Happy Friday, gang! Summer is meant to be savored outdoors, and this week’s Fridays with Oscar is all about picnic style and seasonal recipes. Fresh, unfussy outfits pair perfectly with dishes straight from the garden—think a refreshing peach frosé and a vibrant pesto pasta salad. Whether you’re spreading a blanket in the backyard or heading to the park, these looks and flavors make it easy to soak up every last bit of summer.
Here’s What You’ll Find in This Post:
- Beth’s Picnic-Ready Look – relaxed cotton poplin separates with chic gold jewelry, a timeless take on picnic style.
- Kelly’s Playful Skort Ensemble – easy layers styled with summer sandals, proving picnic style can be polished and practical.
- 🍑 Peach Frosé – part of today’s seasonal recipes, this frozen cocktail is the ultimate refreshment for hot August afternoons.
- Fresh Pesto Pasta Salad – another seasonal recipe, a colorful side dish that’s bright, hearty, and perfect for your next picnic.
- Plus, Check in with Oscar & Ollie – these two best friends are loving sunny days out in the backyard.
Beth’s Outfit: Easy Elegance in Poplin
When I think picnic-ready style, comfort and polish come to mind. I started with a Cotton Cowl-Neck Poplin Shirt and paired it with Cotton Poplin Pull-On Pants—breezy fabrics that move with ease but still look refined. Both of these pieces are from Banana Republic.
To keep the look modern, I added similar “Naked” Strappy Sandals, along with bold jewelry: an Onyx Beaded Bracelet with a Charm, a Gold & Black Mix Ring, a Julie Vos Gold Statement Hinge Bangle, and Ravena U-Profile Hoop Earrings. Neutral pieces with striking accessories are always my go-to for making a simple outfit picnic-chic.
Kelly’s Outfit: Playful Skort Meets Picnic Chic
On my feet, the Madewell Kira Covered Thong Sandal has been on style-repeat, and it keeps things casual and comfortable. This is the kind of outfit that works just as well for a picnic as it does for a casual patio dinner later in the evening.
Garden Fresh Friday Seasonal Recipes
Sip of Summer: Peach Frosé 🍑
There’s something effortlessly chic about a frozen cocktail, and this Peach Frosé is summer in a glass. Light, fruity, and refreshingly slushy—it’s perfect for sipping on the patio or serving up at your next casual get-together.
- 1 bottle of rosé
- 2 ripe peaches sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey
Pour the rosé into a shallow baking dish and freeze for at least 6 hours, or until almost solid.
Add frozen rosé, peach slices, and honey to a blender.
Blend until smooth and slushy.
Serve immediately, or freeze for 30 more minutes for a firmer consistency.
Optional: garnish with a fresh peach slice or a sprig of mint.
🥗 Fresh from the Garden: Pesto Pasta Salad
This Summer Pesto Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that works as a main or a side. Bursting with cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and chicken, it’s tossed in a bright basil pesto that screams summertime.
- 12 oz pasta fusilli or farfalle work best
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or chopped fresh mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- ½ cup prepared basil pesto + more to taste
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, toss the pasta with pesto until well coated.
Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and chicken. Gently toss to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill before serving, or enjoy at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly swap)
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add the basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and emulsified.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze in small portions for later use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe Questions Answered
Q: Can I make the peach frosé ahead of time?
A. Yes! Blend the ingredients and freeze the mixture for up to a day in advance. Give it a quick stir before serving to bring back that perfect slushy texture.
Q: How do I transport frosé to a picnic?
A. A sturdy insulated container like a Yeti thermos keeps frosé icy-cold and slushy for hours. Just pour, seal, and pack it in your cooler—no melting mess to worry about.
Q: What’s the best way to keep the pasta salad fresh outdoors?
A. Chill the salad well before heading out, and store it in an airtight container. Nestle the container in a cooler with ice packs until you’re ready to serve for the freshest flavors.
For more picnic inspiration, check out our post: Pack it Perfectly – Stylish Food Storage for Summer Picnics and Outdoor Dining
Cheers to Picnic Style and Seasonal Recipes! 🌿
We love nothing more than a relaxed Friday outdoors—good food, a cool drink, and easy style that feels right at home in the sunshine. This week’s picnic style and seasonal recipes are about celebrating summer at its peak, with fresh flavors and looks that move easily into the weekend. Wherever you’re spreading your picnic blanket, I hope these ideas inspire you to keep summer simple and chic. Until next week, Oscar, Ollie, Kelly, and I wish you all a cool & relaxing weekend filled with picnic style and seasonal recipes to enjoy!
For more seasonal, peachy recipes and style inspiration, check out: Peach Perfect – Savoring the Sweetness of Summer
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