In order to fully grasp the spirit of the picnic, let's take a little trip back in time to the 17th century. A quick overview to check that we have arrived at the right destination. Louis XIV wears the crown, while Molière plays his last play. Are you there? (If the people around you are wearing winged helmets, you've gone too far!). The 17th century, it was indeed at this time that the notion of picnic was born, at a time when man felt the need to get close to nature. So yes, backyard meals are already commonplace, but outdoor orgies leave little room for a connection with mother nature. Hence this desire to simplify things. Etymologically, "picnic " can be translated in different ways, but the spirit remains the same:"pecking at simple things". -crust. The picnic is a meal in its own right, and requires a minimum of organization to be successful. So back to our time for a little overview of the successful picnic.
The golden rules of the picnic
For a hassle-free picnic and in the rules of the art, some practices are to be respected:
The interest of the picnic is obviously that it allows you to take your meal off the beaten track, far from the kitchens and living rooms visited throughout the year. And the picnic can be adapted to all kinds of places, according to everyone's desires.
A picnic in the forest is ideal for getting back in touch with nature over a meal. The light that emerges between the trees, a deep silence sometimes interrupted by the song of birds, the smell of trees and mushrooms, nothing like a lunch in a small clearing to feel invigorated and relaxed. It is best for this type of picnic to bring a folding table. This will prevent insects that are a little too cavalier from inviting themselves to the meal. It is true that for some of our congeners insects are delicacies, but it can be disturbing for Westerners with the delicate palate that we are, to feel a grasshopper's leg crunch between our teeth. Also watch children carefully, even if the place looks safe, the risk of an adventurous snake is always there. Finally, of course, check that the place is not private, just to avoid having this moment of relaxation interrupted by the arrival of the game warden.
The beach is another great spot for a peaceful picnic. At noon, the beach will be perfect for a family picnic that will delight children. For this type of picnic, the element not to be forgotten is the parasol, to avoid any risk of sunstroke, because be careful the wind is sometimes treacherous and makes us forget the presence of an intense sun. Avoid the hours when the sun is at its peak as much as possible. Think the same way of the tablecloth, a piece of cheese that crisps is never really pleasant. In the evening, the beach will be the meeting place for lovers. What could be better than a dinner lulled by the sound of the waves, and admiring a sunset above the water.
Finally, probably the most incongruous place:your garden ! Some are already seeing all their dreams of travel and their desire to prove their adventurous talents shattered. And yet, picnicking in the garden also has its interests. First, it allows you to eat outdoors even on days when the weather is too short to explore new lands. Then, it gives the opportunity to be able to invite many more friends to join his table! Combined with a good barbecue done according to the rules of the art, it will become a real moment of conviviality. Not to mention that all the vegetables from the vegetable garden will be at your fingertips.
Sandwich chips? A little imagination what the hell! Always keep in mind that having a picnic does not prevent you from eating a balanced diet, it is even the perfect opportunity to eat your 5 daily fruits and vegetables with ease. For the savory, the possibilities are very vast. All cold preparations are suitable. Savory pies, such as a tomato tarte tatin are always a real treat, why not accompanied by a salmon cake. Mixed salads are also honored by this type of meal.
For desserts, easy to transport and easy to consume, fruit is of course in order!
Don't forget to bring something to drink and hydrate yourself throughout the day.
There are a few rules to follow for a picnic that respects the environment:
