Wikipedia defines a picnic as a “pleasure excursion at which a meal is eaten outdoors, ideally taking place in a beautiful landscape… or with an interesting view and possibly at a public event… and usually in summer.” I love summer and take every opportunity to dine outside with my family. Even if it’s only in my garden under the trees, it’s the perfect excuse to get outdoors and to relax with the people I love.

My latest discovery is packaging in glass jars. Not only is it friendly to our environment but it is fun and not to mention much prettier than Tupperware! Re-use old pickle jars and place a dollop of cream cheese or peanut butter in the bottom, top with vegetable sticks and seal with the lid. Layer pasta salads in jars as well, or for a yummy Nougat Cheesecake Recipe that is served in a jar visit The Pretty Blog.

No problem with sticking to the more traditional picnic foods but try to keep it fun and easy to eat. Try a wrap or stuffed pita bread as an alternative to the boring sandwich and fruit skewers with a yoghurt and honey dip instead of just an apple. Mini pies or bite size quiches go down a treat as do tapas style foods such as dips, cheeses, olives and cold meats. To make life simpler, visit your local deli for some good cured meats, pickles and fresh breads and then top up with some quality home cooked items.

No picnic is complete without something sweet. Try to think of something fuss free, that isn’t going to make too much mess and won’t attract the bees! Cupcakes are probably this season’s winner but the bite size raspberry swirl cheesecakes are pretty and delicious.

For those wanting to celebrate a special occasion or would like to picnic in style, the following links offer great ready-to-go picnic options, www.horizonsgourmet.co.za and www.dialapicnic.co.za.

So what are you waiting for? Visit Eat Drink Chic for some free picnic printables and plan your next picnic these summer holidays. Don’t forget your picnic blanket, cutlery, drinks and a plastic packet to take all your rubbish with you. You may however want to leave your sound system at home.

Photos by Eat Drink Chic

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about the author

I love vintage everything (clothes, glassware, furniture, jewelry) and hunting for these treasure. Flowers in tea cups or buckets or just flowers in general (peonies are my favourite). Taking pictures, looking at pictures or just looking at something that will make a beautiful picture. Baking beautiful things is how I like to treat my family and friends. - JacKy