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June 16, 2013

Let's go on a vintage picnic


There are few things in the whole wide world that seem to partner better with a gorgeous late spring or early summer Sunday than leaving the confines of your home and venturing out into nature to enjoy a serene and entirely scrumptious picnic.




Whether you're picnicking merely for its own marvelous merits or in celebration of something wonderful - say, for example like Father's Day today - there's scarcely an occasion that isn't made more delightful by packing up a meal, jaunting off to the seaside, a lovely park, the verdant woods or wherever your heart desires and rejoicing in the mellow pace of a sunny Sunday picnic.

Scattered far and wide across the globe as we are, it's not possible for all of us vintage adoring folks to gather together in one large, delightful communal mean outdoors. Instead, on this beautiful morning, let's go on a virtual picnic together, chocked, naturally, full of vintage loveliness from start to finish.

First off, we'll need a picnic basket. How about this completely charming mid-century red, blue and yellow tartan metal number?





Or if classic wicker is more you're style, why not tuck your favourite picnic foods into this beautiful 1950s example.




And for sheer classic elegance and iconic picnic appeal, they really don't come any more lovely than this great woven version.




If highly perishable foods are on the agenda, we might need a cooler, too - one can never be too careful when it comes to preventing food poisoning! This charming Little Brown Ice Chest and matching Little Brown Jug thermos are sure to do the job.




Naturally, whether we're spread out in a grassy meadow, on a tawny hued beach, or a wooden campground table, we're going to need a white and red gingham picnic blanket. I'm especially fond of the version below created by etsy seller Sewn Natural. It's a three-layer, quilted outdoor blanket that's both eco-friendly and waterproof, too boot! (You've got to love that if you're picnicking with little kids who might accidentally tip over a bottle of grape juice at any moment.) 





We're venturing into the elements, so that means it's time to slap on the sunscreen, even if we decide to set up camp in the shade.





Ants are the only pesky critters who like to show up when picnics are around, so it's probably best if we bring some bug spray, too (or, if you prefer, tote along a nice, big citronella candle).




Perhaps though, we're jumping ahead of ourselves just a touch...we haven't even decided what we're going to wear on our lovely Sunday outing yet. Of course the choice of venue with factor in here considerably, but in general, there are certain options - sundresses and playsuits, for example - that will work well no matter where you're headed this time of year.

In a cute nod to the iconic picnic blanket, I'm rather fond of wearing gingham while I'm noshing in the great outdoors. This two-piece 1950s shorts and crop top set from etsy seller Fashion Rerun would be awesome for those especially toasty days when the last thing you want is to be covered up from head-to-toe.




If pink is your passion, you're sure to swoon (as I did!) over this cute-as-button pink and white sleeveless vintage gingham dress from etsy seller Custard Heart Vintage that practically has "June picnic" written all over it.




For those in the mood for a somewhat darker, but still completely summer appropriate gingham look, may I present a lovely black red fifties dress from etsy seller Vintage Critter, complete with cross stitch inspired detailing and a very flattering square neckline.




Should your picnic take you anywhere near the water - be it lake, ocean, river, stream, or pool - then you may want to slip into this wildly adorable red and white gingham fifties swimsuit from etsy seller Wear It Again.




A wide-brimmed straw hat is a marvelous accompaniment for nearly any vintage picnic ensemble. Equal parts practical and pretty, it shades your face and neck from the sun and gives you the loveliest I-just-stepped-out-of-a-vintage-summertime-fashion-spread look. It's all I could do to keep from swooning right off the couch when I spotted the beautifully elegant flower adorned 1930s straw hat pictured below from etsy Sonnet and Bough.




Now let's turn our focus to the menu. Much as with what we're going to wear, our choice of picnic fare may very a bit depending on where we're headed.

There are certainly beloved staples (beyond just sandwiches and fresh fruit) that are sure to please most picnic goers of all ages and which work well for a variety of venues and events, such as deviled eggs, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, hamburger pie, and chocolate fudge pie. The 1950s picnic spread pictured below would also be rather tasty!




Supplies, food and outfit determined and ready to go, it's now time we nailed down just whereabouts to hold our lovely Sunday picnic. We could head to the beach...




How about getting the whole family together for a feast at the park?




The woods are always a natural choice for an outdoor meal, and a very relaxing one, too, assuming you don't run into Yogi Bear! :)




Sometimes the best picnics spring up organically in the moment, turning wherever you are in a wonderfully festive spot. Case in point, this 1940s crowd having a wonderful impromptu feast on the hood of someone's car.




Having settled on a location, it's time to unpack the trunk and basket, kick up our heels and savour an ice cold beverage.




Be sure to grab some snapshots of your outing to look back on fondly when winter's icy wrath returns. There's nothing like daydreaming about July in January to help make the long wait until summer's return a touch more bearable.




And last but not least, remember to have fun, smile, delight in the magic of being outdoors. Fill your lungs with pristine fresh air, swap stories with friends, nosh until your heart's content, and make sure to repeat the whole picnic process as often as possible this summer!




