Every June 18th, International Picnic Day rolls around, giving us both the incentive and opportunity to play hooky from work. As we head directly for the beach or park, neatly wrapped sandwiches and wicker baskets in hand, we abandon our lives in the big smoke and revel in the simple pleasure of eating outdoors. Indeed, the appeal of the picnic is well documented, with Jane Austen taking her characters to the countryside in Emma (1815), and Ratty and Mole messing about in boats in Kenneth Graham’s The Wind in the Willows (1908).
Well. To be honest, while we’d love to make the most of International Picnic Day, we haven’t quite got the hang of bringing our workstations outside yet. Instead, we’d like to live vicariously through you, and encourage Zazzle Ideas readers to be our picnickers-by-proxy. In the following article, then, we’re going to tell you a little bit about the history of International Picnic Day, introduce some tips for choosing the perfect spot, and, most importantly, relate to you a checklist of what to bring on your outing.
You might think this is a lot to pack into one blog post, but we promise, this comprehensive guide equips you with all you need to plan the ultimate picnic experience.
Where Did the Picnic Originate?
According to History Today, the first use of the word ‘pique-nique’ arises in the 17th century, and in the satirical novel Les Charmans effects des barricades, ou l’amité durable de la compagnie des frères Bachiques de Pique-Nique (1649). That the title of this book should be a mouthful is appropriate, as the main character, Pique-Nique, is a glutton, and tends to enjoy lavish meals. His name may also be a combination of the French words piquer (meaning “to peck” or “to pick”) and nique (meaning “nothing” or “a very small amount”). By the latter half of the 1600s, ‘pique-niques’ had become a kind of fashionable potluck meal, held indoors, and to which each guest contributed a share.
Following the French Revolution, the aristocratic picnic or pique-nique spread to the UK, and became popular as both a raucous event that involved singing, drinking, and gambling (the Pic Nic Society in London was particularly notorious) and as a sophisticated pastime enjoyed by the middle classes. By the time it reached the U.S., then, outdoor picnics also became common, and among all types of people, especially as the growth of public transport made it possible for anyone to seek out the perfect picnic spot.
Meanwhile, although we’re completely convinced that International Picnic Day ought to be printed on every calendar and made into an official holiday, we don’t know who’s responsible for creating this day. We don’t even know why it’s held on June 18, other than it being a warm, sunny time of year with long evenings to spend outside. Still, knowing where the day originated isn’t a prerequisite for celebrating it, as we’re about to see.
How to Celebrate International Picnic Day
Obviously, the best way to mark International Picnic Day is to, well, have a picnic. As we see it, then, there are five steps to planning your day. Here’s how you can enjoy a richly deserved break with a well-organized picnic.
Choose the Occasion
One of our favorite things about picnics is that they can be customized to suit any group or occasion. For example, companies often hold picnics to give employees a chance to get to know each other, or to collaborate in a fun setting. If you want to impress someone on a date, then whisking them away to a secluded location with a scenic view would be a gorgeous surprise. Family picnics are the most popular, but you can even put your own spin on this, and extend it into a full-scale reunion. Choose your ‘audience’ and the company you’re bringing, and then plan with them in mind.
Find a Perfect Spot
Again, a picturesque location does set the stage for an exceptional picnic – fresh air and a coastal breeze can even engage your appetite. Before you embark on your trip, scout out any spots that would be suitable, whether it’s a sandy beach, a charming hillside, a soothing riverbank, a local park, or even your own backyard. There are no rules when it comes to picnic locations, and any outdoor setting is bound to add ambience.
Plan the Menu
Picnics are all about the food! To ensure that your companions are content and don’t go home with hungry bellies, try to pack a basket with something for everyone. From staple sandwiches and savory tarts to fruity spreads and potato chip side dishes, the options are endless. Don’t forget to bring condiments like ketchup and mustard, a cutting board to help with your prep, and maybe even a sneaky bottle of wine.
