*This post is sponsored by Evan Williams Honey. All opinions are that of my own. #ShowMeTheHoney
This week, we welcomed the official start of Spring. Winter has been pretty brutal this year to say the least. Like most people, I am eagerly waiting for the warm and sunny days of Spring to appear. Longer days and warmer weather are also very crucial to the honeybee. They’ve been hibernating through winter surviving only on last year’s harvest. They are now ready to go out and begin this year’s pollination and nectar collecting. Just like bees, humans are ready to get out of the house and enjoy a little sunshine. What better way to do this than a picnic with some friends and family. The best part about having a picnic is that you don’t have to go very far and you don’t have to spend too much to have a successful one. They can be on the weekend, during the week, even in the evening.
To celebrate the beginning of Spring, I threw a picnic with some of my family. As I mentioned earlier, winter is definitely staying around too long. That being said, we didn’t have spring-like conditions. Even though it was chilly, we had still had an amazing time. While planning my picnic, I decided I wanted to share a few tips on how to plan a successful spring picnic with you.
My inspiration for this post comes from the flavor profile of Evan Williams Honey. Evan Williams Honey combines the great taste of honey with the smoothness of Evan Williams for a drink everyone can enjoy. It definitely screams warm weather, flowers blooming, and a good time. I also love the design of the bottle, adorned with the mighty honeybee, the star of this libation creation. This spring, as the honeybee comes out of hibernation, let us celebrate their return with a bottle of Evan Williams Honey.
Invitations
In this digital age the best way to get the word out about your spring picnic is to send a text. I love creating invitations with graphic apps. There are quite a few out there so find your favorite and get creative! Your invitation should include the day, time and location of the picnic.
Location
Location can be tricky if you live in a state that isn’t particularly warm at the beginning of Spring. Plan accordingly with a plan B in case it’s cold or even raining. That might mean having tents readily available or even having an indoor location as a backup. It may be a good idea to have tables in case it rains or the ground is wet from it raining the night before. Definitely monitor the weather. You want everyone one to have a great time.
If you are fortunate enough to have the perfect weather situation for a picnic, the blue skies, sun shining, and birds tweeting the soundtrack to your party, you have a host of options. The park is definitely a great idea. Just be sure to be informed and respect the park’s rules. I love the idea of placing several blankets on the grass for people to sit and enjoy their surroundings. Don’t forget to provide a few pillows for additional comfort.
If you have a beautiful yard, that would a great choice to have your picnic. I had my picnic at home. Having a picnic table in my backyard worked perfectly with the weather situation I had. Later this spring, I’m definitely going to throw another party!
Drinks & Cocktails
If you want to really impress your guests, show them your mixology skills with a couple Spring-themed cocktails. This Spring, Evan Williams Honey is the perfect drink to welcome the warmer months ahead. With the smoothness of Evan Williams and the sweetest of real natural honey, it’s the perfect addition to your springtime bar.
Enjoying Evan Williams Honey can be as simple as pouring it into a glass and adding ice or topping it off with your favorite mixer. It’s what you would call an easy drinking whiskey. Evan Williams Honey brings fun to whatever you and your friends are up to this Spring. Consider the following drinks to serve.
Honey Lemon
Ingredients
2 oz. Evan Williams Honey Lemonade
Lemon slice
Mint
Instructions- Pour Evan Williams Honey over ice. Fill with Lemonade and stir. Garnish with lemon slice and mint sprig. Sip and enjoy.
On the Rocks
Ingredients
3 oz Evan Williams Honey Ice
Instructions- Pour over ice and serve in rocks glass. Sip and enjoy.
Neat
Ingredients
3 oz Evan Williams Honey
Instructions- Serve in rock glass. Sip and enjoy.
Honey Rosemary Old Fashioned
Ingredients
2 oz Evan Williams Honey
1 tbsp rosemary simple syrup
3 dash of bitters
rosemary sprig for garnish
Ice
Instructions
To make rosemary simple syrup- Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup raw sugar, and 2 sprigs of rosemary in a small pot. Allow to simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove rosemary and strain. Let cool completely.
To make cocktail- Add Evan Williams Honey, rosemary simple syrup, and bitters to rocks glass. Add ice and stir for 15 seconds. Garnish with rosemary sprig. Sip and enjoy.
Bites & Such
Nothing beats a charcuterie board paired with an amazing cocktail menu. Creating a simple and delicious cheese & charcuterie board starts with selecting contrasts, colors, and textures. Your spread can include assorted cheeses, crackers, olives, sliced carrots, assorted deli meats, French bread, grapes, nuts, and berries.
Your guest might want the option of having a sandwich, so be sure to have sandwich making condiments available. Another idea is to have an assortment of dips to offer as well. Remember, the key to selecting the perfect spread is choosing items that are easy to share and eat.
Decorations
Picnic Basket
You can’t have a picnic without a picnic basket. Although they can pretty pricey, I suggest to always be on the lookout for one. You may come across a deal at an after- summer clearance or even while thrift shopping.
Flowers
It’s Spring! So you have to have flowers! I made a few centerpieces with a mason jar, a few slices of lemon, and topped it off with a bunch of baby’s-breath. They came out so cute! And it was quite inexpensive to make. I probably spent $8 total to make four! Flowers are the perfect way to add the Spring vibes to your picnic!
Glasses & Drinkware
I am very particular about what I drink my cocktails out of, so glasses were a must. Nothing messes up a perfectly crafted cocktail like it being served in a plastic cup. Since my picnic took place at home, I was able to use glassware. Most parks do not allow glass, so be mindful of that.
Picnic Blankets
I love a picnic with picnic blankets! They set the tone for your outdoor dining room, as well as protect your food from the outside elements. Choosing a blanket to go along with your theme adds a special touch. This option is weather permitting of course!
ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS “KENTUCKY’S FIRST DISTILLER: EVAN WILLIAMS
Evan Williams was a natural-born leader, innovator, and entrepreneur. He worked in numerous trades as a businessman, politician, and—most notably—whiskey distiller. In 1783, he founded Kentucky’s first commercial distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, our master distillers are still producing Bourbon the right way, using the same time-honored methods.”
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Louisville, KY 40202
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Shana Was Here 
We go through a ton of honey in our household. Plus honey will keep forever. Just hardens and crystalizes but can be easily made soft once again.
So true! Honey is such a treasure.
That honey flavored drink looks like a real winner andgreat for spring or any time. I will look for it and get some for a spring party of my own.
Yes definitely check it out! Evan Williams Honey is so versatile. Perfect for those spring outdoor gatherings!
Winter was brutal in other ways than cold. We had so much rain. It has been so so wet this whole past year. I’m loving the spring weather so far. A picnic will be in our near future!
I know what you mean! Everyone is eagerly waiting for the warm weather to arrive. On the positive side, cocktails can be enjoyed at any of the year!
Although it isn’t quite picnicking weather yet (we’re having snow right now!) this has me in the mood for warmer days! I don’t usually drink whiskey, but this one sounds like it would have the sweetness that I appreciate. The Honey Rosemary Old Fashioned sounds refreshing!
Girl, we got snow today! You would love the Honey Lemon cocktails. It’s a great porch sipping drink. The Honey Rosemary Old Fashioned is my favorite!
What a cool product! I love the packaging, too. This would definitely make for a neat picnic idea.