The Best Picnic Gear from CA89 Home

A real picnic in the mountains is a summer joy. A shady tree. A flat rock. A soft blanket. Real food. Cold drinks. Good friends. The whole set is simple but it takes a few real pieces of gear to pull off well. This is a small guide to the best picnic gear from CA89 Home and beyond, from a team that picnics most weekends.

Why is a picnic such a great Tahoe summer move?

Three reasons. First, the basin is full of pretty spots. A beach. A meadow. A river bend. A shady pine grove. You can have a real picnic in almost any spot. Second, eating out side in the mountains feels different than eating at home. The air is clean. The light is soft. The food tastes better. Third, a picnic is a slow down move. You are forced to sit still. You cannot rush a picnic. The whole point is to take your time.

A real summer in Tahoe should have at least five picnics in it. Ten is better.

What is the first thing I need for a real picnic?

A real picnic blanket. Not a random throw. A real outdoor one with a water proof back. The back keeps the damp ground from soaking through. The top feels soft and cozy.

A few rules: - Pick a size that holds four adults plus food - Look for a real water proof back - Pick a calm color (cream, plaid, or soft blue) - Look for fringed or hemmed edges - Skip the super thin ones (they bunch up)

A good picnic blanket will last for years. Use it every summer weekend.

What about a real picnic basket?

A real wicker basket is a classic move. It holds your food, looks great in photos, and feels like a real summer ritual. A few rules:

Pick a basket with a real lid

Look for handles that hold real weight

Pick one with a small inside pocket for napkins

Skip the fragile ones with thin wood

If a wicker basket feels too fancy, a soft cooler bag works just as well. Just pick one that holds both cold drinks and food.

What should I pack for a Tahoe picnic?

A simple kit covers most picnics.

A real blanket

A small cooler for cold drinks

A wicker basket for food

Real plates (not paper)

Real cups (not plastic)

Real forks, knives, and spoons

Cloth napkins (skip the paper)

A sharp knife for slicing

A small cutting board

Sun screen

A trash bag for pack out

A small bottle of soap for quick hand clean

A wool throw for cold wind off the lake

Pack it all in the basket and the cooler. Easy.

What kind of food is best for a picnic?

Cold food is the easy pick. Sandwiches. Wraps. Fresh fruit. Cheese. Olives. Crackers. Small baked goods. A real picnic does not need hot food.

A simple picnic menu: - Fresh baguette from a local bakery - A wedge of soft cheese - A small jar of olives - A bunch of grapes - A few apples - A small pack of cured meat - A fresh green salad in a jar - A few cookies - Cold sparkling water - A small bottle of wine for the grown ups

Pack it all in the basket. Keep the cheese and the meat cold in the cooler. Done.

Where can I find a good picnic spot near Truckee?

Tons of spots. A few easy picks.

1. Donner Memorial State Park

Real picnic tables. Clean restrooms. A pretty lake view. Easy parking. A few trees for shade. A kid friendly beach right near by.

2. Martis Creek Wildlife Area

Open meadows and a small pond. Quiet. Peaceful. Bring a shade tent. Not much cover from the sun.

3. A quiet spot along the Truckee River

Pick a shady tree by the river. Lay down the blanket. Listen to the water. Perfect for a slow lunch.

4. A flat rock at Donner Lake

Near the west end of the lake. Soft sand. Cool water. Bring swim suits for a dip after lunch.

5. A pine grove at Tahoe Donner

A shady spot with a soft bed of pine needles. Cool in the hottest hours. Close to town.

Pick the one that fits your crew. Each spot has its own vibe.

What about a picnic with kids?

Kids love picnics. A few tips to make it work:

Pack kid friendly food (no fussy adults only stuff)

Bring a small ball or a kite

Pack a small back up snack

Bring wipes for sticky hands

Set up in a shaded spot

Pick a spot with room to run

Kids will eat half what you pack and spend the rest of the time running around. That is the whole point.

What about a picnic with dogs?

Dogs love picnics too. A few tips:

Bring a water bowl

Bring a real leash

Pack a small dog treat

Pick a spot where dogs are welcome

Keep the food out of reach (dogs steal)

Bring a small mat for the dog to lay on

A picnic with a tired happy dog is one of the best summer moves.

What if the weather is hot?

On a real hot day, pick a shady spot. Bring a small umbrella or a shade tent. Pack extra water. Skip the heavy foods. Pick light things like fruit, cheese, and salads.

A few heat tips: - Freeze water bottles the night before - Bring a cold wet towel for necks - Skip peak noon hours - Plan lunch for 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. - Drink twice the water you think you need

What if the weather is cool?

Mountain mornings can be cool even in July. Bring layers. A light hoodie. A wool throw from CA89 Home. A warm drink in a thermos. Pack the food in the cooler but let the soft stuff warm up on the blanket.

A cool weather picnic is just as fun as a hot one. Some folks say more fun.

What is the best picnic for a date?

A real picnic is one of the best date moves we know. A few rules:

Pick a quiet spot, not a crowded beach

Bring real wine in real glasses

Pack a small cheese board

Add fresh fruit

Bring a small bouquet of wild flowers

Play soft music from a small speaker

Stay for the sun set

Slow. Quiet. Real. A perfect Tahoe date.

What is the best picnic for a group?

Groups love picnics. A few tips:

Have every one bring one dish (pot luck style)

Pack extra blankets so every one has a spot

Bring a real big basket for all the food

Have one person bring drinks

Have one person bring dessert

Bring a few fun games (cards, bocce, frisbee)

A group picnic in a Tahoe meadow on a summer Saturday is the kind of day friends talk about for years.

What CA89 Home gear pairs with a picnic?

A few picks from CA89 Home for the real picnic crew:

A wool throw for cold wind off the lake

A set of cloth napkins

A small wood cutting board

A real ceramic serving bowl

A linen napkin set

A real candle for the after picnic dinner at home

Each piece is picked with care. Each piece fits a real Tahoe summer life.

What is a good back up plan for a rainy picnic?

Mountain weather flips fast. A sunny morning can turn into a rainy noon. Have a back up plan ready.

A few moves: - Move the picnic to a covered porch - Spread the blanket on the living room floor - Eat in the car with a view out the window - Head to a local cafe with outdoor cover - Wait out the rain with hot drinks and a book

A rained out picnic is not a lost day. It is a slow day. Lean in.

Tie it all back

Start with a blanket and a basket. Add real food. Pick a pretty spot. Bring friends. That is the whole formula.

If you want to round out your picnic kit with a few small home pieces, browse CA89 Home for a curated set. Or swing by the California 89 store in Truckee and pick in person. We will help you build the kit.

For more summer living ideas, the team at Sunset Magazine covers a lot of west coast outdoor stories. The team at Tahoe Quarterly shares real local picnic stories too.

A small note from us

We love a real picnic more than most summer moves. We pack a basket most weekends. We sit on blankets in real Tahoe meadows. We eat slow. We watch the clouds. We nap in the soft grass. That is a real summer life.

So build your kit. Pick a Saturday. Pack the basket. Drive to a spot. Slow way down. The mountains will hold the rest of the day for you.

Happy picnic season.