I’ve seen the prettiest garden party photos everywhere but this morning was inspired whilst thinking about how lovely picnics are as well..

… in their imperfectly casual design set up and easily found, natural locations.

One of my first picnic memories was on a high school trip in London. A few friends and I bought a baguette and some cheese and enjoyed the pastoral setting of the river Thames. Nothing more than good company, the best food and a rustic setting. Another great memory was with friends atop the Monarch Ramparts. This time one of the women in our group had completed lessons at the Cordon Bleu Cooking School so our fare was much more luxurious, finishing with a robust gingerbread cake. That was a fabulous reward for hiking to the top!

Our own hiking adventures always have a packed lunch but this past summer we decided to extend our time in the outdoors with a barbecue. You will find us picnicking in beautiful mountain/river/lake settings, ice cold beer, grilled kabobs, salad and sometimes cake for dessert. Here are a few of our favorite locations thus far..

My daughter’s taken to picnicking in city parks with her little one, where strollers can meander down smooth pathways with friends. Food trucks are conveniently parked at the entrance where they pick up a coffee and sweet snack for her and her friends to munch on when they find a little grassy spot in the shade for baby to safely toddle around.

I recall a shop in Kensington that offered Picnic baskets etc but they have long gone, maybe because these things can spontaneously come together with such casual ease.. or not. Of course my creative mind loves seeing how other people picnic..  and it inspires me to capture more of these last summer days. I’m picturing a blanket, fall leaves scattered everywhere.

I think the simpler the set up the better, but check these out..

I doubt I’ll be bringing porcelain plates and glass tumblers any time soon, but maybe.. if I use my wagon to haul everything!

Here are just a few fancier utensils, baskets and blankets out there right now:

.. but a simple baguette and a wedge of cheese, some fruit and chocolate still appeals to me most!

Love,

Smidge