The Right Gear
We’re going to present you with a checklist later, anyway, but for now, know that the secret to a successful International Picnic Day is making sure you have all the right accessories and gear. For example, insulated bags, vacuum-sealed containers, and a sturdy picnic basket with a full set of utensils are must-haves. Plates, napkins, and glasses will make your picnic experience a more elaborate affair, but you can also bring paper plates and cups instead (as long as you dispose of them correctly).
Activities and Comfort
We understand: on a balmy summer’s day, you might just want to spend the day alternating between reading and napping. However, with company around, and since you’re outside anyway, why not set up a few lawn games to play, or have fun with a deck of cards? For comfort, bring along throw pillows and a blanket, sunscreen, and, if you’re inundated by pesky insect invaders, a trusty bug repellent. A portable Bluetooth speaker can also provide the perfect soundtrack for your day.
What to Bring to a Picnic
To really make sure that your International Picnic Day goes smoothly, you should put together a checklist (and that’s exactly what we’ve done for you, here). Once you know that every item on these lists has been accounted for, you can hit the road. Of course, feel free to add or remove things, depending on whether you want something simple or want to cover all bases. You can even note your picnic essentials in the comments section below, and we can incorporate them into the article!
Food and Drinks
Juicy summer fruits, like watermelon and strawberries, are guaranteed to make your mouth water on June 18th. When it comes to drinks, bring a selection of beverages, such as bottled water to stay hydrated, canned soda for that sugar rush, and that surreptitiously stowed wine bottle we mentioned earlier.
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Fresh fruit
- Baked goods or candy
- Drinks
- Condiments
Comfort
The next items on your list are what will make eating outdoors a comfortable, pleasurable experience. You can avoid glare from the sun with a fashionable pair of sunglasses, and prevent a nasty burn by applying the right amount of sunscreen, or by wearing a hat.
- Pillows
- Blanket
- Sunscreen
- Can coolers
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- First-aid kit
Games and Activities
For something to do while you’re listening to the sound of gently running water or of kids playing tag in the park, you could unwind with a book or listen to some music. To make the most of your surroundings, take pictures with your phone or camera, document your day in a journal, or get the whole family involved in an outdoor activity.
- Journal
- Frisbee
- Kite
- Cornhole
- Bluetooth speaker
- Fast Four
- Topple Tower
- Book
Clean-Up
Finally, you don’t want to invoke the wrath of a park ranger by dropping a mess of litter behind on the grass or bench, so in order to leave the space as you left it, bring some of the following supplies. We appreciate that your checklist might be getting lengthier by the minute, but remember, you don’t have to include everything. You probably don’t need that spare frisbee, after all.
- Trash bags
- Tablecloth
- Napkins
- Cups
- Plates
- Hand sanitizer
- Paper towels
- Disinfectant wipes
- Lunch boxes
- Serving trays
- … and tote bags to carry everything in!
Hopefully, by this point in the article, you’ve actually had a picnic – or are almost ready and packed to go on one. And in so doing, perhaps you’ve come to understand the joy of stepping out into the sunshine, eating al fresco, and letting the summer wind play with the pages of your paperback book. That’s exactly why we’re staring longingly out the window today, yearning for International Picnic Day to fall on a Sunday next year.
However, with it only being June, there are several more months of sun to enjoy, and plenty of more opportunities to take inspiration from Zazzle. For a range of other romantic date ideas to try this season, check out our suggestions for “20 Fun First Date Ideas for Every Personality Type,” and to keep the kids entertained until school starts, dive into our list of “25 Indoor and Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids.” Finally, you can bid farewell to August and September, and to your fond memories of International Picnic Day, with “Ways to Mark the End of Summer (Before School Starts).”
Eoin is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork. He’s recently bought a house with his fiancée, and thus most of his time these days is spent trying to keep the walls from caving in and the wolves from the door. Still, he’s always open to book, game, and movie recommendations, so if you have some, let him know: he’ll add them to a very, very long list.
