It's the Summer Solstice. It's now OK to picnic.

BY BILL ST JOHN

The Italians call it dining “al fresco.” For the French, it's “en plein air.” To us, it's keeping the flies away from the chicken salad. But little else means summer in Colorado than eating outdoors and planning a picnic underneath Old Sol.

Picnic prep differs from dining room prep, though, so here are some food and cooking tips on how to make it in the morning, serve it in the evening, and still keep its smile on.