Picnics can now include just about any hot or cold restaurant food including gourmet and specialty foods. The hardest part may be finding a quiet place to spread your blanket and enjoy.
Who doesn't like food?! The word picnic first appeared in English texts in 1748 (1692 in France) and has always described individuals coming together to share. This is perfect for families and for lovers, a relaxed way to share and enjoy.
"A book of verse beneath the bough, A loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and thou Beside me in the wilderness – And wilderness is paradise, now."
--Omar Khayyam, in his 12th century Rubaiyat
Easy and Fun!
There is nothing difficult about having a picnic.
Baskets containing all the essentials like forks, knives, plates, cups, and more can be found online and in most department stores.
Prices range from $20 for a basic 2-person set to almost $2,000 if you want to eat off bone china and drink from crystal glasses! Probably the most important elements are the food storage containers. With the right containers you can keep just about any food hot or cold and tasting like it was just prepared.
Speaking of food, there is no limit to what you can pack in a basket these days. You always have the old standards like cold sandwiches, cold chicken, fruits, snacks, and cold drinks, but don't limit yourself.
Just about anything you like to sit and eat in a restaurant can be brought outside. Hot or cold, don't forget about pastas, sea foods, all varieties of ethnic foods (Italian, Mexican, Greek, etc), specialty foods, and of course, gourmet. Sushi at a picnic?! If you can safely transport and store it you can bring it outside. I love apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!
Where you spread your blanket depends on the setting you and your date will enjoy. Some ideas include a quiet corner of the local park, the beach, a rooftop, lakeside, in the middle of a field, a clearing in the woods, downtown (our city center has an open area), down by the river, the back yard, or maybe an unused football, baseball, or soccer field.
Some extras you might want to consider include a good blanket that has a water/mildew resistant side and a softer side to sit on. Depending on where and when you go, also consider bug repellent, sun screen, camera, lawn chairs, and a bag to carry out your waste.
Change of plans... it's raining or cold or dark or too many bugs
No big deal, just bring it inside. Spread your blanket on the living room floor and make the most of it. You could stare up at the ceiling and pretend you're watching the clouds? Okay, maybe that's pushing it, but indoors can be just as fun and just as romantic as outside. For sure it will always be just as fun and just as romantic as you decide it will be.
Did you know?
In the year 2000, a 600-mile-long picnic took place from coast to coast in France to celebrate the first Bastille Day of the new Millennium. In the United States, the 4th of July celebration of American independence is a popular day for a picnic. In Italy the favorite picnic day is 'Angel's Monday', also known as Pasquetta (little easter), the day after Easter.
