A picnic is one of the most enjoyable ways to entertain outdoors. But we’re not talking soggy sandwiches and mashed bags of chips. Sara Deseran, author of Picnics: Delicious Recipes for Outdoor Entertaining makes packing a gourmet to-go lunch a breeze. From what to cook to how to pack your cooler, here are five secrets for the perfect picnic.—Karen Palmer

Design an easily portable menu.
Go beyond the standard cold fried chicken and potato salad. A simple, sophisticated chilled dish such as Deseran’s Cold Slow-Roasted Salmon with Cucumber-Cumin Raita elevates the picnic experience. Or, put last night’s dinner to use: Make a big meal, such as a pork roast or whole roasted chicken, the night before your picnic, and then use the leftovers as your main dish: What’s not to like about roast pork sandwiches with apples and mustard on artisan bread or a big leafy green salad with chicken, pears, walnuts, and blue cheese. Add French bread, a few cheeses, and fresh fruit and you’re good to go.

Pack smart.
Unrefrigerated, weather-warmed food can be more than unpleasant to eat. It can also be a health hazard. To ensure your food stays fresh, pack your cooler in the order you’re going to eat the meal (appetizers on top, desserts on the bottom) so that the food you need later will stay cooler longer. Added bonus: you won’t have to rummage around for the main course. One caveat: raw meat to cook on a grill should be packed in the bottom of the cooler, so that it won’t leak onto anything else.

Whatever you bring, stick with ice packs to avoid the watery mess that ice can create, pack drinks in a separate refrigerated container so that the cooler isn’t constantly being opened, and invest in some colorful covered plastic bowls and containers that can double as serving pieces.

Hydrate in style.
A refreshing homemade beverage makes a big difference with little effort. So, instead of packing sodas, try homemade lemonade. It will satisfy the kids and can be mixed in equal parts with Hefeweizen or other wheat beer to make Shandies, a favorite for adults. “They’re so refreshing—and there isn’t a lot of alcohol because of the lemonade,” promises Deseran.

Remember the necessities.
When dining in the elements, it’s the little things that count, so put a little thought into what will make guests most comfortable. Sunscreen, bug repellent, serving and dining utensils, napkins, and wet naps are packing essentials. A picnic blanket can be enhanced when it’s laid atop a waterproof tarp. Add pillows and you’ve elevated your field trip to luxe living.

Style your setting.
Just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you have to skimp on ambiance. Deseran suggests making a themed menu and bringing along some decorations to match: a floral patterned tablecloth for a Mexican fiesta, a traditional picnic served on a favorite quilt, or a twilight picnic with a few citronella candles. If you’re out in a park, paper lanterns strung up between trees can let guests know where the party is, and a simple centerpiece of freshly picked wildflowers adds instant style.

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