Fall Picnic in the Park
Every Fall and Spring my daughter and I make it a point to get out of the house and go for a picnic. We’ve been doing this for years at this point and it just never gets old. We’ve spent holidays like Mother’s Day on a picnic and then sometimes just go on a whim to enjoy the scenery around us. The weather in Texas is always hot. Well, at least 3/4 of the year so when weather cools down enough, we take advantage of everything nature has to offer. About a week ago we decided to pack up at golden hour and have our dinner outdoors. There were ducks swimming just feet away from us and the whole scene felt like we were in a storybook. Making memories like that with her fills my heart so much! When was the last time you had a picnic? Believe it or not they are really easy to throw together!
Get a basket
Although I found this one at an antique store in Buda, TX (see this post) you can pick up baskets at local thrift stores or shop a few below. A picnic basket serves as a mini table to eat on if you’d like, it also keeps sandwiches or soft breads in tact and keeps them from getting smooshed as you walk to your picnic spot. I love one with a hinged lid like this one. Look for ones that also have a space for your utensils! Some even come with a set of picnic dishes. When mine is not in use, I store it in my bedroom as a decorative piece.
Bring a blanket
There’s nothing worse than getting dirty or having ants crawl all over you while you eat. I like to bring a plastic shower curtain from the dollar store to put down so that my blanket stays in good condition. This especially helps if you have a damp ground or are at the beach. Then I layer a blanket, throw or quilt over it. The softer the better. Most of the items in my apartment serve dual purposes. I rarely limit an indoor item to only indoors. I rotate blankets often to keep the décor interesting and am never afraid to use a comforter or blanket for our picnic spread. I’ve even brought throw pillows for an afternoon of reading!
Pack snacks and fresh produce
Another thing I love to bring is fresh produce. Some of my favorites include grapes, strawberries, carrots, cucumbers along with hummus, and delicious blueberries. Anything that is easy to eat without a big mess. You can also bring along sandwiches, wraps or cheese and crackers. Don’t make a big fuss… just put a few snacks into to go containers. I also like to bring along sparkling water and a few drinks. Sometimes I stop on the way and grab an iced coffee to go. Whatever makes your picnic more enjoyable is what I recommend you just do!
Activity Time
Today’s picnic was a blast but we mostly spent time relaxing. When Skyler was little I always made sure to bring along coloring books and things to read. We’ve also brought along watercolor paints and sketchbooks. The goal is always to enjoy ourselves for a few hours. Getting to sit and watch the ducks swim by today was a really fun way for us to interact! Take in the moments. Enjoy the time you have whether you go on a solo picnic or you decide to bring along loved ones.
Over the years picnics have offered a way to refresh and get out of the house. Especially important now with social distancing in place and COVID-19 concerns. You can picnic in a secluded spot or at a local park around others! I’d love to hear about your picnic experiences in the comments or shoot me a message on Facebook!