Can you picnic?

 

There’s something quietly magical about picnics. You can enjoy one anywhere, a patch of grass in the park, poolside, or even your own backyard. But when I think of a picnic, I imagine a beautiful outdoor setting paired with thoughtfully prepared, culinary-inspired food, shared with friends or family.

That wasn’t always the case.

The setting? I had that part down. Scenic spaces have always called to me. But the food, the kind that feels inspired and a little indulgent, I am still working on that.

I still remember the first time my family joined friends for an outdoor picnic and concert at a vineyard. The scene was stunning: rows of grapevines, the late afternoon sun, music drifting through the air, and a sense of ease that felt almost like the setting of a movie.

My picnic contribution? Definitely more “grab-and-go.” than gourmet. Let’s just say I took the easy route and stopped at Kentucky Fried Chicken, picking up a bucket of chicken and biscuits. And to be fair—fried chicken is delicious. There’s nothing wrong with it. But my friend? She had quite literally prepared the most delightful gourmet spread. Every dish felt intentional, and full of flavor. It was clear she’d put real thought into her choices, crafting a menu that elevated the entire experience. She was an inspiration—and that picnic planted the seed for how I wanted to show up creatively in moments like these.

Since then, I’ve learned to embrace the art of the picnic. It’s not about perfection—it’s about expressing my creative side. A crusty loaf of rosemary focaccia, marinated olives, a chilled bottle of prosecco, and a wedge of brie. Add my peach, arugula, and bleu cheese salad, and my work is done. 

Picnics are really more than just a meal. They’re a chance to be creative with a touch of improvisation. I’ve come to love the process—choosing ingredients, packing with intention, and setting the scene. And maybe that’s the real beauty of a picnic. It invites us to pause, to gather, to celebrate the everyday. It reminds us to take pleasure in simple things like focaccia, brie and prosecco and shared moments with friends and family.