My roomie and I have a summer tradition we absolutely love. Now and then on a Friday evening (after we're up to the eyeballs with a work week) we pack up ourselves and a cheerful boho blanket and head to basically my favorite store: Trader Joes. We buy scores of things and drive on up to the green in downtown Winston Salem. The grass there is luscious, the people watching even better, and as if there weren't so many good things already, Camino coffee is just around the corner. 

The Green is just west of the Pepper Building. 

It's simple, it's mostly work-free, and it's fairly cheap. Wonderful wins. Since we've "perfected" the art of a quick picnic I thought to pass along some of this knowledge and tell you how to picnic like a pro. In fact, we're so good at this, that this particular picnic was held under a concrete bridge on 3rd street because it was raining so much. 

But it was Grace's birthday and she is a lady fun to celebrate and to celebrate alongside. In short. She is tons of fun and a Thinking Woman. She is of the Race of Joseph. 

Here are the essentials of a simple and good picnic. 

• Baguette
• Triple Creme Mushroom Brie
• Ginger soda
• Olives
• A harder cheese (we usually opt for a cheddar or pepperjack or gouda) 
• Vegetable
• Hummus
• Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter cups
• Cookie butter and pretzel sticks
• Macarons
• Friends (but no cannabalism, please)

Ok, so we went all out. But it was a birthday party this time. Normally we buy about umm, about half of that list. However, we did bring the blankets!

Pièce de résistance

Cheers! 

The perfect finish. If you think this looks fun hit up the Green some Friday night, you just might see me there, and I'd love to say hi and share some food. 

**Credits to Abby, the hand model. 

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