Alfresco Afternoons: Picnic Recipes & Relaxed Weekend Style with a Twist

Happy Friday, Gang! After a long week of traveling for work, I am so happy to be home and ready to kick off Mother’s Day weekend. A warm afternoon, a shady spot outdoors with an easy cocktail, and a delicious picnic dish make everything feel a little more relaxed. These alfresco afternoons are what weekends are made for. Today’s Fridays with Oscar is all about relaxed style and picnic-perfect bites—just the way spring afternoons should be.

Beth’s Alfresco Afternoon Outfit

Lands’ End Straight Leg Jeans – Pearl | Similar Colorblock Sweater | Similar White Slide Sandals

My weekend look is easy, colorful, and effortlessly pulled together. My open-stitch striped sweater blends warm tones of pink, orange, and golden yellow, creating a cheerful gradient that feels just right for a casual alfresco afternoon. This sweater is from last season from Talbots; I found a similar version here. 

Paired with soft blush denim from Lands’ End and white slide sandals, this look balances comfort and style with a playful nod to the season’s color palette. It’s the kind of outfit that makes you want to linger outside just a little longer.

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Kelly’s Alfresco Afternoon Outfit

Banana Republic Factory Linen Shirt | Banana Republic Factory Linen Shorts | Banana Republic Factory Linen Tank | Similar Sandals

For a laid-back picnic afternoon, I went with a full linen set from Banana Republic Factory—and it’s quickly becoming my warm-weather uniform. The printed linen shirt and matching shorts are breezy and lightweight, with a fun geometric pattern that adds a playful punch. I layered them over a linen tank to keep things easy breezy.

My sandals are a couple of years old and no longer available, but the Dolce Vita Roxie Sandals are the perfect finishing touch. Comfortable enough for walking through the park, but still polished with their neutral woven platform and strappy silhouette.

Shop Kelly’s Weekend Look

Alfreso Afternoon Recipes

Lemonade Spritzers

Light, refreshing, and not too sweet—lemonade spritzers are the kind of drink you’ll reach for all season long. I love how easy they are to customize with fresh herbs or berries. We kept it simple with sparkling lemonade and white wine. Serve over ice in a simple glass and you’ve got an instant warm-weather, low ABV crowd-pleaser for your alfresco afternoon.

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Martha Stewart

Lemonade Spritzers

This wine cocktail is an instant warm-weather, low ABV crowd-pleaser for your alfresco afternoon.

Makes: 2 Cocktails

Ingredients:  

• 1 cup chilled dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc
• Ice
• ¾ cup chilled sparkling lemonade
• Lemon wedges

Instructions: 

• Divide the wine among 2 ice-filled wine glasses. Top with lemonade. Garnish each with a lemon wedge.

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Mediterranean Tuna Salad with Pasta

This one checks all the picnic boxes: make-ahead friendly, full of flavor, and even better the next day. The tuna adds protein while olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a citrus Dijon vinaigrette bring that Mediterranean flair. Tossed with pasta and fresh herbs, it’s a no-fuss dish that feels elevated without trying too hard.

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Kelly Djalali

Mediterranean Tuna Salad with Pasta

This Mediterranean Tuna Salad with Pasta is make-ahead friendly, full of flavor, and even better the next day.

Ingredients:  

Citrus Dijon Dressing

• 2 tbsp. Dijon Mustard
• Zest and Juice of 1 Lime
• Juice of 1 Lemon
• 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
• Celery Salt Cracked Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, to taste

Salad

• 3 Celery Ribs thinly sliced
• Half an English Cucumber quartered, seeded, and thinly sliced
• 2-3 Radishes quartered and thinly sliced
• 1/4-1/3 cup Diced Red Onion
• 3 Scallions white and green parts, thinly sliced
• 3 cans Olive Oil Packed Tuna plus their oil
• 1/4 cup Chopped Kalamata Olives
• 1/4 cup Chopped Pepperoncini Peppers
• 10-12 Mint Leaves chiffonade cut
• 8 oz. Rotini Pasta cooked al dente
• Half a Bunch Parsley finely chopped
• Lemon Zest Black Pepper, Kosher Salt, More Herbs to taste
• Crumbled Feta Olive Oil, Black Pepper for serving

Instructions: 

Citrus Dijon Dressing

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until oil is emulsified and mixture is creamy and thickened, and set aside.

Salad

• Add veggies, tuna, olives, pepperoncinis, and herbs to the bowl with the dressing and stir to coat in dressing.
• Add pasta to the salad and toss to mix in the pasta.
• Taste for seasoning and add more salt, pepper, herbs, and lemon zest if desired.
• Portion salad onto plates and top with crumbled feta, a drizzle of olive oil and black pepper, if desired.

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Cheers to Alfresco Afternoons!

Whether you’re spending the weekend entertaining, relaxing, or just soaking up the sunshine, there’s nothing better than an easy meal and a go-to outfit that feels just right. These alfresco afternoons are simple pleasures worth savoring—especially when they include good food, fresh air, and a little effortless style. Oscar, Ollie, Kelly, and I wish you a sunny, happy Mother’s Day! For more spring-perfect recipes and style, check out Savor Spring, Casual Style Meets Effortless Entertaining.

About The Author

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 66, 5’8, and size 8.

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