Picnic Week: Cool Handmade Napkins and Eco-Tableware

While in the great outdoors, someone once said, Take Only Memories, Leave Only Footprints, which is really a polite way of saying, Don't You Dare Throw That Cup On The Ground, Bucko. If only everyone heeded this, my picnics in the park would not be marred by the errant soda can or piece of litter. So we suggest you do your part the next time you decide to dine al fresco by packing beautiful cloth napkins and colorful plates, cups and cutlery that's meant to come back home with you. Using cloth napkins is practical since you can just throw them in the wash when you are through, but doesn't cloth also make every meal seem a little more special? These aqua-colored cloth napkins with cheerful red poppies by painter, fiber artist and all-around craft goddess Michelle Brusegaard will make your picnic feel like a party.And at only $25 for four, you won't mind watching your children rub their grimy fingers all over them. The plastic utensils, cups and plates from Preserve Tableware score the trifecta of consumer feel-goodism: They are made in the USA by a very eco-conscious company using 100% recycled plastic, and are dishwasher safe, meaning you can use them over and over again. And unlike their paper counterparts, they won't get soggy when you linger over lunch. Choose the bright Tulip Red color to pick up on the poppies in the napkins and show off your style as well as your smarts. -Christina Don't forget to hit Cookie Magazine's blog all week for more picnic picks you know you'll want.