Hannah Puechmarin
As the weather starts to warm up and daylight savings kicks in, it’s only natural to want to spend more time outdoors enjoying the longer days and your natural surroundings, and a picnic is the perfect way to do so.
Whether your plans involve sipping rosé under the sun or indulging in an all-out feast, a picnic can be enjoyed in almost any outdoor location, whether that be your local park, backyard, beach, or secluded bush retreat.
From picnic essentials for two to outdoor party must-haves for small and large groups, below you’ll find our top tips for putting together the perfect picnic menu plus, our list of picnic essentials, from stylish rugs to beautiful baskets and more.
PICNIC FOOD
When it comes to food, you want it to be as fuss-free as possible, ready to serve and easy to eat and share.
“For a spring picnic, go for grazing, suggests Alex Cadger, founder of celebrity-beloved catering and events company The Blonde Butler.
“I would suggest ditching formal-style dining and provide fun and crowd-pleasing options,” says Alex. “To kick off the event, have an abundance of cheeses charcuterie, freshly grilled vegetables, toasted sourdough, dips & pesto’s. You could arrange these ingredients on some trays, plates or wooden boards, which is great for everyone to nibble on while mingling and chatting away and it will look fantastic too!”
A SPECIAL PICNIC PACK
The Blonde Butler has collaborated with the iconic tableware brand In The Round House on a special ‘Spring Snacks Pack’ available for a limited time to welcome the spring entertaining season. The pack includes a selection of picnic-friendly foods, such as crab & cucumber pillow sandwiches and mascarpone tarts with fresh raspberries, and a set of In The Roundhouse Bright Pink Wave side plates and pink and white Scallop napkins. Find out more >
The Blonde Butler x In The Roundhouse spring picnic pack also includes free downloadable table menus for you to print off as you need.
PICNIC STYLING TIPS
Once you’ve got your picnic menu sorted, it’s time to set the scene.
Every great picnic starts with a stylish blanket or rug to sit on. Once you’ve laid out your foundation, you can have fun layering your setting with cushions, small tables and trays, servingware and florals.
Alyce Tran, founder of In The Round House, knows how to style a fabulous table setting – a skill that extends to alfresco events such as picnics.
“A little tip of mine it to use some sturdy trays or boards to set your food and drinks up in. I love our scalloped trays for this reason,” says Alex.
Alex also likes to colourful servingware and glassware to elevate a picnic setting.
“This may mean pairing your everyday white crockery with a touch of light pink, sky blue, or mint,” says Alex. “We’ve got a new range of cutlery at the moment which just adds so much excitement to an everyday white setting, or takes a colourful setting to another place.”
“I love adding things like ribbons to glassware or tying ribbons around napkins at a place setting to add that special flourish,” she adds.
So, swap your paper plates and plastic cutlery for something a little more fancy, roll out your best rug, throw a couple of cushions on the ground, and bring along your best glassware to take your picnic game to new heights this season.
PICNIC ESSENTIALS TO SHOP NOW
Openook Byron Sunrise rattan picnic basket, $50, Big W
Crafted from high-quality willow, this woven picnic basket has an insulated layer that keeps your food and drinks cold and, with its timber lid on, it also doubles as a table. Aesthetically pleasing and practical.
Pragya Abstract Pattern picnic rug, from $129, Miss Amara
Lightweight, washable and available in a range of different designs, Miss Amara’s new dpicnic rugs feel almost too pretty to lay on the ground. But once you do, you’ll want to stay where are and snuggle up in the super-soft fabric that is made from 100% recycled PET fibres.
In The Roundhouse ‘Ciao Bella’ plate, $29, David Jones
Create a Euro-summer vibe at your next picnic with a set of these bone china side plates printed with Italian food-related words like “Molto Bene” (very good) and “Mangiamo” (let’s eat).
Zona Stripe outdoor chair pad, $24.95, Pillow Talk
For a low-key seating option, outdoor cushions and chair pads are a comfortable solution.
Sunnylife Utopia Poolside wine glass set of 4 in Multi, $29.99, Myer
Put away the paper cups. Unbreakable, colourful, reusable and fun these “poolside” wine glasses are also great for picnics.
Business & Pleasure Co. Premium cooler bag in Sage Stripe, $79.99, THE ICONIC
For easy transportation and cool, fresh food, invest in a stylish and practical insulated cooler bag like this one by Business & Please Co.
Vintage linen napkins in Clay, $59.95 (set of 4), Aura Home
Linen napkins will instantly elevate any table setting – picnics included. Mix and match colours and patterns as you please.
Casa Blanca beach cabana, $189.99, Sunnylife
In case you can’t find a spot in the shade, a gazebo-style shade solution or an umbrella at the very least is always handy to have on hand. Not only will a cabana provide protection from the harsh sun and summer heat, a cute cabana like this will only elevate the aesthetic of your setup.
