Cherry Blossom Picnic 2013

The Cherry Blossoms here in the D.C. area have been very, very slow to bloom this Spring - resulting in a great many disappointed tourists (and residents!). And even though we were skeptical of reports that they would finally be at peak bloom this past weekend, we took our chances yesterday and headed down to the Tidal Basin for our family's annual Cherry Blossom picnic.

Honestly, the blossoms still had a way to go. A few trees were displaying all their puffy, pink gorgeousness, but most were only partially in bloom. We truly didn't mind though because the weather was absolutely perfect - sunny, warm and breezy. Now, typically, in an effort to beat the crowds, we head down early in the morning for a breakfast picnic, but this time we decided to try something different - an evening picnic! And I am so very happy we did. That late afternoon/early evening light was just so beautiful - it was truly rather magical.

After a proper picnic dinner of fresh turkey and brie sandwiches, a layered vegetable salad with a lemon vinaigrette (served in mini mason jars), and fresh fruit, I set out our dessert...

As always, I like to make things extra festive by bringing along items like real vintage china plates, tole trays for serving on, and vintage floral tablecloths. I also like to bring my own fresh flowers - especially since picking the blossoms is strictly forbidden!

For dessert, there was something for everyone. Cupcakes for the girls...

With pink roses, of course.

Some more adult-like treats for the husband and myself - Italian candies and these yummy sugared almonds...

Mini mini-me even brought along some of her pretty prized M & M's (from Dylan's Candy Bar in L.A.) to share...

It was such a fun evening. We just sat by the water - watched as the ducks swam by and enjoyed our treats. Then, as we do every year, we took a bunch of family pictures and the girls climbed on the rocks and fountains at the FDR memorial.

When the sun started to fade, we packed everything up and headed back to the car.  It was a lovely evening, but it was time to get home - the season premiere of Mad Men was starting in just an hour!!!

:-)

Jessica

Comments

[Danielle]

Lovely! : )

[tabitha]

I would love any advice you could give me about the area since i am venturing to dc at the end of the month with my four littles. I know i am taking them to the zoo and smithsonian and the aquarium but any other help would be lovely. I also was wondering if there are any graet antiquing spots or flea markets. I hope to make this a memorable vacation
hugs

[Erica H]

I am so envious! We tried for the 3rd year in a row to be there in time for the bloom. I visited my family in NJ for Easter week, with high hopes that this would be the year. Looks like the popped out just in time for me to be back home in TX. Glad you got to enjoy them.

[Zell]

How LOVELY!!!! Those photos are So Pretty & the Last two are flat out Gorgeous! The 2nd to last, w/all the trees just took my breath away! There certainly were enough of those beautiful, fluffy & puffy pink cherry blossoms to give you Very nice photos! (Your photos make reading & Seeing your blog such a Treat)! I Love the idea of a "Cherry Blossom Picnic" and have enjoyed your previous posts on this Special family tradition! All those vintagey touches are just Eye Candy for me! Just so Fun & Pretty to look at! And your descriptions of the day are very Evocative. Thanks so much for sharing these family joys w/everyone! (And All that Blue & Pink made me Swoon just a bit! I LOVE those colors together, & what could be More magical than a tree of cherry blossoms at early dusk against the blue sky)???

[Laura Tieri]

Wow! I love your blog. I just found you in some round about way. I seem to be addicted to the same stores as you. I found an old post showing your sprinkles/candy cabinet! I'm surprised you don't have to have a padlock on it! It was magnificent! I had to laugh because you had over 50 comments on that post! :0)
I'm looking forward to catching up on your old posts!