With summer just around the corner and the mercury slowly climbing, I’m pretty sure we’re all eager to embrace the great outdoors, whether it’s enjoying a delicious meal in the open air, relaxing on our balcony with a glass of wine, or simply chilling in the park with friends or a good book and plenty of tasty snacks.
Related: check out Create a Stunning Outdoor Oasis: 7 Small Balcony Design Ideas
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Planning a picnic is a fun and easy way to make the most of a sunny day. Say goodbye to the boring picnics of the past with soggy cucumber sandwiches, lukewarm Pinot Grigio, and flimsy white paper plates!
If you want to wow your guests at your next outdoor gathering, you’re in the right spot! Let me share some tips on creating a fabulous picnic setting and delicious picnic food ideas that will leave everyone wanting more.
This post is about picnic food ideas
Setting the scene
1. Pick Your Time and Place
Scout out a location with a stunning view – maybe a beautiful garden with a rich history, a peaceful lakeside, a secluded beach, or a quaint vineyard. Let the beauty of the surroundings set the perfect atmosphere for your picnic.
And you don’t have to venture too far, it could be as simple as your local park, your garden or a rooftop overlooking the city.
Consider the time of day for your picnic – if you want a break from the norm, why not go for a breakfast or brunch picnic? Or perhaps an elegant Afternoon Tea-themed picnic complete with vintage floral china and a tiered cake stand. And for a touch of twilight magic, try a sunset picnic illuminated by candlelight.
2. Cosy Seating Area
Start with a stylish and sturdy picnic blanket as your base. Choose a waterproof option with a fun pattern like bohemian prints or classic stripes. If you’re aiming for a more sophisticated vibe, skip the basic blanket and go for retro foldable furniture, low wooden tables or even rustic wooden pallets.
Add some cosiness with plush pillows and throws, mixing textures like linen, velvet, and cotton for an eclectic luxe touch. Large outdoor floor cushions, beanbags and pouffes are great for decoration and lounging. Consider incorporating a Persian rug or rich tapestry to add a touch of opulence.
3. Chic and Practical Al Fresco Dining
A picnic isn’t a picnic without a traditional wicker picnic hamper! Keep your food fresh with cooler-style bags, and airtight containers and protect food from flies with woven or mesh food covers. Use beeswax wrap instead of clingfilm.
Forget disposable! Invest in chic reusable tableware. From bamboo cutlery to elegant silverware and colourful glassware, these options are eco-friendly and visually appealing.
Add a whimsical touch with mismatched retro and kitsch floral porcelain to bring that quirky yet tasteful vibe to your picnic. And don’t forget to complete the look with these woven recycled placemats and crisp cotton napkins.
4. Decorative Touches
As the sun sets add a soft glow to your surroundings using garland solar lights, tea lights, or lanterns. You can even use bamboo tiki torches for a bit of drama.
Adding a centrepiece of flowers and greenery will bring brightness to your surroundings. Arrange fresh or dried flowers and grasses in vintage-style glass vases or mason jars to infuse your space with vibrant colours and natural beauty.
To add a rustic touch, lay down a jute table runner. For a quirky addition, consider using mini-chalkboard menus.
5. Shade
Don’t settle for ordinary shade solutions – let your imagination run wild! Instead of the usual choices, why not try a vintage-style parasol, a practical portable canopy or sail, or even a boho macramé backdrop? These unique choices not only keep you cool under the blazing sun but also grant you some seclusion and elevate the aesthetic of your picnic.
Delicious picnic food ideas
When planning a picnic, choose easy food that doesn’t create a mess. Consider sharing platters and finger foods that are hassle-free and enjoyable for everyone. Take a look at these foolproof picnic food options:
1. Gourmet sandwiches: elevate typical picnic sandwiches using artisan bread and gourmet fillings. Try combinations like brie and figs or roasted vegetables with burrata antipasto style.
2. Platters and boards: time to unleash your creativity! From cheeseboards to Mediterranean vegetable mezze platters, sushi boards, and even breakfast and brunch boards, the possibilities are endless!
I’ve brought this Greek-style loaded hummus dish to several gatherings now – it’s super easy and always a crowd-pleaser!
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3. Fresh salads: I love how versatile salads can be! Whether making a fruit salad, vegetable salad, or even a pasta-based salad, you can easily layer the ingredients into mason jars. It’s a cute way to present your salad and practical for on-the-go meals.
One of my go-to recipes is a delicious orzo pasta salad with olives and feta.
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4. Dips with veggies or chips: give sliced pitta bread a makeover by mixing it with olive oil, a pinch of chilli flakes, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper and bake it in the oven. You’ll end up with your very own batch of crispy dipping crackers. Now, onto the main event – a colourful crudité platter. Assemble a variety of raw and fried vegetables, and whip up some tasty dips to accompany them. It’s the perfect grazing option!
5. Fingers foods: need some easy-to-eat snacks that will impress? Try homemade pizza, caprese skewers with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and fragrant basil, or even watermelon and feta skewers. If you’re looking for more options, mini baked potatoes, stuffed bell peppers, and classic bruschetta are fantastic options.
6. Sweet treats: bring some delicious treats such as macarons, brownies, or fruit tarts, and pair them with fresh berries. Fruit kababs are always a hit!
7. Refreshing drinks: remember to bring plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated – it’s just as important as planning your picnic menu! You can also offer homemade lemonade, cocktails, mocktails, iced tea and rose wine, and champagne chilled to perfection!
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Final Tips
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- Eco-friendly packs: to minimise plastic waste, try using reusable containers and snack bags, as well as compostable or biodegradable rubbish bags.
- Weather check: always check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
- Hand sanitiser: having hand sanitiser readily available is always a smart move.
- Bug repellent: don’t let those pesky bugs ruin your picnic fun! Pack bug repellent and citronella candles, ensuring a peaceful outdoor experience for everyone.
- Sunscreen: it goes without saying, don’t forget to bring sunscreen if you’re picnicking during the day – getting sunburned is not funny or clever!
- Entertainment: don’t forget to grab a portable speaker and get your special picnic playlist ready, along with some lawn games, a frisbee, or my personal favourite, a Giant Jenga-style game!!
- Picnic attire: set the tone for a stylish picnic by encouraging your guests to dress the part. Think sundresses, straw hats, and linen trousers – but remember, loose clothing is key for comfort!
- It’s not as much fun without the dog in tow so make sure your furry friend is catered for.
When planning a fancy picnic, you have to think big. It’s all about considering every little detail that will make it stand out. You want to create a harmonious mix of comfort, aesthetics, and the natural world to host an elegant outdoor gathering. So, don’t hold back and make your next picnic an epic one!
