July, the seventh month of the Julian and Gregorian Calendar year, was named in honor of the Roman general, Julius Caesar. July is both the warmest month in the northern hemisphere and the coldest for those living in the southern hemisphere. Every fourth of July, Americans celebrate Independence Day, for it was on that very day in the year 1776 when the thirteen American colonies declared their breakaway from the British Empire with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. For Americans, it is our National Day of the United States.

Another nationwide observance during the month of July (albeit, not federally recognized) is National Picnic Month, a celebration of friends, family, and outdoor dining. This is a great opportunity to get some much-needed sunlight and fresh air. Stop by the beach or your local state forest park. If you prefer a more quieter setting, visit the neighborhood park or if privacy is paramount, your own backyard can be the ideal Summer picnic backdrop. Wherever you choose to dine, our friends at Picnic Time have a full line of picnic outing accessories for you and everyone in your party to enjoy an afternoon lunch under warm and sunny Summertime skies.

Since 1982, Picnic Time has given outdoor recreation a sense of style to go along with useful practicality. Our Pampered Home is honored to have Picnic Time join our family of brands and we're proud to be a retailer of Picnic Time wicker baskets, coolers, tote bags, and other picnic accessories.

Newbury Willow Picnic Basket is an old English-style suitcase picnic basket that comes complete with shatter-resistant wine glasses, 7 inch porcelain plates, stainless steel utensils, salt and pepper shakers, and a stainless steel waiter-style corkscrew for wine bottles. This kit serves four. For smaller gatherings, the Bristol Willow Picnic Basket features the same construction and components, but serves two.

The stylish and sophisticated Manhattan Insulated 2-Bottle Cocktail Set includes everything you need for a cocktail party on the go (minus the alcohol). Made from durable, high-quality leatherette and lined in soft velveteen, this portable cocktail set includes a pair of 7-ounce handblown martini glasses, 19-ounce shaker, double-sided jigger, ice tongs and strainer--all crafted from stainless steel. Plus, two stainless steel olive picks, a fork/spoon combination stirrer, and two 100% cotton napkins.

Keep food and beverages chilled to perfection with the Cellar Six-Bottle Insulated Wine Tote. Featuring hardy ripstop vinyl outer polyester shell with a water-resistant PVC base, the 420D nylon ThermoGuard insulation keeps consumables cool for hours. Washable and soft construction makes this tote an absolute picnic must-have that’ll last for years to come.

Enjoy fine cheeses and dry-cured sausages with the Convaco Bamboo Cheese Board and Cheese Tool Set. This classy and handsome appetizer accessory features a dark bamboo cutting surface with zebrawood tray handles, a slide-out drawer that houses the included three-piece stainless steel cheese tool set.

The Bongo Insulated Collapsible Cooler is perfect for every outdoor outing, whether it be a picnic, an outdoor concert or sports event, or day trips to the beach. Lightweight, durable nylon construction with reflective foil insulated interior, don’t let food and drinks spoil by not packing them in this portable collapsible cooler. Also available in Lime Green.

If Mother Nature decides to not cooperate with your picnic plans, the Haven Portable Sun and Wind Shelter will guard against sudden inclement weather strikes or when the Summer sun becomes a bit too unbearable. This compact, portable pop-up tent features 50+ UV protection-rated durable polyester outer shell and three optional flaps for ventilation. Great for a day at the beach, an afternoon in a field, or a play fort for the little ones.

After the picnic basket (and the food, of course), the next most important picnic piece is the blanket. The picnic blanket is your first line of defense against ants and other uninvited 6-legged party crashers, as well as protection against accidentally soiling your clothes and belongings on a naked ground. The Blanket Tote is a clever take on the classic picnic blanket that easily folds up into a neat and compact tote with a carry strap. Made from soft and comfy cozy polyester fleece with water-resistant backing. Also available in Lattice Stripe, Moka, Navy Blue, Orange, and St. Tropez.

If you’re picnicking in the park, tailgating at a concert or sports event, catching some sun at the beach, or enjoying a lazy day outdoors, relax in comfort with Picnic Time’s selection of lightweight portable fold-up furniture. Choose from Reclining Camp Chairs, Portable Stadium Seats, and Folding Sports Chairs, as well as basic foam reclining seats, portable foam travel couches, and the Ventura Reclining Seat.

Okay, so now that we’ve got the picnic gear all covered, what food and refreshments are you bringing along? We’ll leave that part up to you. We will, however, share with you a simple and oh-so-delicious dessert idea courtesy of Lindsay Ostrom’s blog, pinchofyum.com.

Recipe and photo courtesy of pinchofyum.com

MIND-BLOWING VEGAN CHOCOLATE PIE

Chocolate Pie Filling Ingredients:

• 12 ounces of firm silken tofu

• ½ cup of Almond Breeze Chocolate Almond Milk

• ½ cup of almond butter

• 12 ounces of chocolate chips

• Flaky Jacobsen Salt Co. sea salt for topping.

Crust Ingredients:

• Pie crust of your choice (graham cracker crust, Oreo cookie crust, regular pie crust, etc.).

Directions:

1. Chocolate Pie Filling: Blend the tofu, almond milk, and almond butter until smooth. Melt the chocolate chips. Add to the blender and blend until smooth. The filling tends to get a bit thick, so a spatula may come in handy between blends.
2. Pour the pie filling into a crust. Sprinkle with sea salt (optional) and chill in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
3. Cut and serve!

What a lovely day for a picnic!

For more outdoor dining accessories by Picnic Time, as well as a wide array of home and kitchen goods, shop Our Pampered Home and keep checking back on our blog for more everyday tips, lifehacks, and recipes to share with your friends and loved ones.