Is it the new cupcake? Essex Cake Company whips up these confections and packs them in jars for the perfect picnic. Choose from Pink Lemonade (white cake infused with lemonade, layered with tangy lemon curd and lemon buttercream), Americana (vanilla sponge smothered with fresh strawberries, blueberries and custard whipped buttercream) or Cafe Mocha (deep dark chocolate cake, espresso buttercream, chocolate ganache). Fancy fondant-draped cakes also available by special order. More necessities for summer entertaining? Throw an instant and awesome dinner party with Summer Hill Catering’s delectable pot pies: classic chicken, straight up veggie or Thanksgiving (turkey, gravy, cornbread stuffing tucked into a pie shell). I’ve always been a fan of Michael Aram’s nature-inspired housewares, now he’s launched a picnic line featuring twig plastic cutlery and sea urchin patterned melamine dishes and trays. See them here, but purchase locally at Fromage.

Speaking of gifts, while bopping around Old Saybrook, we discovered our favorite gourmet food shop, Fromage, has Mast Bros’ latest collection of cow, goat and sheep milk chocolate bars. (A sweet or stunningly packaged gift). Or choose from the array of hip Bitters in flavors like Sassafras and Sorghum or Wild Hibiscus. Word is these mix beautifully with spirits for a super cocktail. Sounds like a nice treat for Mom?