Twenty-twenty has been a doozie of a year. We’ve canceled vacations, classes, conventions, and conferences. Millions of people experienced working from home for the first time. There have been fears, economic setbacks, and cloth face masks that seem to have become a permanent part of our wardrobes.
Some people would say that 2020 was no picnic.
And that’s exactly why you should go on a picnic. This month. This week. Today. Right now.
Why Go On a Picnic?
Here are the top reasons why we at Adventure Central like to go on picnics. Perhaps you can think of others – tell us in the comments section!
- It gets us out of the house. After a long day at the office – the home office, that is – it’s nice to stretch the legs, breathe the fresh air, and soak up some sunshine.
- It’s like a mini-vacation. Travel has largely been off the table in 2020 due to travel restrictions. Taking a picnic at a local park or just grilling out back shakes up our normal routine in much the same way a vacation does, only shorter.
- It promotes exercise. Walking, hiking, or biking to the picnic location helps ward off those pandemic pounds.
- It’s an opportunity to commune with nature. Studies have shown that observing natural scenery can reduce stress. Some even indicate that green light, like that reflected from the leaves of plants, may alleviate physical pain.
- It eliminates distractions. Going on a picnic gets us away from work, the honey-do list, the television, and the computer. It allows us to focus on our family, interacting, and just being together. The relaxed atmosphere is good for communication and therefore beneficial to relationships.
Origins of the Picnic
There’s no arguing that people have eaten al fresco, that is, outdoors, from time immemorial. The picnic tradition, however, seems to have had its start in Medieval Europe.
It is thought that elegant outdoor meals first became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages (the fifth to thirteenth centuries), accompanying the recreational hunts of the wealthy. This is evidenced by hunting feasts described in the Robin Hood ballads and embroidered into the Bayeux tapestry.
The term picnic is derived from the French pique-nique, which described “gourmands who brought their own wine when dining out.” The French term seems to have originated during the 1600s.
Picnics remained a pursuit of the upper classes until the Victorian era, which began in the 1830s. Then, it crossed class boundaries to be enjoyed by working families.
Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management, published in 1861, “gave detailed instructions on how to hold a picnic. For 40 people, Mrs. Beeton insisted on, among many other things, cold roast beef, four meat pies, four roast chickens, two roast ducks, four dozen cheesecakes and one large cold plum pudding. To quench the picnickers’ thirst, three dozen quart bottles of beer were on the menu, as well as claret, sherry and brandy.”
Around this same time, British fabric mills began producing a durable and inexpensice fabric called gingham. It has a recognizable two-color pattern – like that of a checkerboard, often in red and white. Utilitarian and available, this material was the fabric of choice for many working class picnicers. As time went on, gingham became associated with an “old-fashioned,” rural lifestyle. Modern picnic blankets often retain this traditional style.
As the tradition spread to the United States, menus were simplified to include leftovers, cold meats and side items, such as fried chicken and potato salad, and fresh fruit.
5 Perfect Picnic Ideas
Having trouble visualizing yourself on a picnic? Try one of these ideas make it interesting, or make it simple – whichever best fits your style.
- Keep it simple. Pack up whatever you’ve already prepared for lunch or dinner. Grab a couple bottled waters and blanket to put on the ground. Drive to the park, or just picnic in your backyard. If you’ve been cooped up in your home office all day, you’ll be amazed at the restorative powers of fresh air and sunshine.
- Make it a date. Add a bottle of wine and a couple of wine glasses to your picnic basket. Guys, if you plan the picnic, your wife or girlfriend is sure to be impressed.
- Make it traditional. Get a wicker basket and a red and white checked picnic blanket. If you want to take it a step farther, channel a little Jane Austen cosplay with bonnets, dresses, and wainscots.
- Take a hike. Pack your meal in a backpack and hit the trails. Even a bag of beef jerky, some trail mix, and a Gatorade will do just fine.
- Order takeout. If you don’t want to cook or slap together some sandwiches, swing through a drive-through instead. Your pizza, tacos, or burgers will make a great picnic feast.
Special Announcement – Adventure Shop Now Open!
Since 2019, Anatomy of Adventure has been bringing you the best recipes from around the world, travel tips, urban homesteading advice, and more. Now, we’re excited to announce that we will be able to bring our favorite products direct to your door through the Anatomy of Adventure shop!
Our Perfect Picnics product line is live, with more soon to come. Check it out today!
Use the code WELCOME20 to get 20 percent off your first order, and free shipping on orders over $50.00 US!
One part Lois Lane, one part Jimmy Olsen, one part Johnboy Walton, and a bit of that Clark Kent secret identity thing thrown in for good measure.
Cara Siera is a freelance writer and photographer with a passion for travel and exotic cuisine. Join Cara, her husband Marc, and one very spoiled German Shepherd on their next great adventure.