For most of us, the arrival of picnic season—and summer in general—makes us want to burst into song and dance. Just the mere thought of sitting pretty and eating meals with sunshine above and flora all around can kick any lingering winter blues straight to the curb. I wanted to try out a Sunday Brunch Picnic this summer and I paired up with Kettle Brand and their new Classic Caesar Chips to try this out. Spoiler alert, it was a fun success!

Instead of dolling out cash for a fancy brunch at a restaurant, why not pack up a few delicious bites and head to a local park. Make it a Sunday brunch picnic, fresh fruit, the new Kettle Brand Classic Caesar flavoured chips, summer beer and a friend.

Most of us Canadians all enjoy the cocktail you generally order for brunch, I’m much more of a fan of the chips than the caesar cocktail myself. These have a smokey flavour and pair nicely with a summer beer. The chips have the tastes of tomato, brine, spice, with a hint of salt. Pretty much all the ingredients of a classic caesar minus the vodka.

I really love the crunch and taste of natural ingredients in this bag of chips. I packed fresh watermelon and strawberries to accompany the chips. Along with a couple of Stanley Park Sunsetter Summer Ale, music, a book and a big blanket. We were set to have a mini brunch session at the park. I know it’s not a traditional brunch menu, but we wanted to carry a light bag to the park five minutes away. No cooking, cleanup or ice packs were needed that day.

Picnics are one of my favorite things to do in the spring and summer. From spur-of-the-moment sandwiches on the lawn to well-planned feasts with friends—what’s not to love about spending time outside, among the trees and butterflies, enjoying great company and a plate of delicious food? Whether you pick the standard afternoon time slot or an impromptu picnic brunch, eating outdoors is always rejuvenating and relaxing.

I always end up napping, it’s inevitable that I will fall asleep on the blanket from the fresh air and sunshine. Best nap ever!

When planning a picnic, also consider these other locations. Yes, you could do the classic park lawn location, but why not change it up, and try a different setting with a fresh vibe? See a new part of town, meet some new people, and find other landscape perspectives for your Instagram feed. There are a million reasons to look for someplace new to picnic. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Under the stars (headlamps recommended)
• At an airport, to watch planes land on the runways
• A hike away, to a mountain or secret lake
• The beach
• At a public art gallery or sculpture park that allows food and sparkling lemonade

Pack a basket, cups and compostable cutlery, a blanket, cold beverages and don’t forget dessert. I like to bring a portable music player and a game to play, as well as books and an umbrella for shade. And if you are bringing your dog, don’t forget a water dish and a snack for him or her.

Here are a few more tips to plan the perfect picnic:

• I like to bring easy to prepare and re-wrap foods like cheese, cured meats, pre-cooked sausages or the kind you cook on a portable BBQ, bread and other finger foods. I think of foods that can easily be eaten on a plate sitting on my lap (i.e., no spaghetti) or hand-held in a wrapper.
• A dessert picnic is another fun idea. Try tarts or macarons from a local bakery, homemade cookies and, of course, fruit.
• Remember ice packs or a cooler to keep perishables at the right temperature.
• Don’t forget the other essentials: insect repellant, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, condiments, baby wipes, paper towels, and a good sun hat.
• Plan your cleanup. I bring plastic bags, aluminum foil and plastic wrap for leftovers if I don’t have enough containers and lids. And don’t forget garbage bags so you leave the picnic area nicer than you found it.
• Use a mason jar to store your simple homemade salad dressing, such as balsamic, olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Just shake and pour.
• Put ice cubes in a Thermos flask, so you can keep your drinks chilled and not worry about them melting.
• Bring chilled juice, wine, beer or cider. Homemade flavored water is another great option—and it’s sugar-free.
• Pack homemade hummus or a yogurt dip and chopped-up crudités of whatever vegetables you have in the fridge for a healthy snack. This can help feed a crowd.
• Prep a large tray of roasted vegetables with garlic, herbs, salt, pepper and oil. These can be eaten on their own or mixed in with quinoa or another grain.