The Parisian Picnic
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”
Hello my lovely readers! I hope you’re all feeling happy and healthy. I reached out to my Instagram followers and asked what they wanted to see more of on this blog. A number of the requests I received were for fun and unique activities that could be done this summer. Finding simple, lighthearted things to do daily has kept my outlook positive and my creative juices flowing. Since beginning quarantine, I’ve been able to tap into sides of me that I haven’t paid much attention to during my busy life as a college student. One of those sides is my love for all things Parisian. So, this post will be a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the perfect Parisian-style picnic!
But first, a quick reminder: please remember that we are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic and that you should take every precaution to protect yourselves and others from the virus. Let’s all do our part in flattening the curve by social distancing, wearing masks whenever out in public, and by practicing good sanitation! Consider keeping your picnic gathering to just your family unit or closest friends (under 5) to lessen the risk of exposure. Now that that’s out of the way, read on to learn how to Frenchify your next summer picnic. It may not be under the Eiffel Tour, but with the right location, it will be just as magical.
Location
Choose an amazing place to host your picnic. I’m always partial to somewhere private and off the path as well as picturesque. If I’m picnicking with others, making sure it’s accessible and can be easily located by your attendees. If you or anyone else in the group aren’t comfortable with the location, it may make for an unpleasant day. Your location should also be clear enough to set up for a picnic and without any “unfavorable” natural attributes (such as muddy ground cover or pesky insects). My recommendation? Look up semi-unknown park and head there! That way, it’s a fun little adventure for those who have never been and is designed for gatherings just like your picnic. Find a soft, grassy patch and get picnicking!
Menu
A perfectly crisp baguette from your local boulangerie. Pair it with some spreadable, cultured butter at room temperature and a selection of artisan cheeses, jams, and spreads. Maybe try buying local!
Wet-cured ham with a hint of saltiness readily sliced to pass around to your friends. If you’re not a fan of ham, any meat will do. A charcuterie board full of your favorite meats could serve as the centerpiece of your picnic set up (and as the main course of the meal).
For drinks, consider bringing lemonades, iced teas, and champagnes on warmer days and hot chocolate, teas, and coffee for colder days. Taking along the perfect drink in your baskets will provide the perfect touch to your day.
What To Bring
It goes without saying that a sweet picnic basket is the only way to transport all the aforementioned items! If you don’t have it handy, consider making a quick trip to a nearby thrift store or antique market to find something unique and affordable.
Select gorgeous glasses, dishware, and napkins fit for Marie Antoinette herself. Make sure they’re packed well for safe transportation in your picnic basket.
Yourself in a picnic-worthy outfit. You can never go wrong with wearing gingham or something whimsical in your hair (flower crowns were made for moments like these!) Dress for the weather and for the theme!
What To Do
Bring along any activity you’ve been dying to do this summer: try out watercolor paintings, get through the first few chapters of a new book, o bring some board games for you and your friends to play. Picnics are a great opportunity to enjoy a day free of any major stressors in life.
Great music is always a must at a picnic. If you’d like to keep it Parisian inspired, try listening to songs by Brigitte Bardot, Carla Bruni, or Françoise Hardy. Listening to them over a portable radio will add a lovely vintage touch to your picnic gathering.
And just like that, my summer series ends! Thank you all for reading. As always, feel free to comment down below and let me know how your Parisian picnic has gone or if you’re in the midst of planning one to celebrate the end of summer. Stay tuned for some fun fall posts coming in the next few days :)
Bon appétit!
Maya.