Saturday, June 18, 2016

The Art of the Picnic


~ Picnics ~

June 18th is designated as International Picnic Day.





PICNIC, by Jane Pettigrew, was a lucky find on the sale

cart of donated books at our local branch library.

It is a fun read and a perfect fit for this 

girl who loves a good picnic. 




Filled with both charming illustrations and beautiful photos,

the author covers everything from the history of picnics, 

to setting the scene for one's own picnics with inspiration photos, 

as well as including wonderful recipes perfect for a picnic basket.






I adore the simple pleasures of alfresco dining,

and through the years, I have admired many 

of my blogging friends' picnic posts.

To offer up some inspiration and charm,

I've selected some choice picnic ideas to share here.

You can click on the individual links to view the post in full.





From E´douard Manet's iconic painting of a bourgeois picnic, 

Luncheon on the Grass, to Claude Monet's

more typical picnic scene in his, Luncheon on the Grass, 

forays to the countryside with alfresco dining in mind

have long been popular in both art and life.





For all the years we sailed our Hyacinths on Lake Travis,

our sailing forays most always included a picnic on board.





I admit our picnics on the lake were not as

creative and colorful as these of my blogging friends,

but they were delicious and a welcomed 

addition to a day of sailing.




Picnics and summertime seem to go hand-in-hand,

and the fourth of July is a perfect excuse for a patriotic picnic.





Watermelon and hot dogs ~

the perfect summer picnic fare.




The crisp fall days of autumn invite us to 

pack a basket and head out among the falling leaves.




A little impromptu picnic is always a good thing,

especially if it's in the beautiful countryside of Normandy, France.




Even a gaggle of witches can be found 

enjoying a picnic before flight on Halloween Night.





From tartan lined basket to a picnic spread atop her 

colorful tartan blanket, Michael Lee

has set the stage for a lovely riverside luncheon.



Meadow Picnic @ Home is Where the Boat Is

Mary chose this grassy meadow

 for her picnic outing.





One can do as Anita did here and set up a makeshift 

tent to escape the hot Texas sun .   .   .




Or simply spread a quilt under a shade tree.

Either way, Anita has the right idea for relaxing with

a cool lemonade and a stack of good books.




Linda's French inspired picnic 

is enjoyed on a grassy lawn where she 

found the perfect spot for some plein air painting.





If there is a picnic table available,

spread a pretty cloth and set the table in style.

Linda's Butterfly Garden MacKenzie-Childs enamel ware 

are perfect dishes for carting to a picnic.



Patti @ Pandora's Box


Patti, on the other hand, took her MacKenzie-Childs

enamel ware to the beach for a picnic on the sand.




A Perfect Day for a Picnic @ A Quiet Life

Planning ahead with a bit of entertainment is

a good idea ~ kites, bikes, croquet, frisbee.




A Friend's Daughter ~ Jen Schow Photogrphy
Used With Permission

Real or make believe, a picnic is a 

delightful way to entertain children outdoors.





And we all know that Teddy Bears

are known to enjoy a good picnic.



A Ride With the Picnic Cookbook @ A Quiet Life

Pack a picnic basket, grab a blanket or quilt,

and head off to your favorite picnic spot to enjoy

the pleasures of dining outdoors on a perfect day.



Ben Watching the Tartan Parade @ Normandy Life


"A picnic is more than eating a meal,
it's a pleasurable state of mind."
~ DeeDee Stovel, Picnic

Joining


Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

53 comments:

  1. Sarah, We are enjoying a reprieve from mid-90 degree weather to temperatures in the 80s this weekend so a pontoon picnic may be in our future. :) Thanks for the picnic round-up and inspiration..."Live. Love. Picnic." ♥

    ReplyDelete
  2. This makes me want to go to our camp tonight and play some croquet while enjoying a picnic and the Strawberry Moon! I am all for adding more play to my day. I love your gaggle of witches enjoying a picnic before flight on Halloween Night. Great post Sarah!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Had a very simple picnic in Les Tuileries:) Drank our wine out of Bonne Maman plastic cups..
    I love picnics..bloggers are soo creative w/ setting tables and picnics w/ all the right accoutrements...props etc..

