it's a lovely day for a picnic

ralph lauren home - wicker picnic basket with leather trim

hermès - wool and cashmere blanket; metal and leather holder

although we've had some questionable weather lately, it is still the middle of june and what better time to have a picnic with friends on a sunny day than now? i've found a great recipe for mini sandwiches which would be a perfect item to pack in a chic picnic basket like the one featured above. add a blanket and a bottle of moët and you'll be all set!

summer crab rolls

-1/4 cup finely chopped vidalia or other sweet onion
-1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
-1 tablespoon dijon mustard
-1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
-1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as tabasco)
-1 pound lump crabmeat, drained and shell pieces removed
-1 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened
-12 (1-ounce) dinner rolls, cut in half horizontally
-12 Boston lettuce leaves (about 1 small head)
-6 plum tomatoes, each cut into 4 slices

combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl; toss well.

spread butter onto cut sides of rolls. heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. place 6 roll halves, cut side down, in pan for 1 minute or until toasted. repeat procedure with remaining roll halves. spoon 1/4 cup crab mixture onto each bottom roll half. place 1 piece of lettuce and 2 tomato slices on crab mixture; top with remaining roll halves.

recipe from cooking light