Felicia Czochanski Bisaro
Spending extra time outdoors in the sunshine is one of the best things about summer. When it’s nice out, I’ll find any excuse to get outside — walks, runs or reading in the park. I love throwing together a casual picnic, whether it’s just for me or for a group of friends. Getting people together in the fresh air feels extra special, and when you can do it in a park, you can host without the hassle of getting your home cleaned up and ready for guests.
Picnics in particular are my favorite. They’re low pressure, you can bring together a random assortment of servers, cups, utensils and food and it still feels like an elevated experience because you are doing it outdoors on the cushion of your picnic blanket or picnic table. Picnics don’t need to break the bank, especially when you shop for your go-to picnic accessories at Goodwill.
What to Look for at Goodwill
Goodwill is my first stop when shopping for just about anything. In part, it’s because I know I’ll be able to find amazing quality items at incredible prices there. For instance, I can find designer items that I wouldn’t think about buying at retail prices. At the same time, I find a lot of inspiration at Goodwill. Even when I’m not shopping for a set list, I’ll browse the racks and find something that I know will be useful down the line. One of those items is the wicker basket above. I bought this basket knowing I would get a lot of use out of it, and I have! Typically, I store my tea bags in it. But on picnic days, it comes along as a great way to organize and hold different items, like my bottle of wine and wine glasses.
Finds to Match Your Style
My style is pretty whimsical when it comes to home décor. I love animals, so coming across this bunny serving platter was a match made in heaven! Shopping at Goodwill can bring a lot of joy through the pleasant surprises of what you may find. It also helps to know that both shopping at and donating items to Goodwill results in giving back to those in need in your community. Goodwill is a nonprofit organization, and proceeds made from sales at its stores are invested in the local community through job training, career opportunities and more.
This summer, you can find me exploring new parks in my neighborhood or soaking up the sun right in my backyard. Getting that beautiful vitamin D feeling is one of the things I love most about spring. As you can see in the photos from my first summer picnic, books, snacks, bunnies and flamingos are a few of my other favorite things!
The next time you head to your local Goodwill, be sure to check out more than just the clothing section. Home goods and books often have a plethora of treasures waiting to be picked up off the shelves, too.
Have your own favorite way to make the most of summer weather using Goodwill finds? Tag us in your posts on Instagram @goodwillintl for a chance to be featured in a future blog.