milan Emporium offers swan-shaped vases, retro-taste risers, plates, and colorful candles, all in relation to the table, so that every dream can come true. And this is one of the reasons Bitossi makes its creations available for rental: the table becomes on-demand, for an ever-changing experience. Veranda picnic, garden party or Le diner en rose… how many picnics are you willing to imagine?

MariaVi

MariaVi is a real Milanese craft workshop near by Corso Magenta. In this case, the round characters become the accessories, or rather the brand’s iconic underplates and their decorations in bright colors and motifs inspired by the world of nature, like our favorite line, the one with the goose. And so, as a flower adorns the lawn, MariaVi decorates our picnic.

Laboratorio Paravicini

Handcrafted ceramics made by Costanza Paravicini, an artist who has always been designing, out of passion and necessity; one day, unable to find the dishes she was looking for, she decided to make them herself. It was that moment, when Laboratorio Paravicini was born: an oasis of peace and craftsmanship of the highest quality in Milan’s Cinque Vie neighborhood. The “Bloom” collection is our favorite for an ultra-chic picnic.

Solferini

For the young and the elder ones: the picnic is ageless. With the legendary “Solferina” the multifunction bag with Vichy-print interiors, every mom can organize her day in the best way possible. And charity projects such as the set of checkered placemats and customizable napkins are truly unique and special as well.

Madame Gioia Home

Rattan baskets, cutting boards with a vintage feel, lanterns to light up an evening picnic (who says there can’t be candlelight picnics?), and even tablecloths and mats in stripes or neutral colors to lie comfortably on the grass and decorate a personal locus amoenus.

What is an absolute must at a picnic? Cheesecakes and summer fruit, so sweet and juicy: strawberries, peaches, cherries… And then the bread, baguette, and milk sandwiches are to be stuffed with sauces, cheeses, and cold cuts. 

To source the raw material, in Milan, the historic Peck, Macelleria Pellegrini on Via Pacini, for its delicious meat tartare, and A’Masseria, in front of Bar Basso, for excellent Neapolitan buffalo mozzarella emporter, deserve a mention. According to etiquette, in fact, food must arrive at the picnic ready to be eaten. But no worries, there is always a solution. A list of addresses for Milanese friends:

In the heart of Milan, next to Piazza Sant’Alessandro, you can experience the real Venetian tramezzino. A tasty and quick snack, like the unforgettable, cinematic, fashionable set lunches. Two half-moons of white, whole wheat, or gluten-free bread, egregiously stuffed with sought-after ingredients. The pairings range from the traditional recipe to the gourmet treat. One example? The PINK: red turnip, feta, walnuts, and mayonnaise. One pulls on the other, like cherries.

L’Altro Tramezzino – Via Lupetta, 5, Milano

Perfect baskets in the pure French style. Selection of French cheeses and strawberry or red fruit jam. Sweet and savory. All packed in the iconic basket. It would be superfluous to add more.

L’ile douce – Via Luigi Porro Lambertenghi, 15, Milano

Another French corner at 17 Savona Street, but with Made in Italy quality. Amuse bouche creates real “amusements for the palate,” customized, mignon, and extremely comfortable to eat elegantly with your hands, so small that not a crumb will fall off.

Amuse Bouche – Via Savona, 17, Milano

Well, yes, there are also savory maritozzi…perhaps not the most comfortable to eat, but in front of a gourmet maritozzo by Matteo Casaroli with burrata and red shrimp, you just can’t back down. Available on request only.

Matì – Via Cesare Correnti, 23, Milano

Dulcis in fundo. Not in the mood for spending time baking an unforgettable cake? Then Mascherpa is the solution, with its refined and tasty tiramisu cups and many other customizable choices!

Mascherpa – Via Edmondo de Amicis, 7, Milano