Hello Strangers,
As mentioned in my last blog post, the first week of spring has come and gone. Across the country and various parts of the world, the earth is in a state of thaw. For many it will soon be blooming, and where I live, it already is. By mid-April or mid-May, it will be good enough weather for picnics.
When I was a teenager, we moved to a place with large communal green spaces. My little sister and I would trek to the grocery store, buy heavily discounted pies and cakes, get our favorite bottle of soda (or chocolate milk depending on the day), maybe some chips, and we’d head over to the commons. These are cherished memories, and they also taught me a couple of things I’d like to do differently in the future.
The Basket.
In every period drama or indie film, picnics involve that classic wicker basket. I support this. With a basket, you’re able to carry cups, plates, and cutlery, as well as dishes that are harder to travel with like salads, sandwiches, fruit salads, or cakes. And of course, the picnic blanket! My sister and I used a backpack and because of the shape and the way it’s carried, things often fell over, bottles leaked, and it was heavy and hard to carry. You can find wicker baskets at thrift stores and garage sales but be wary of mold…They can be bought new at retailers like Walmart, Target, Hobby Lobby, and Michaels, or online stores. I’d recommend a fairly large basket.
The Blanket.
The bigger the better. Discounted sheet sets can be good options, or any large blanket will do. Perhaps consider gathering some rocks to set at the edges so it doesn’t blow up in the air when the wind comes.
Peppermint.
While the first two seem fairly obvious, peppermint essential oil mixed with an odorless alcohol, water, or a carrier oil, can be sprayed around the edges of your blanket and on your ankles to repel spiders and most insects. It’s a natural alternative to harmful chemicals that works well.
The Menu
This is probably the most fun aspect of picnics for me. I absolutely loved taking store bought food and stuffing my face with cake…But there is so much fun to be had with the food. Things that don’t need to be heated up and things that aren’t soggy or make a big mess are good options. These might include tea sandwiches, antipasto, salads, fruit salads, cakes that have berries and fresh fruits included that need less or no icing, cookies, trail mix, etc. The reason I say this is fun is because, sure, you can make delicious peanut butter and jelly or ham and cheese sandwiches. But this is a great time to experiment with bread, cheese, pesto, vegetable combinations, seasonings and sauces. In art, a lot of instructors will tell students to draw what they see; not what they think they see. Sometimes we hear salad and think “dry lettuce”. That is not the only way to make a salad. Get Creative! Experiment! You’ll Have So Much Fun!
Containers
The other thing about picnics is, you might be a mother of three kids under age eight, or you might be a single teen going solo or with a small group of friends. Do whatever makes sense for you. I’d bring plates, mason jars I’d filled up at home with tea or lemonade, forks and knives, napkins, and Tupperware. For me, it’s best to keep things simple, and I want them to be pretty, too.
What Else to Bring?
For a quieter day, bring journals, pens, watercolors or other art supplies, magazines or a book. If you’re with friends or children, take games, frisbees, kites, and other activity-based supplies along. Also consider your first aid kit, Benadryl for allergy emergencies, clothes to warm up with, a sunhat, sunglasses, et cetera.
. . .
Some of my favorite memories involve wandering off in the woods to take pictures, paint, or gather inspiration for my stories. Some of my favorite memories with my sister involve picnics. This year I hope to have more meals outdoors and more time to play. I hope this spring you’ll find moments that make you happy in the same way.
With love,
–Mabel
To All My Strangers 