Pool Parties and Picnics

With reservations hard to snag and lingering pandemic safety concerns, outdoor gatherings have never been more popular. “Picnics are the restaurants of Covid,” says Ti Martin, co-owner of Picnic Provisions & Whiskey in New Orleans. Nationwide, there’s been a surge in the demand for picnic baskets, blankets, and coolers. New business opportunities preparing pre-made gourmet baskets and staging luxe pop-up picnics on North Fork beaches or in fields of lavender abound. Whether you’re grilling a burger poolside, indulging in lobster rolls and rosé or planning a feast that rivals Le Dejeuner sur l’Herbe, here are a few items to get you started.