(Marc Gabor)

Perhaps no one understands the concept of le pique-nique better than the French. It can be as simple or elaborate as you like — a crunchy baguette, good cheese, good friends, and a bottle of wine is all you need to watch the afternoon shadows elongate over the banks of the Seine in the summer. But no matter where you are this June, you can capture a bit of Parisian joie de vivre in a basket with our favorite traditional French picnic dishes. Perfect for sharing among four, this seasonal menu can be cooked a day or two in advance, chilled, and easily transported to the nearest or most far-flung patch of early summer grass. Spread out a colorful blanket, pour enough chilled rosé for everyone, and pass the paté!

Menu:

A loaf of fresh French breadDuck patéCornichon picklesDijon mustard, such as MailleA selection of French cheesesAioli with young vegetablesRatatouillePunitions (French shortbread cookies)Fresh strawberries

Wine Pairing: 2010 L'Esprit de Sainte Marguerite Cotes de Provence Rosé or a similarly crisp, faintly sweet bottle. (Keep it chilled with a cooling sleeve.)

Product Credits:Peterboro Basket Company Traditional Picnic Basket; Picnic FashionPendleton Chimayo Throw Blanket; Pendleton (transport it with a leather carrier)Eco-friendly bamboo composite plates; AmazonRed Chill Bowl; Sur La TableDubost Red Laguiole Flatware, 20-Piece Set; Sur La TableMiltered Hem Napkins; Sur La TableBormioli Rocco Fido Canning Jars; Sur La TableJ.K. Adams Artisan Cutting Board; Sur La Table