Go Fourth & picnic

Whether the setting is a concert, park or backyard, dining stays fresh with these picks

Rocky Mountain News

Published June 27, 2008 at 3 p.m.

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This fold-out nylon mesh and polyester camp table fits into its own bag.

The Trail Mesh Chair rides so low it won't block the view of anyone sitting behind you at a concert.

Partyware beverage holder with bottle opener

Atop an Igloo Ice cube are a panini sandwich and Greek salad from the Spicy Pickle.

"In out blanket in a bag" and picnic backpack for two people.

City Bakery offers goodies such as Blueberry Crumb Cake, pumpkin breads, brownies, pies and cookies.

For $75 (plus deposit), The Truffle Cheese Shop will supply the wicker picnic basket, tableware and glasses, food and more.

The picnic season is upon us, soon to be officially heralded by the mother of summer holidays: Independence Day.

The warm days ahead offer many chances to dine al fresco. Concerts at Denver Botanic Gardens call for elegant settings and fine food. Surely this summer holds hope for at least one romantic picnic in a mountain meadow after a hike. Or perhaps you're heading to a Red Rocks concert and don't want to pay a fortune for food.

Don't wait for football season for a casual tailgate. Our suggestions will inspire you to gather an array of picnic essentials.

And make it easy on yourself: Why cook when there are so many delis, bakeries and catering companies out there to help? Here are a few suggestions.

Elegant picnic at the Denver Botanic Gardens

* Weighty business: Natural BeachStone marble placemats are going nowhere on windy days. $11.95 each at All Things Renewable at The Shops at Northfield Stapleton. Recycled red Preserve Flatware is $7.95 at Crate & Barrel.

* On the menu: Have a big group? For $75 (plus deposit), The Truffle Cheese Shop will supply the wicker picnic basket, tableware and glasses, along with yummy food like Camembert cheese, Marcona almonds, Italian salami, olives, crackers, candy and more. The package includes a certificate for $10 off any purchase from City Wine. 2906 E. Sixth Ave.; 303-322-7363. (Another spot we liked: Urban Pantry in Denver supplies ready-made picnics from $15 to $100; 303-777-5657.)

* Set to dine: World Market, Crate and Barrel and Target offer recycled tableware. All Things Renewable at the Shops at Northfield Stapleton sells bamboo bowls and tableware.

*Settle down: This portable beach chair, mychair, features a lightweight, rugged frame and five reclining positions. $49.95 at Brookstone at FlatIron Crossing in Broomfield

* Au naturel: These environmentally friendly bamboo salad plates are the perfect petite size. $6.95 each from Crate & Barrel. Bambu knife/fork/spoon set for eight, $8.50 at All Things Renewable at The Shops at Northfield Stapleton.

* Splash of color: Kaleidoscope Slate napkins are $11.95 for a set of six at Crate & Barrel.

A touch of romance

* On the menu: Nothing says "I love you" like sweets, but who wants to bake in the heat? Let your favorite bakery do the work. We love City Bakery, where you can find Blueberry Crumb Cake, pumpkin breads, brownies, pies and cookies (don't miss the chocolate chip) that will make you weak in the knees. Prices range from $1 for a cookie to $15 for coffee cakes. Every morsel is worth every cent. 5454 Washington St. 303-292-3989.

* Served in style: Pretty blue partyware plates are lightweight and won't break. $7.50 each from Pottery Barn at FlatIron Crossing in Broomfield.

* All American: For a festive look, mix blue and white polka-dot and stripe outdoor flatware. Service for four, $29 at Pottery Barn. Stars napkins, $3.95 from Crate & Barrel.

* Don't forget the blanket: This "in out blanket in a bag" is easy to transport. Spread it out for your picnic, huddle under it when the stars come out, or even use it as a pillow. $19.99 at Brookstone, FlatIron Crossing in Broomfield.

* Packing it in: The ultimate picnic backpack for two people. Insulated, with plenty of side pockets for extras like a handy umbrella just in case and a stash pocket for a guidebook or map, should you stray off the picnic trail. $65 at REI.

Tailgating at Red Rocks

* On the menu: Head to your favorite deli for this casual affair. We picked up panini sandwiches and a Greek salad from the Spicy Pickle.

* Tailgate wannabes: The Igloo Ice Cube is a heavy-duty hard plastic cooler with durable wheels and a pull handle. This 60-quart capacity cooler, which holds up to 90 cans and features sports cup holders and lid storage, is $64.99, available at McGuckin Hardware in Boulder (303-449-3779, mcguckin.com) and other hardware and department stores.

* Keep it green: Settings like Red Rocks remind us that we must take care of nature. Stay green with products by Eco-Products in Boulder. The company offers a plethora of biodegradable picnic accouterment, from plates and bowls to utensils and containers for sushi, all made from plants. The products are available through ecoproducts.com or as kits from Eco-Cycle in Boulder, ecocycle.org.

Other cool picnic items for camping or the backyard

Drink up: The Hammered Pewter Flask is a must-have for a camper. $85 at Colorado Baggage at Twenty Ninth Street in Boulder.

Romantic touch: Light up as the sun sets. Lumia Organic soy wax candle, soot free, burns for 50 hours and is made in Boulder. $14.99 at All Things Renewable at The Shops at Northfield Stapleton.

Pack it in: This handy picnic cooler for two features plates, cutlery and napkins, plus a handy space for a bottle of wine and a cutting board. $24.99 at Eddie Bauer at Twenty Ninth Street in Boulder.

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