1. Something old (and faithful)
Planning a picnic or deciding what you want to bring along can actually turn into a much bigger task than you first anticipate when you rsvp – especially if you are keen to take lots of varied dishes and a good mixture of sweet and savoury. A good piece of advice is to make sure at least one of your recipes is one of your tried&tested successes. It could be something like your trusty homemade falafels or never-fail potato salad. One thing is for sure, if at least one of your dishes is a safe bet it will make for a much less stressful prepping session – and more time and confidence to try that wonderful, complicated recipe you have been dying to try for ages!
2. Something new
A picnic is THE perfect occasion to try a new recipe. Who can think of a more, relaxed and chilled-out environment for a dummy run of that super complicated but impressive looking starter? The one you would love to serve your colleagues or In-laws next time they come round for dinner! A chilled-out picnic atmosphere gives the perfect opportunity … there is no pressure or expectation to be worried about. And if it fails there are still plenty other dishes – no one will be any the wiser. Plus you will get lots of different opinions for feedback on your dish … just maybe don’t let everyone know they are being your guinea pigs first!
3. Something raw
Picnics could not be more suited to raw food. Not only will you not have the same worry you would with baked goods melting or going soft but raw food is so refreshing! The flavours are so pure and delicious. The crisp crunchiness and pure taste of raw foods are the perfect partners to a warm, summer’s afternoon spent in the park.
4. Something fizzy
Now … this is not necessarily alcoholic fizz I am talking about! However, whether it is a dash of sparkling rosé or some fizzy water with fresh mint and slices of lime … it will bring a touch of something special to your gathering. There is something lovely about fizz … I think bubbles must be synonymous with celebration in my mind. If you’re not usually a fan of fizzy water but want to keep your picnic alcohol free try buying a really good quality sparkling water and add lemon slices. Taking something to keep your drinks perfectly chilled is a must for this one!
5. A bit of vintage
Who doesn’t love a bit of vintage? In the same way that a spot of fizz will never fail to bring a special something, a touch of vintage will bring a smile to the faces of each of your guests! It could be the pattern on the plates or napkins, a stand of beautiful cupcakes or some bunting strung along the garden fence or near-by tree. There is just something wonderful about those delicate floral prints and pastel shades – no one can resist! Perhaps you could plan an entirely vintage vegan picnic and have some good old-fashioned tunes playing on a portable retro-styled radio … if you do then please invite us too! 🙂
6. Grass !
Whether you are fully equipped with your water-proof underlined picnic blanket or this is an impromptu lunch-hour outing to the park … the spot of ground that you choose as your picnic place is perhaps the most important of all. Choose a spot partially in shade, partially in bright sunshine with luscious, long blades of grass. Not that sad patchy area, mostly dust and moss … well trodden by others enroute to greener pastures. It may well be the closest but take the time to wander further to find that perfect patch of green – it will be worth it. There are few things in life more pleasing than the simple pleasure of taking off ones sandals and placing the soles of ones bare feet ‘dans l’herbe’! Enough said.
7. Colours
This point could almost go without saying. I don’t think you could find a more colourful, enticing and visually pleasing food type than vegan cuisine. All the fruits and fresh veggies – glowing with goodness! This is especially true when it comes to raw dishes. Who in their right mind wouldn’t choose that over a plate of beige or brown stodge?! It is important not to forget the visual aspect of your picnic. A wide palette of colours will add to the backdrop, atmosphere and provide a constant talking point … you want to make your food look too good to eat!
8. A camera
Now it is almost impossible to set out a veritable vegan picnic feast, rich in colour and delicious goodness, and not take a picture! In the time of social media presence and the growing interest surrounding veganism and plant-based diets, beautiful photos of vegan picnics will help spread the word no end. You will also be so proud of yourself I dare you to even be able to resist taking a boastful snapshot – no filter needed!
9. Re-useable equipment
This is an important point when it comes to preparing your picnic in advance. There is something that makes me feel quite uneasy about all the waste and disposable products left behind following all the picnic fun. Especially when considering the lack of ready recycling facilities in most parks or riversides. As environmentally conscious fellow green-beans I’m sure you will agree there is something quite disappointing after a wonderful vegan picnic to then take most of the non-edible items you brought over the already overflowing black litter bins. Bring re-usable plates, cutlery and cups – ones that you take home, wash and then bring out again the next time. The same goes for bringing food in Tupperware to avoid using film and foil if possible. And of course it goes without saying … anything else that can be recycled – napkins etc. – take them back to add them to your normal recyclable domestic waste.
10. Non vegans !
There is something very special about a group of people coming together, sharing food with each other, talking and enjoying each other’s company. This may seem to some like a very odd perfect ingredient to a ‘vegan’ picnic. However, if there is anything we have learnt from our meetup group picnics so far it is how valuable these events can be to those already curious about a meat-free diet. Every vegan meal eaten and enjoyed by a non-vegan is a cause for celebration! It is one step further to another person taking the pledge to listen to their heart, conscience and health when it comes to their food. Whilst in many cases this guest who shares in your marvelous vegan feast may never make that final step to becoming completely animal-free, every plant based meal they decide to incorporate or every positive comment they cite when the topic of conversation comes up is a positive achievement in the growth of veganism. One of the most enjoyable aspects of a picnic is the chance to taste new dishes you have never tried or heard of before and exchange recipes with their creator, giving you new ideas to go away and try at home. Imagine how happy this would make you if this were to be the case for all the potential meat-reducers you invite to your next perfect vegan picnic.
Stratford On RaVe 