Welcome summer with a picnic lunch that the entire family will enjoy preparing and eating. Impress grown-ups by serving baguettes layered with French ham and Gruyère cheese. Couscous salad laced with cherry tomatoes and roasted red bell peppers makes a delicious accompaniment.

Kids will love to assemble their own colorful veggie wraps using cream cheese, tomatoes and cucumbers. Desserts are designed especially for young bakers, including chocolaty black bottom cupcakes and buttery pecan cookies. And no picnic is complete without lemonade. Our old-fashioned version is tinted pink, thanks to the addition of fresh strawberries.

So head for the beach, the mountains, a local park or even your own backyard. Then spread out a blanket, unload your picnic basket and celebrate the warm weather with a leisurely outdoor meal.