picnic prep

Everyone knows cooking and eating outside immeasurably enhances the taste of the food. But if you're away from your backyard, a successful cookout requires preparation. When packing your bag or picnic basket for a cookout, be sure to include eating utensils, a corkscrew, and serving utensils such as spoons, spatulas, tongs, a marinade brush, a carving fork, a serving knife, and wooden skewers.

You'll also want to pack a small zipper pouch with small items such as matches, toothpicks, and extra resealable bags; reserve a few bags to transport salt and pepper. It's also important not to be caught without items such as a potholder, a cutting board, enamelware plates and cups, extra bowls for mixing, a serving platter, and cloth napkins, as well as a portable grill and an insulated cooler bag.

Check out these fun finds... The beach bag, blanket, tablecloth, sunbrella, flatware, and grill set.

destination u street...

Take a U-turn in our nation’s capital and visit the historical, artsy, and reenergized U Street District.

The Greater U Street Historical District in Washington, D.C., has long been the haunt of the jazz musician, including greats Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Today, the Victorian-style architecture and theaters still offer up jazz, along with hip restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

Goodwood - This affordable antiques store features furnishings, rugs, accessories, and decorative arts—with new pieces unveiled each week. 1428 U St., NW, 202/986-3640; goodwooddc.com

Dragonfly Design Decor - Asian antiques, art, furniture, and textiles, plus some contemporary pieces, are showcased against brightly lacquered walls in a large, industrial space. 1457 Church St., NW, 202/265-3359; dragonflydd.com

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Since 1958, this D.C. institution has served the locals and the who’s who, including Bill Cosby and Nat King Cole. The counter, booths, and stools are all original, and the chili recipes have never changed. 1213 U St., NW, 202/667-0909; benschilibowl.com

Home Rule - Great for kitchen, bath, home, office, and other contemporary and quirky gifts. 1807 14th St., NW, 202/797-5544; homerule.com

Simply Home - Eat, drink, and shop at this one-stop spot. First, check out Thai-imported clothing, accessories, and home-furnishings side. Then, peek in at the tree-trunk seats and Cyprus-tree wall art in the Thai-inspired restaurant that makes up the building’s other half. 1410 U St., NW, 202/232-8424; simplyhomedc.com

More Must-Stops...

Nana - This cute and colorful spot stocks brand-name and locally designed clothes, bags, and accessories. Don’t miss their vintage selection in back. 1528 U St., NW, 202/667-6955; nanadc.com

Meeps - one of DC's longest-running and best-loved vintage shops, offers men’s and women’s funky 1940s–1980s vintage-clothing. 2104 18th St., NW, 202/265-6546; meepsdc.com

Eco-Green Living (formerly Future Green) - Home and living store that stocks organic bedding and clothing, green building supplies, and more. 1469 Church St., NW, 202/234-7110; eco-greenliving.com

destination... frederick maryland

Looking to get out of the city this weekend? Take a short drive to Frederick, Maryland and check out Great Stuff By Paul...

Need inexpensive school chairs from the 1950s to go around your new dining-room table? Want a stack of vintage suitcases for your guest room? How about a dozen sap buckets for centerpieces at your next party?

Great Stuff By Paul Antiques in Frederick, Md., has them all--and more. Owners Paul and Joan Berkowitz scour North America, Europe, England, and Asia in search of reasonably priced treasures.

Can't make it to Maryland? No problem. They ship worldwide; greatstuffbypaul.com.

be outside this weekend...

Grab a blanket and get going!

Did you know the know that these fully loaded carryalls were once a built in feature in the Rolls - Royce? They are no longer an upper crust affair! So, why not go barefoot and picnic this weekend?

These baskets range in price and are available in service for two and four. Check out Picnic & Beyond, Inc, Picnic Fun and Cath Kidston for some for classic and bargain options.

Also fun... antique lithographed tins.

Made from the late 1930s through the ’50s these tins were originally cookie containers... most are rectangular and boxy with movable wood or metal handles, but you can also find oval, oblong, and octagonal pieces. Designs are as varied as the shapes; the most common patterns include basket and blanket motifs, plaids, and florals.

Looking for something more elaborate (and more collectible)? Tins falso feature seaside scenes, playing children, nursery-rhyme characters, and kitchen utensils.