July is National Picnic Month

Ever since I was a little kid, I've been crazy about picnics. There's just something special about eating outdoors, whether it's a fancy spread like you'd see in a cookbook or a simple ham sandwich and water enjoyed at the edge of the Grand Canyon.

When I was a kid, I loved packing a snack or a sandwich and heading outside and as a mom, I loved our homes that had outdoor dining spaces. And now, I still love taking my grandkids out to the local park for a spontaneous picnic lunch, or creating an indoor picnic when the weather gets just a little too warm!

Because It's kind of funny that as National Picnic Month kicks off, here in Arizona  our picnics have to move indoors to escape the heat. But hey, an indoor picnic can be just as lovely!

Here are some of my favorite cookbooks — both new and old — that can help you create a magical picnic, whether you're eating inside or out:

The Picnic: Recipes and Inspiration from Basket to Blanket. The first of a creative and inspirational series of books about celebrating seasons and events with friends, family, games and wonderful food and stories. This book is full of layers and levels, hints and hacks AND adorable illustrations: Elevate your picnic game: learn how to shuck oysters, create jarred salads, make frosty picnic floats and quick pickles. Find out what to pack and how to avoid picnic disasters, too. Gently Used - Very Good

Everything Tastes Better Outdoors (1990). A unique take on dining al fresco, Claudia Roden takes us around the world to experience how different people experience dining out of doors. She looks at three different perspectives: food that is prepared at home and transported, food cooked out of doors and travelers in boats, campers and outdoor camping kitchens. And the stories! tales of how people around the world seek out and create meaningful experiences with friends and family. From intimate picnics to large celebrations and gatherings. (Vintage - Fine Conditions) 

Al Fresco: Inspired Ideas for Outdoor Living (2022). What better way to live than to dine outdoors - to find out how much better everything tastes when we are not contained within walls. Julie Pointer Adams collects stories and recipes from friends and shares the many ways we can open our lives to dining al fresco. New.

 

Teddy Bear's Picnic Cookbook (1991). Get ready for a deliciously adorable picnic with Teddy Bear's Picnic Cookbook! This cookbook, filled with tasty recipes perfect for picnics, is sure to make your next outing a hit. Like New. 

Winnie-the-Pooh's Picnic Cookbook (1997). Inspired by  A. A, Milne. A sweet little book for bringing memories into the present. Join Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh and all their friends in your own Hundred Acre Woods for a glorious picnic. Like New. 

  

Get some of our picnicware to go along with your delicious food! We carry large insulated picnic bags and picnic tableware in 3 beautiful patterns. 

 

And as you prepare your picnic baskets, check out this post on the history of alfresco dining.