Life is a Picnic

Spending a day picnicking is sheer bliss in the sun. A picnic done right is more than just the meal laid out on a gingham blanket, they involve beautiful scenery, good company, and outdoor activities as well. In 1995, Green & Green provided the picnic backpacks for the premiere of the film Sabrina with Julia Ormond and Harrison Ford. That film still includes one of the most memorable (and romantic!) picnic scenes of all time.

Because picnicking requires bringing everything with you, unfortunately there are lots of details to overlook. Don’t get ants in your pants - we got you covered! 

Here are Green & Green’s suggestions for a safe and fun picnic season in the summer 2020:

1) Plan your menu. Make sure to plan your dishes in advance, thinking about how food will keep in the sun and how you will serve each dish. Keep salad dressings separate and try to bring food items that are bite sized. If you prepare a main dish to share, like quiche or onion tarte, we recommend pre-cutting the pieces.

2) Reusable dishware! If you don’t have a nice enamel set, now is the time to invest. These break-resistant plates and cups with become a lifeline for you this summer. Whether you are in the backyard, camping, or sharing an afternoon picnic in the park, outdoor dishware is a must.

3) Game on! Bring games and activities for kids. After you’ve all tucked in, why not take advantage of your outing and spend some time playing in the sun? You need to keep the little ones occupied while the grown ups are enjoying the prosecco. Speaking of which…

4) Bring a tray for the wine glasses! Unfortunately, I had to learn this lesson the hard way. A flat surface will go a long way to ensure you can enjoy your beverages with ease. Don’t forget the corkscrew either! This is a common, and tragic, oversight when picnic planning.

5) Recline in comfort. Camp chairs will go a long way to making your set up more comfortable for the adults, particularly if older folks are among you. Camp chairs are a wonderful investment that will transform any park into your living room.

6) Clean up! The parks are a public responsibility to look after! Make sure you’re leaving it in better condition than you found it. We recommend bringing along a couple large paper bags. One for dirty dishware and another for food scraps.

7) Find the perfect spot. Vancouver is chock full of idyllic picnic perches. We recommend exploring the city and getting inspired for your next picnic. Some of our favourite spots are Spanish Banks in Kitsilano, Queen Elizabeth Park on Cambie and Crab Park. If you want to make a day trip, try going to Lion’s Bay or Harrison Lake in the Fraser Valley!

2020 has not been what any of us planned, but picnics are among the summer activities that we can still enjoy, unchanged. Put a little extra effort into your picnic planning and reap the rewards. A day of lounging, adventuring and nibbling in the sunshine is one well spent, and your family will never forget it.

Share of one your favorite picnic spots and gathering.

Happy Picnicking