Picnic History, from Elitist Flex to Humble Romance
Did you know picnics used to be a way for the rich to flex on the poor? Yeah, pretty dark, right?
Today, we think of picnics as romantic, charming, casual events for everyone. They can be personalized to make anyone happy. Family friendly? Sure, make some memories. Adults only, with champagne and snuggles? Absolutely an option. Lazy? Lounge all afternoon on a blanket in the warm sun. Active? Run around flying kites and playing croquet! You can make a picnic fit your lifestyle, your energy level, your relationship status, you can make it fit you. Picnics are perfect.
PICNIC HISTORY
The concept of intentionally leaving the comfort of indoors, packing a meal to go, and enjoying it with friends in nature isn’t new, of course, but the practice and purpose behind them has changed dramatically over time.
The first true picnics were medieval hunting feasts, basically an opportunity to show off how rich you were by forcing servants to lug furniture and food into the woods for an elaborate feast while you ran around pretending to hunt something. They were luxurious events, filled with too much everything and not enough anything at the same time. And that continued the general theme of picnics for a while. Basically and opulent social stunt for the privileged few.
It wasn’t until the 1700’s that the concept of what we think of as a picnic today really began to take form, and like many culinary traditions, we have the French to thank. Of course, the French didn’t invent the picnic, every culture has its own version, but the name picnic comes from the French phrase pique-nique, meaning ‘pick a little’, or ‘peck at something small’, and they are also be credited with the shift in the economic class of people who could enjoy a picnic.
Interestingly enough, up to the 18th century, parks were limited to upperclass titled citizens only, but then came the French Revolution, and lower class citizens immediately packed their baguettes and a bottle of wine to lunch in those lovely gardens, if only out of well-deserved spite. Which is the most French way of handling things I’ve ever heard.
With that, the simple, rustic concept of the inclusive picnic was born. They went through phases of formality again, with Regency era authors like Jane Austen painting them as romantic, idyllic affairs, with pastoral scenes filled with flowers and picnic baskets brimming with delicious foods shared intimately under shade trees.
But, soon another revolution disrupted the evolution of picnics - the Industrial Revolution. Urbanization and the convenience of modern kitchen tools made staying home to eat convenient and practical, but picnics, surprisingly, survived the cultural shift. In fact, the idea of escaping to enjoy a quiet, simple meal in nature was even more attractive than before.
Even during the Great Depression, picnics held their appeal. Families could turn a simple, inexpensive meal into a fun event with almost no added cost. Then, as cars allowed for farther and easier travel, many families made picnics in the park a weekly tradition. And today, picnics are just as popular, with nearly every culture and region developing some form of picnic tradition.
There are modern, elaborate gourmet affairs, and elegant ancient traditions like Hanami in Japan, or there are rustic, family friendly events with lawn games and ham sandwiches. That’s what is so magical about picnics. There are no rules or requirements. They barely demand food. A bottle of champagne and a blanket is a picnic in my book.
PICNICS FOR ALL
Picnics are for everyone, and can happen anywhere. Some of the most romantic picnics are as far away as your own backyard, and some of the most memorable picnics get rained out, forcing you to snuggle under a blanket rather than sit on one.
There’s no wrong way to do it, just don’t forget to enjoy yourself. I almost lost sight of that when I decided to plan one. When I started putting together my a picnic with my partner, I searched for cliche, fancy picnic recipes like salmon croquettes, and cucumber sandwiches. Sounded fun to make, and they would look great on camera, but my partner hates cucumbers, so I realized I was making a menu for all the wrong reasons.
Picnics should be authentic. If you’re someone who loves to craft beautiful, elaborate menus full of elegantly presented food, go for it. I do too, sometimes, and picnics can totally be as fancy as any ballroom event, but that’s not what I wanted my picnic to be.
MY PICNIC MENU
You know what I wanted? Like really wanted? Corndogs. Yep. Simple, salty sweet, crunchy delicious corndogs.
See, I missed fair season last year. And by fair season, I mean fair food season. I was 8 months pregnant during our local fair, so the crowds and the walking just wasn’t an option, but that means I missed out on funnel cakes and caramel apples and fried everything, so I have been craving a fresh, homemade corn dog like mad, so when I came across a recipe in one of my community cookbooks, I knew exactly what I would make for my romantic picnic in the park.
And as a side, I love finding recipes that disguise veggies. We both actually love vegetables, but anytime you can sneak them into a dish that is as tasty as potatoes, I’m in. So, I’m making this recipe I found for zucchini patties. They’re deliciously cheesy with a crunchy cracker crust, and I’m updating the technique a bit by using an air fryer instead of pan frying like the recipe calls for, since I’m already deep frying the corn dogs.
And for a crunchy, zesty addition, I’m pickling green beans. A classic side, they’re perfect for a picnic since they’re easier to eat than a salad, but add the same flavor profile to a meal.
And to drink? Well, it’s not a romantic picnic without some sort of wine, and what’s more romantic than champagne? So, to make it fit in with my rustic menu, I’m going to make a cherry champagne fizz using my favorite maraschino cherries from Luxardo.
And for dessert? My partner isn’t picky, but they always pick the lemon dessert when it’s an option, so I’m going to make a vintage picnic classic - everyone’s favorite - lemon bars.
So with that as my menu, I’d love for you to join me for my version of a perfect picnic lunch for two, using authentic recipes from, as always, vintage community cookbooks. But, I’m super curious what your favorite picnic foods are, so be sure to let me know in the comments below.
And, I’ll be cooking on and packing with mostly vintage items with a few exceptions that I can’t wait to share. So follow me to come along, and share with anyone you think would like to join us.
WANT TO COOK THE RECIPES IN THIS SERIES? SEE BELOW FOR LINKS!
KITCHENWARE USED IN THIS SERIES
VINTAGE PYREX
Amish Butterprint from the 1950’s
VINTAGE PYREX
Pink Gooseberry from the 1950’s