Bring back the picnic
On any given Sunday in the mid-90s, deep in the heart of Texas, you could find our family at the local park having a picnic. One by one, items would be lifted out of an Igloo cooler and presented with pride on the red and white checkered tablecloth. Balled up watermelon in old olive green tupperware, a platter of deviled eggs (just enough for two each, as not to cause an argument), and a generous plate of buttermilk brownies which would melt if not immediately consumed, were all perfectly paired with a Capri Sun pouch. Our cheap paper plates with ridges somehow always managed to hold up under the weight and grease of homemade fried chicken. We would eat, laugh, and play under the heat of the Southern sun until my brother and I were rosy cheeked and carried to the car, perfectly delighted and perfectly exhausted.
I miss the picnics of my childhood. I miss the simplicity of a good meal shared outdoors. I fear in many ways, picnicking may be a fading art. There is something about the concept of a picnic that can feel both nostalgic and outdated. According to nearly 45 seconds of extensive research on semi-legitimate websites, it appears picnics have been a part of our life and culture since first becoming popular in the 18th century. At times, suggesting a picnic as an activity to a group of friends can feel like you are trying to bring back the 18th century; as though we are all rich aristocrats with nothing better to do than retreat to the lawn to eat grapes and cheese in the middle of the day; it’s almost as though picnics are reserved for high society, Yogi Bear, and Instagram couples.
Additionally, (mostly) gone are the days of the great American family road trip where a car full of children and luggage would pull up to a rest stop on the side of the highway to eat their Ziplock bag sandwiches or KFC bucket. We are now lucky if we can find a few extra minutes at the airport to pick up food before a flight. (Mostly) gone are church and neighborhood potlucks where long covered tables nearly buckled under the weight of endless hot dishes and cakes. Inevitably, there were always a few ladies in the church or in the neighborhood who worried there would not be enough food for everyone. These were the ladies that always brought two dishes. Everyone would eat, the children would play, and the adults would skillfully pawn off their leftovers onto other families. The unspoken goal was to leave with a clean dish.
In a modern world, something as inherently leisurely and unproductive as a picnic can seem like a tremendous waste of time. With so many modern conveniences and offerings, why would anyone choose a picnic? And who has time to prepare for a picnic?
Well, a lot of people as of late. Many restaurants are closed or only open for take-out. Family and friends in most states are discouraged from entering each other’s homes. Event spaces are closed. Concerts are cancelled. Sports are postponed. Life has slowed in many respects.
This may be the perfect summer to bring back the picnic.
As cities and states begin to reopen, parks are seeing signs of life with families enjoying weeknight dinners on blankets and friends gathering in large social distancing circles to share a meal. After all, if you’re going to eat, you may as well be outside and in good company.
Perhaps it’s the summer to start the tradition of Sunday picnics with your own children. When I look back on my childhood picnics, I do not recall a worry in the world. I’m sure my parents remember things somewhat differently. They likely carried the burden of employment and financial stress while trying to raise two small children. However, all I knew at age 6 was my time with them and the way it made me feel. As an adult and a parent, when you think back on this summer and the era of the pandemic, you may remember high levels of stress, uncertainty, and suffering. However, your children may remember it as a time of magical picnics at the park, a time when you were around more, and a time when life slowed down and felt a little more intentional.
Perhaps you are one of the many using your time away to experiment in the kitchen. Why not slice up that loaf of sourdough, gather some meats and cheeses, and surprise a friend with a sandwich in the park? You were planning to try a new recipe for Saturday morning breakfast. Why not invite the neighbor over to dine al fresco in the backyard? (This all assumes people are interacting responsibly and adhering to recommended guidance, of course).
Perhaps your overseas trip was cancelled. What better time to surprise your travel companion or significant other with a themed picnic from your cancelled trip location as you dream of your next destination together? A basket filled with baguettes from France, salads from the Mediterranean, or pasta from Italy could make for a memorable Saturday afternoon.
Or perhaps a picnic for mom.
A few years ago, I hosted a Mother’s Day picnic for my mom. I carefully crafted a meal and included special details in the table arrangement. To this day it remains one of her favorite moments. I have hosted a Mother’s Day picnic every year since. Last year, we even picnicked on top of Target Field. We watched the Twins play as we shared in a ballpark feast. Though my mother welcomes a new photo frame, candle, or accent pillow, what she desires most is time with me. The gift of a shared meal, a picnic, is a gift to both of us; and it is one that we will keep forever.
This year’s Mother’s Day picnic was a memorable one. We sat at separate tables and wore masks. We bundled up as we faced cold temperatures and occasional rain. But we were together and we picnicked!
A few things to consider as you prepare for picnic season.
1) It’s all in the location: I generally select locations with coverings or an “indoor” option in the event of bad weather, especially when choosing a date far in advance. Today, I chose a park and picnic table with an overhead shelter, which came in handy when it started to rain! I also look for locations with accessible bathrooms and parking options. Practically speaking, I typically find most of this information online (parks, like restaurants, often have websites and review comments). A great view can also add to the moment. Google makes it easy. It can be as simple as searching, “best places in the city to watch the sunset” or “best views of the river.”
2) The everything bag: I pack a bag of supplies (even if I leave in the car until needed): paper towels, a few trash bags, hand wipes, serving utensils, bug spray, and sunblock. If you happen to forget something, good news, it will likely create a fun and memorable moment. Who doesn’t love eating a salad without a fork or eating a cake without frosting?
3) Remember you’re outside: Chocolate melts. Liquid spills. Food spoils. Thank you for attending my TED talk. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to plan a menu that can be safely and easily enjoyed outdoors.
4) Beauty in the details: Little details can make a picnic memorable and special. I built today’s Mother’s Day picnic around a strawberry rhubarb cake purchased from Spoon & Stable, a local restaurant. I then created a fun strawberry based drink and accented the drinks with cut strawberries I had fashioned into hearts. It was a 5 minute exercise that made the moment a bit more beautiful.
5) Transporting Food: Plan ahead and be creative when packing for the picnic! Mason jars are a great option for transporting and sharing food. Particularly when exercising increased caution during COVID, mason jars allow for individual meal packaging. Try and anticipate spills. I used pitchers without lids for this morning’s picnic drink. In order to keep the liquid in the pitcher and off my car floor, I wrapped the tops in saran wrap and fastened with hair ties.
Lastly, I would be remiss not to mention that for many during this time, a picnic is an impossible idea. There are many facing food insecurity in our states, cities, and neighborhoods. Thank you to all who participated in our late April card sale. We were able to donate a portion of the sales to Second Harvest Heartland, a local Twin Cities food bank. We will continue to do what we can to help and would encourage you to do the same. Everyone deserves the comfort and connection that comes from a shared nutritious meal.
Happy picnicking friends,
Leah
