Picnics are a summer staple, and thanks to modern ways and fresh ideas, they can be a lot easier to pull off. That means celebrating National Picnic Month this month should be a given! We have some ideas to help you with that later. But for now, we’ll start by giving you the rundown on how picnics became what they are today.
How Picnics Were Born
You’ve probably seen outdoor feasts in period movies (remember Downton Abbey?). Hunting feasts, country banquets, and garden parties are the grandparents of picnics. Those pastimes of the wealthy spread to all classes to become the traditional picnic in many places, not just Europe.
The English picnicked with pastries, hams, and baked meats until the Victorian era when picnics became an art form. They pretty much moved their whole 6-course meals outside, complete with entertainment.
How to Have the Perfect Picnic
First things first: Enamel plates and bowls are the way to go. They won’t get soggy, are light and easy to carry, and help keep waste out of landfills. As for utensils, why not pack light? Go for finger foods and skewers with fruit, corn on the cob, or veggies. Bring bug deterrents like mesh covers, cups with lids, and bowl covers (even a shower cap will do the trick!). And don’t let the wind ruin your day. Hold down your blanket with rocks or tether the ends to plastic tent stakes. And pack wet wipes for easy cleanup and bags to collect your trash and leftover food.
What about the eats, you ask? Picnic food doesn’t have to be basic or boring! Miracles of modern technology make it easy to keep finicky foods like chicken and pasta salads cold. That means you can take almost anything you want, anywhere you want. Here are a few suggestions to make your next picnic perfect.
One fabulous combination is the best-ever cold fried chicken, potato salad with fresh corn and basil, healthy vegan baked beans, and salty-sweet pretzel bars. You can make those ahead of time and pack a cooler. Use frozen ice packs or water bottles instead of ice to avoid the melted mess but keep your delicacies cold.
Want something lighter? Try pasta salad with feta and herbs or a Quiche Lorraine. Add sweet corn succotash with shiitakes, sugar snaps, and fruit skewers for a vegetarian meal.
Or go old school with a modern twist. Make your own barbecue-spiced potato chips with cold sandwiches and peach hand pies.
Shop Local
There is no better place to get the ingredients for your perfect picnic than from local vendors! The Farmer’s Market at Lakeline is a short drive from the community in Cedar Park open rain or shine every Saturday from 9 AM-1 PM! You are sure to find something delicious with over 90+ vendors in attendance. Savory Farmer’s Market is a traveling vendor with various locations and dates in the area where you can purchase free-range eggs, wild-caught Alaskan seafood, and more! The possibilities are endless for culinary creation, and you can support local vendors at the same time.
How to Picnic at Home
You can have a picnic anytime when you live at Lariat Liberty Hill. Our planned green space and pavilion, The Junction, will be the ideal spot for your perfect picnic. Contact us today to find your new home in our community, where a picnic is only a short walk away.