Winter picnic ideas

Picnics are a favourite past time...

Sure, we generally associate picnics with summertime, but winter is also a time we can enjoy a picnic.   It's the time of year when we start to seek out that sunny patch in the back of the garden, when we are enjoying our fire pits, cosy nights in, and maybe even a leisurely breakfast in bed. 

A winter picnic can be a great idea to get the whole family outside.  Rug up and go for a bushwalk.  Enjoy an adventure in the fresh air and at the end, pack some yummy treats as a lovely reward for all that exercise.   A picnic backpack is perfect for just an event.  We sell an insulated version, it's great if you want to carry snacks, maybe some freshly baked muffins, biscuits or fruit, and there's enough space for a thermos inside too.  Plus there's additional space on the outside for another one - perhaps coffee for mum and dad in one, and hot chocolate for the little ones in the other.  Our insulated drink bottles will keep your hot drinks hot for 12 hrs, and they fit perfectly in the little holder on the side.  (It also holds a bottle of wine, if that's more your style.)

If the weather is not so good and you're looking to entertain the family, an indoor picnic is a great idea.  Push back the couch, move the coffee table, and set up a blanket on the floor.   Serve sandwiches and drinks right on the lounge room floor; the children will love it! 

When the nights are long... how about a special movie night, just the two of you... get cosy with cushions, and a blanky, and set up one of our portable picnic tables.  It will hold a lovely bottle of Shiraz and some cheese & biccies. What a delicious way to while away the hours.

Having the right gear for your winter picnic helps to make your day out more enjoyable.  A picnic basket, backpack, or insulated bag is top of the list.  If you're planning on hot food, perhaps soup, stew, or homemade sausage rolls, you'll need to make sure they are still warm when you're ready to eat.  An insulated container such as a thermos with a wide opening is perfect for keeping your wet food hot.  Sometimes we take little party pies to the footy, and I place them inside a Tupperware dish lined with paper towel, then wrap the container in a tea towel to help keep the contents warm. Once it's inside the insulated bag, it works a treat. 

Next, you'll need to think about the seating.  Will you be picnicking on the ground?  A waterproof picnic rug is ideal here as the ground will likely be damp at this time of year and nobody likes a wet tooshie!  The waterproof backing will help to keep the cold out, and the soft surface will be dry and warm to sit on.  We have a number of picnic rugs in store, all of them with a waterproof backing - you can check them out here. 

Let's talk about portable tables...  A folding picnic table might be just what you need to take you through these last few weeks of winter. We sell a range of beautifully crafted tables, they're made in Australia and are just as functional inside as they are outside.  The folding picnic tables are designed so you'll always have somewhere safe to put your glass, a safe place for your bottle, and somewhere flat and stable for a plate of food.  Created to make the perfect picnic; use your picnic table when you're heading for that last bit of winter sun or serve antipasto and wine by the fire pit.  Then bring it inside and use it by the bath, the bed, or for a movie night.  We have eight different styles in stock, ready to ship to you.   grab your table now.

Other things to take with you.... A footy; the kids will need to be entertained, and don't forget the Good Riddance.  It's Australia's favourite all natural insect repellent.  Sunscreen should also be on your list; in Australia the sun can still be quite strong during winter.  Of course some napkins, and tissues to clean up messes and the inevitable runny nose that the cold air will bring.  A sharp knife and a bag for rubbish will also be very useful.

One of my favourite picnic accessories is a Steady Stick.  Invented by a very clever Aussie (I like their priorities).  It will hold your glass of wine, so you will never spill a drop again.  Now that's clever!  

One last thing... I usually pack a picnic towel.  We sell these lovely Turkish towels in three different sizes.  The picnic size is larger than a tea towel, and just the right size to lay over a table if there's just the two of you, or for placing over a little one's lap, keeping the flies off your spread, wiping up spills, lining the picnic basket or even wrapping up the baby.  So versatile, I keep one in the pocket of the car door and use it time and time again.  

Do you have a favourite spot to picnic?  What's your go-to for food to pack?  I'd love to hear your ideas.