Président’s 6 Tips for the Perfect Spring Picnic
What’s not to love about picnics? The outdoors, a delicious food spread, wine, your friends—all the ingredients for the perfect spring afternoon.
Venturing into the great outdoors equipped with a hamper packed full of your favourite delicacies is one of the great delights of spring. But before you sit down to enjoy your favoured picnic fare, it pays to plan ahead. Take it from us, a little organisation can mean all the difference!
From a speedy outdoor work lunch to a big family reunion, here are Président’s top 6 tips for hosting your best picnic ever:
1. THE LOCATION
Location location location. From the local beach, lake or your own backyard, the options are endless! In our opinion however, nothing beats a great picnic in a gorgeous, leafy setting. Consider on-site amenities and shade – or make your own with a few umbrellas – and remember that you’ll have to carry everything to your picnic site so pack as light as possible! Barangaroo Reserve in Sydney and Edinburgh Gardens in Melbourne are prime picnic picks.
2. THE BLANKET
Often overlooked, the picnic blanket is essential for al fresco dining. It functions as both the seating and table area for your gathering so look for something chic and durable. If you don’t own one, simply place some plastic sheeting, extra-strong bin liners or a towel underneath a simple throw to keep it clean. We’d go the extra mile with a few cushions to keep things comfy and an extra blanket or two will be well-received when the temperature drops.
3. THE BASKET
Nothing dampens spirits more than a leaky picnic kit. The carrier for your picnic provisions needs to be sturdy enough to keep its precious contents in order whilst on the move – a classic wicker picnic basket with a handle will make your picnic a real first-class affair. *Hint* – we recommend packing your basket in reverse order to make items more easily accessible.
4. THE UTENSILS
Prove that you’re ‘the prepared one’ when you show up fully equipped for your adventure. Unless you’re intending to drink your elderflower cordial straight out of the bottle, plastic glasses are a must. Enamel plates are much more practical than paper ones as they don’t fall apart at a drop of dressing. Also consider napkins, cutlery, a sharp knife to cut the meat and cheese, a corkscrew, bottle opener and containers with lids for the food. A cheeseboard or two is key for cutting and presentation and we guarantee that a rubbish bag, wet wipes and sun screen won’t go amiss either.
5. THE FOOD
Let’s be honest, the contents of your basket are what everyone’s really here for. Everything on your menu needs to be portable, so look for dishes that will pack and travel easily. Mason jars are the perfect vehicle for transporting those likely-to-leak salad dressings and dips. Spend less time prepping and more time relaxing when you opt for no-fuss picnic fare such as cured meats, crackers, nuts, hummus and quiche. Marinated olives, crusty bread, salads and fruit are also classic picnic nibbles that’ll never let you down. Of course, a picnic isn’t a picnic without at least three types of cheese.
6. THE DRINK
Ensure to pack something to sip on whilst you’re lounging the afternoon away. Nothing says ‘picnic’ more than a glass of sparkling but a jug of pre-mixed Pimms also makes for a refreshing beverage choice. For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, pre-chilled bottles of water are a must and a colourful iced tea can make the mood of your outing even more festive. Bring ice cubes in a flask so you can keep drinks cool all day.
Of course, the final key ingredient for the perfect spring picnic is the people you choose to share it with. Whether you’re enjoying an outdoor feast or a simple, laid-back lunch, with these Président essentials you have everything you need to host the ultimate spring picnic with friends, family or your favourite book.