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love picnics anywhere outside almost. As a child my family had a cabin at the lake and we picnicked everyday, such treasured memories.
    Ann

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sarah, all of these picnic settings are beautiful! It makes me want to pack a basket and go out to the park; but it is in the upper 90's today. I guess a girl can dream, huh?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sarah, you shown us so many beautiful picnics. I haven't been on a picnic in years. You have motivated me... Each one is lovely and it is a great way to relax and enjoy a nice meal outdoors. Happy weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  7. We eat outside by the pool or down at the beach all the time, but we just grab food and eat...it's not pretty that's for sure!! Looking at all the picnics here, I want to plan something fabulous! At least better than a sandwich in tinfoil and chips from the bag!! Ha!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beautiful picnic inspiration! I guess I have lived in the South for too long, when I see picnics in the grass, all I see is chiggers! Dianne

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm always so delighted by visiting your lovely blog, my Beautiful Lady, I'm so grateful to you for another wonderful post !

    Enjoy your weekend, dear Sarah, may it be as joyous as ever before,
    sending my dearest love to you

    Xx ~ Dany

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is a wonderful post, Sarah, so much inspiration. I love a nice picnic as well as anyone and that Meadow Picnic has my heart.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sarah, beautiful picnic inspiration! Picnics are always a good idea! Blessings, Pam @ Everyday Living

    ReplyDelete
  12. A star-studded list of bloggers' takes on the picnic - all fabulous! Thank you for assembling this homage to the great outdoors!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sarah, oh I love your many shots of so many great ways to enjoy a picnic. For me it has always been a wonderful way to share time with family and friends in a favorite place. It's fun for a crowd or just for two. I hope to put one together for the fourth. Thanks for sharing the links………..

    ReplyDelete
  14. That was beautiful, Sarah. Who wouldn't be thrilled to be invited to any one of those picnics? Lots of inspiration!
    As I write, elements of a picnic for later this afternoon are roasting and boiling. The basket is packed with cutlery, dishes and clothes - all in yellow and blue. While our picnic will be no competition for the gorgeous ones shown, the spirit will be wonderful and the company the very best!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you for rounding up such a wonderful selection of picnic pics! I really enjoyed the unique aspects of each one. Definitely makes me want to pack our picnic "bag" and head out on our motorcycle somewhere which hubby and I love to do in the warmer months.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This was a delightful post, Sarah! I enjoyed viewing each charming picnic! Great idea to share all the creativity.

    ReplyDelete
  17. A lovely compilation of picnic set up. Thanks for sharing, Sarah! Now, I am inspired to so a picnic setting when we go watch a concert on Wed....Christine

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great post, Sarah! Makes me want to pack up a picnic basket right now! Love the little girl and her picnic basket! Have a wonderful week, dear Sarah!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very inspiring, I am going to go find my picnic basket!

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a fun post!

    I actually referenced your Memorial Day picnic basket when I was setting up my photo for International Picnic Day.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh what fun Sarah! Who doesn't love a picnic, and our blogging community sure knows how to throw one! I know you have inspired a lot summer spreads!
    Jenna

    ReplyDelete
  22. Awesome photos, those people really know how to throw a party!
    Hope you have a great week :)
    Joy @ Books and Life

    ReplyDelete
  23. Dearest Sarah,
    What a lovely picnic photos you show us here!
    They all are very colorful and happy looking events.
    Loved the carved out watermelon with the word picnic.
    Sending you hugs and blessings for Summer.
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hello Sarah, Your picnic book find makes a wonderful post. I would love to be included in all of these delightful picnic themes. I admit the red, white and blue always captures me the most. I have a picnic hamper and I need to use it more.

    Happy Blue Monday.
    Hugs,
    Jeanne

    ReplyDelete
  25. Such a beautiful blog, fairly new follower. The picnic theme makes me want to go on a picnic with a delicious lunch, comfy chair and a good book...

    ReplyDelete
  26. Dear Sarah, Hooray its summer! Oh my what a lovely parade of Picnic Vignettes. I really enjoyed each of them . And the last one made me smile, cute Ben is watching the Tartan parade. :-)))
    Thank you for this lovely post, I love picnic, its so easy life and summer.
    Best greetings, Johanna

    ReplyDelete
  27. such pretty pictures!!! I will keep my eye open for that book!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Dear Sarah:
    I do love all these different picnics. Lots of great ideas are given in this post. Thanks for sharing and linking this sweet book Sarah!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sarah, I love a picnic! And how did I not know that there was a national picnic day? Love all that you shared. Especially loved the tartan picnic. I have that same cherry and checkered plate that you showed. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a great book, and photos you've shared, Sarah, for some picnic inspiration. I'm especially in love with the teddy bear picnic...so sweet!
    Happy summer to you, and happy picnicking!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Such lovely images! Makes me want to "have a picnic!"

