Special Issue, August 2007
Life & Home | Style Guide

Pack a low-key, high-style picnic

L.A. party planner Lisa Gorjestani knows how to put together a pretty, practical meal.

Choose chopped-vegetable salads (they'll stay crisper than lettuce), and thicker breads like focaccia for sandwiches (they won't crumble or get soggy).

Trade mayo for herb pesto or mustard-dill dressing in pasta and potato salads.

And skip serving bowls: Divvy up portions in Chinese take-out style containers.