PICTURE: PEXELS/PICNIC
With Summer nearly here, we’re spending more and more time in the blossoming outdoors. Whether you prefer to enjoy your time with tea in the garden, lazy picnics in the park or soaking up the sun on the beach, use this easy guide to host the perfect picnic.
Let’s start with Blanquetescaping not a picnic, turn it into a banquet!
Designing a unique picnic experience can be challenging, but it’s all about attention to detail. A great place to start would be the colour scheme or theme you want to go for when hosting your picnic. Remember there is no right or wrong when it comes to planning a picnic, it only gets better.
Next up, comfort is key
The iconic must-haves of course are something to sit on. The basics would be a blanket or a bench, but to elevate the picnic experience would need to roll out your best-looking carpet outside and scatter it with a few cushions.
Another cute concept would be to have a bring-your-own cushions movement (BYOC). This will ensure your guest bring their favourite pillow or cushion to really make them feel at home when at your picnic.
Set up a long blanket or tablecloth as a tabletop and set your table.
For those who struggle with low-level dining, use some of those lovely multi-purpose wooden palettes for a stable dining surface. You could even look at adding fairy lights for a Pinterest-perfect nighttime Blanquet.
A few other tips
- With it being summer, we know that flies or mosquitos are on the rise so feel free to pack a citronella candle to keep the bugs at bay.
- Make sure you have a black bag or trash bag for any leftovers, this will make it easier to discard all at once.
- Make sure you are seated in an almost shady area, if not bring an umbrella or pack some sunscreen.
So a successful picnic isn’t only about the decor …the food is the real winner when it comes to elevating your picnic!
What we all love to do at a picnic, or at any event really is to graze! So why not create a grazing table filled:
Meaty foods
Cured meats are a must when it comes to a grazing board or table. Try balancing your selection with choices of smaller meat rounds, neutral-flavoured meats like roast chicken or hickory ham and speciality offerings like Parma ham.
Boujee it by adding mini chicken kebabs, chicken wings, cocktail sausages and biltong sticks to the mix.
Cheese, yes, please!
Guests can be quite picky when it comes to their cheeses, so be sure to have a diverse selection. Choose a selection of natural rind cheeses like camembert or brie, a harder, cheese like cheddar or gouda and an “oh wow, this is my new favourite ” talking point cheese such as blue cheese or gorgonzola
Now choose an accompaniment for each category – think pickled onions, fruit preserves and chutney.
Vegan & vegetarian options
Not everyone is the same and you really want everyone to feel welcome when joining you on a picnic, so catering for those with dietary requirements or lifestyle choices is an A+ when making you the hostess with the mostess. For a few vegan options opt for sliced veggies, fruit, artichoke hearts, marinated mushrooms or even plant-based options such as chicken-style goujons or nuggets.
The saucy stuff
Sauces can be a tricky one to get right with the flavours, but not pressure. Always opt for pates, hummus, dressing, jam and preserves.
For easy transportation, decant the sticker saucers into other containers.
Bread & crackers
Carbs, what would we do without those serotonin-boosting babies and what is a grazing board without them? Play with shapes and flavours of your bread and crackers from round to square, olive ciabatta or even a classic baguette. There is no right or wrong here, only delicious!
Some extra’s
Add a mix of salty, sweet, crunchy and soft bites to marry with the meat and cheese selection. Think baby gherkins, sliced fresh or dried fruit, nuts, crudites, cured olives and peppadews.
Boujee it by adding small petit fours, macarons, and berries.
A few other tips
Make things pretty and consider your food as part of the decor by serving drinks with floral ice and fresh garnishes.
It’s all about bite-sized, shareable food options:
- Picnic boxes or colourful platters filled with dips, fruits, cheeses, charcuterie, crackers and nuts.
- Small sandwiches, bite-size frikkadels, biltong and jars with layers of salads
Picnic foodie must try’s/ tries?
Picnic potluck- let your guests share a bit of themselves by each bringing a dish of their own!
Rice paper rolls are back with a bang! Pre-make these Asian-inspired veggie wraps at home, stock up on some store-bought dipping sauces and you’ll be good to go – mix things up by adding chargrilled beef or chicken to your veggie roll mix and don’t forget the edible flowers.
Ready-to-drink beverages, because you know, take the edge off. From chilled wine in cans to pre-mixed tinned mojitos, fruity ginger beers, lemonades and flasks of ice-cold pre-made G&Ts.
South African S’mores (toasted marshmallows and chocolate sandwiched between two good ole Marie Biscuits) are the perfect finale to an outdoor celebration – and the perfect excuse to get a fire going when the sun has set.
So how do we pack and eat?
Choose plates, bowls, tumblers, and platters that are eco-friendly, and easy to transport without damage.
The classic wicker basket is lovely but not always practical. Rather consider taking cooler bags, to keep your food and drinks cool, along with large carry bags for all your blankets, pillows and loose items. Don’t forget the sunscreen, hand wipes, garbage bags, and a small wireless speaker with the perfect playlist if you wish.
The most important thing when planning a picnic is to have fun! Be silly, play games, laugh and create memories.
Compiled by: Maegan-Leigh Jacobs
First published by Food & Home
Also see: From your kitchen with love: Food gifts everyone will enjoy