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Sarah, We love to picnic! You have found some lovely ones to share with us! Thank you for including me in this group~~I always find inspiration from other bloggers and especially from you! I didn't know that witches started their Halloween festivities with a picnic, but now I will be watching for them this October. The picture of your little friend with her teddy at their own private picnic is just priceless! So innocent and so happy! Thank you for the joyful post! Linda

    ReplyDelete
  33. What a great post! I really enjoyed your picnic inspiration. I have been out of it for a while - so I liked the fun in all the picnic scenes.
    Thanks Sarah!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Lovely! Every one of them. I missed the chance to link up. So I'm including my picnic link here: https://hopewellslibraryoflife.wordpress.com/2016/06/21/lets-go-for-a-picnic/

    ReplyDelete
  35. love the picnic idea thanks for sharing have a great weekend

    ReplyDelete
  36. Such pretty picnic venues and such pretty pictures, I love going on a picnic too! I certainly will keep my eye open for that book.
    Thank you for sharing this delightful post at TOHOT!
    Happy Weekend time,
    Jemma

    ReplyDelete
  37. Oh I adore a good picnic and you have provided such wonderful inspiration.Thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful post at Thoughts of Home on Thursday.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Oh Sarah, I AM IN LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Every picnic scene here, from the nautical experience down to the child's tea party and teddy bear picnic, it's all summer magic. I have yet to arrange a picnic or a photo shoot for such an event! We have many waterside areas here to take advantage of this, so I need to put on my wellies (to avoid any ticks or mosquitos!) and get a friend to accompany me to the Minnehaha Creek or one of the beautiful lakes.

    Thank you dear Sarah for coming to visit my peony love! Yes my friend, I am very proud of the fact that this well-known area for being the WINTER FREEZER of the country boasts some of the most beautiful peonies. I had no idea several states such as Texas or California were unable to grow them successfully! They were stunning this year, and my neighbors were so generous to share them with me.

    I saw the most GORGEOUS pink poppies yesterday on a walk we took. I've seen them in orange and white, but never pink. Summer is a time to discover new things!

    Many hugs and wishes for a sensational summer!

    ReplyDelete
  39. As crazy as it sounds, I have not had a picnic for almost 15 years. I shall have to rectify this someday :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Dear Sarah:
    Loved your post and it is featured today on my blog special features. Coongratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Sarah! just saw your comment on preppy empty nester and tried to email you but it wouldn't go thru. sounds like we have so much in common! I'm in Texas. My mom's name was spelled sarah! We are sailors. I'm an ex-teacher....one yr away from retirement...couldn't take it anymore! just seemed like so much of your profile was mine!!!
    Would love to connect if you'd like! And yes....I almost had a humidity stroke yesterday at my grandson's swimming birthday party.....

    ReplyDelete
  42. What a wonderful post! I have had picnic's on the brain lately. I even have a picnic post scheduled. I have the picnic giveaway started and soon I will share my review of a picnic basket set. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things link party, watch for your feature tomorrow xo

    ReplyDelete
  43. Oh I just love a picnic. Now I must follow all your links. Great post.

    ReplyDelete
  44. There are all kinds of ways to have a picnic! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Such lovely picnics, Sarah! When we moved to Colorado my son and daughter-in-law gave us a large beautiful picnic basket as a gift, as they told us there are so many beautiful areas to use it. We have used it for many pot luck gatherings with the new friends we met here, but we have yet to make a picnic for only each other. I must remedy that soon!

    ReplyDelete
  46. What a beautiful and inspiring post, Sarah! We are enjoying the summer now, but I found the autumn picnic photos especially charming. :)
    Thank you for sharing and have a lovely day!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Beautiful gathering of lovely picnics. Now I want to go picnicking :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thank you Sarah for your lovely post on picnics. I will be featuring it on SYC Thursday! xx Jo

    ReplyDelete
  49. Oh these all look so inviting! I'm ready to fill a hamper and head outdoors!
    Karee

    ReplyDelete
  50. Such a beautiful collection of picnic experiences, Sara. I especially love the Tartan Picnic--love that colorful plaid throw. Thanks so much for linking up with Vintage Charm!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Beautiful picnic inspiration! As I browse your post this morning, coffee in hand, it's been such a pleasurable way to start my day. THANK YOU for sharing such beauty!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Sarah,
    This "picnic" post brought back many a reminiscing picnic from my childhood to adult years, dear friend!
    Thank you for such a charming post on the Art of a Picnic!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  53. What a delightful collection of picnic suggestions. Now I'm sorry that I sold my picnic basket when we moved to Florida. Tote bags will have to do now. :)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.