There is something wonderfully simple about a picnic. A blanket, some tasty food
and enjoying the sunshine with your closest family or friends. Did you know that July
is celebrated as National Picnic Month, giving everyone the perfect excuse to put
down our phones, head outdoor and enjoy some great food with some great
company.
What is National Picnic Month?
National Picnic Month is an annual observance held in the United States every July,
designed to celebrate the simple pleasure of the outdoors and spending time in
nature. Whilst it is not a formal holiday, it provides the perfect opportunity to organise
picnics in parks, beaches, backyards, forests in the national trust or even in your
garden! Popular picnic foods often include pre-made sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit,
lemonade and regional specialities including fried chicken or lobster rolls.
A brief history of Picnicking
The tradition of the picnic dates back to centuries, with early outdoor meals being
enjoyed by the Ancient Greeks and Romans alike. This was later enjoyed by
European nobility during the Middle Ages. The term ‘picnic’ first appeared in the late
1600’s, originating from the French word ‘pique-nique’ which describes a social
gathering where each guest contributes food. National Picnic Month was originally
established by the American Baker’s Association in 1952 to promote community
gatherings and outdoor dining.
What makes a good picnic?
The best thing about a picnic is that there are no rules for what is and what is not a
picnic. A picnic can be kept simple with pre-made sandwiches, crisps and fruit, or
you can go all out with homemade salad, cakes, dips and refreshing drinks! What is
important for good picnic is the location and a good quality blanket. The ideal
location for a picnic in my opinion is somewhere sunny, with a little shade and a
scenic view . Of course, there is the challenges of finding a good location which has
not been infested by ants or seagulls trying to steal your crisps! However, there is a
simple pleasure associated with eating in the outdoors and there is no better time
than National Picnic Month to put the kettle on, pack the basket and make a meal out
of it!