Ready, steady, picnic

The secret of a good picnic is in its simplicity, company, location and planning, but the most important thing is always and above all - enjoying a good meal.

A picnic could be defined as an enjoyable meal eaten outdoors in a pleasant and comfortable place. You can eat comfortably settled in a folding chair or even more relaxed, lying on a blanket on the grass. A picnic can be; family-oriented, as well as a romantic occasion just for two, a picnic celebration, a get-together or even a business event.

Besides the compulsory blanket and basket which are a must, a picnic requires a good appetite, outdoor games, activities and a good mood.

The secret of a good picnic is in its simplicity, company, location and planning. Rain is not welcomed, but it should be taken into account as a possibility and so it is a good idea to organise the picnic near a sheltered facility so the party can continue, even in the case of rain. Choosing a nice spot with lots of shade is equally important.

The most romantic picnics are spent on the outskirts of national parks, alongside rivers, on hidden beaches, gentle forest hills and also on balconies or terraces of flats or business premises - if in compliance with business policies, in your own garden, in the city parks or in some other locations. Nevertheless, the company you share and the contents of a picnic are most important.

Food

A picnic is a festival of eating outdoors so good and practical food is crucial.

A picnic is a festival of eating outdoors, so good and practical food is crucial: sandwiches, canapé, salads, creative salad dressings, spreads, various pies, pancakes as well as various cheeses, pâtés, olives, delicatessen anchovies with capers, canned tuna or sardines, smoked salmon, croissants, season fruits such as strawberries, cherries, melons, grapes and lets not forget the beverages. All the food that is easily transported, easy to eat and not so much temperature dependable can be used as picnic food.

Most «picnic fans» will reach out for a barbecue picnic, but it would be wise to check beforehand if a barbecue outdoors is allowed and whether the planned location provides any required  equipment. Everything else: from charcoal to meat sticks, should be taken with you.

Picnic checklist

Proper organisation along with choosing the right location, time and company also assumes the art of selecting all the necessary items. We have provided you a list of the most important things,  however do feel free to expand it as desired:

• Folding chairs, table, refrigerator
• Picnic blanket, table cloths or some other covering
• Picnic basket with food, spices and cutlery
• Serviettes, linen napkins, moisturised tissues
• Juice, water, beer, wine or even champagne
• Can and bottle opener, lighter/matches
• Lamp, battery
• Bags for leftovers and rubbish
• Social activities, balls, books
• Barbecue equipment if planning a barbecue and adequate food.

Why have a picnic?

• Picnics draw people together
• Picnics remove wrinkles, drive away stress and anxiety
• Picnics stimulate the appetite and metabolism
• Picnics are usually not limited by space and can «entertain» a large number of people
• A chance to enjoy fresh air
• By going on a picnic, there is no need to worry about your neighbours or noise level which may disturb them
• Picnics are much cheaper than going to restaurants

Favourite picnic destinations:

• Mountain and forest destinations
• Beaches out of season and hidden coves
• Along rivers
• Big city parks
• Near catering facilities that have a special picnic area

Regardless of where you have your picnic be sure to clean up afterwards, pick up the rubbish, take the leftovers and don't let your picnic party be a stressful occasion for the local flora and fauna.

The Environmental Protection Act provides all the information about where picnics can and cannot be organised and what kind of permits are necessary, if required.

Regardless of where you make your picnic be sure to clean up afterwards, pick up the rubbish, take the leftovers and don't let your picnic party be a stressful occasion for the local flora and fauna. In other words, if you are familiar with the camping and hiking culture, please act accordingly. And have a great picnic!