I’m in the midst of a full-blown picnic obsession, despite the fact that it’s already starting to feel, “Hot. Super Hot. DAMN HOT.” (Zac, I think we’re headed directly toward Option 1…just saying’.)

The obsession kicked in right around the time that Carol and I were conjuring our perfect picnic basket. (I’ve been dreaming up possible meals for any and all outdoor dining scenarios ever since.) Then, last week, my friend Sam had a little open house at her new office, followed by a field trip to watch the Dallas Symphony perform at Exall park while enjoying a rather stellar (yep, you guessed it) picnic.

Sam seriously outdid herself on the picnic action. It was simple, perfectly presented, and brimming with incredibly tasty foodstuffs from Carbone’s, (including perhaps the best sandwich I have ever eaten).

Here’s the breakdown for Sam’s perfect picnic:

• - 1 simple wooden handle basket (Sam nabbed hers at The Container Store.)
• - 1 IKEA dishtowel to line said basket
• - 1 half bottle of wine (the wine is key)
• - 1 bottle of sparkling water (because bubbles are festive and refreshing)
• - 1 small drinking vessel for enjoying the above beverages
• - 1 unreasonably delicious Italian Combo sandwich from Carbone’s
• - 2 sides served in wee glass jars (sides should be able to withstand a little heat, i.e. no mayo)
• - several pieces of dried fruit specked dark chocolate bark tucked into a small glassine envelope
• - 1 small ceramic spoon, wrapped in a napkin tied with string (this friends is what’s know as the extra mile… going it will guarantee wildly impressed guests, no matter how damn hot it is)

Present each guest with the above items, proceed to a park, enjoy.