Whether you drive for five minutes or two hours to reach your destination, pack a few light nibbles or a full on feast, enjoy tagging along with ten people or just one beloved soul, I hope that over the course of this warm and magnificent season, you all get to revel in at least one thoroughly terrific picnic. They're needn’t cost and arm and leg, can be tossed together on the fly, and often result in some of the loveliest memories of year.
{To learn more about any of the images used in this post, please click on an image to be taken to its respective source.}


Happy picnicking, my sweet dears! And to all those celebrating Father's Day, may you have an absolutely awesome time however you spend this special day!



42 comments:

  1. oh yay! I am so looking forward to picnics! I also love, love, love gingham! Great inspiration!

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  2. What fun, Jessica!

    I LOVE the dresses you have chosen here.

    We are having a backyard BBQ today...sort of like a picnic.

    Happy Father's Day to you and yours!
    Hope

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  3. I have the sweetest little twin lidded picnic basket, perfect for one and at a push two, but as our June over here in Blighty has been rather disappointing so far, I haven't had the chance to use it which is a shame.

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  4. This post couldn't have been better timed! I went to a vintage fair yesterday and was determined to buy a picnic basket. There were 3 on sale but I didn't get anything because I wasn't sure if I liked them enough (and I'm now scouring UK eBay!) I don't want to spend too much because of the rubbish UK summer - I am not sure how often I will get to use it.

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  5. I'm in gingham heaven with all the clothes in this post. I love the last photo of the two girls sitting together, they look so stylish and cool.

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  6. Best virtual picnic ever Jessica! But i can't decide which picnic basket is best. I think maybe the woven one. And i seriously covet that pink gingham dress. It's enchanting. All the pics you've chosen are excellent and all make up a wonderful Sunday afternoon outing! :)

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  7. I would love to join you on your virtual picnic! I will be wearing the black and white gingham dress with the gorgeous straw hat and will be bringing my food in the wicker basket. I think we will meet in the woods, possibly with those two girls in the last snap as they look fun and I want a better look at her harlequin dress. You bring the bug spray, I will have the sun cream!

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    1. That sounds like an absolutely wonderful picnic, dear Kate! You sport black and white gingham, I'll bust out my beloved red and white 1950s gingham dress (http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2012/07/festive-red-and-white-1950s-gingham-for.html), and we'll have the merriest of woodland get togethers you ever did see! :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  8. Picnics are so much fun and I love all the outfits you suggested. The baskets are also adorable I particularly like the tartan one. I saw the most gorgeous vintage picnic set at the Jazz Age lawn party I attended on Saturday, it was very fancy and had plates and silver. The people using it where also dressed to the nines, it must have cost a fortune but it was gorgeous.

    kate the old fashioned way

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  9. I simply adore picnics! There's just something about laying about in a pretty gingham dress, in the sun, while enjoying some deliscious food that is so perfect.

    Great post!
    xo Teresa

    PS Did you get me email about you winning my vintage giveaway?

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  10. Love this post Jessica! I Love me some gingham and although I love the idea of a vintage Picnic basket and picnic I am allergic to grass so I end up a mess afterwards ...still worth it though :-)

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  11. I just love all these images! The wicker picnic basket with the lovely berry fabric lining is so cute!

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  12. What delightful photos! I love vintage styled picnics! I think there's one on "To Catch a Thief" starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly which is so lovely! The epitome of the mid 50s picnic! :D

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  13. Thank you so much for inviting me on that virtual picnic- It was a blast of summer sun and fun in my grey winter day! From the moment I opened your post I felt transported through time, space and season to a 40-50's picnic.
    xx Shauna
    P.S- the photo selection was immaculate and so uplifting.

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  14. *Love* this post! It has finally warmed up in Manitoba and I love picnics! I always try to make them special - I bring proper plates and glass cups, cotton napkins and metal cutlery. It takes some extra care in packing, but makes every picnic a special event.

    Lisa.

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  15. That hat! Beautiful!

    Now I want to go on a picnic!

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  16. Yay! This post is soooo delicious! I found two picnic baskets for some time, but they need some arrangement ... I'm looking forward to this soon! Have a wonderful week, dear Lady!

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  17. I love those matching outfits for the families at the park :) At least everyone knows whose kid it is ;)
    Now I am thinking about picnics (which is bad because it is raining AGAIN here!)

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  18. I can't wait for the warmer weather to return in Australia so I can take your virtual picnic into the "real world". What a soul warming thought on such a chilly winter's night :-)

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  19. I just love this little virtual picnic! I am digging the wicker baskets and gingham dresses. I need to enjoy the great outdoors soon!

    Adrienne
    What Lola Wants

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  20. This post have such amazing pics! It was inspiring and reminded me that i have a picnic with my old friends at the zoo, its so cool! By the way, that black dress is wonderfullll. xo ♥

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  21. I haven't been on a picnic in years and years but this post makes me want to rush out and have one now!! Plus it makes me want to acquire tons of gingham. =)

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  22. Ooh, I love picnics! So thank you for this charming virtual one. DH and I often go on an evening tea picnic, that is we brew tea in a thermos, pack mugs and a few cookies and then drive in my vintage car and stop a nice place to enjoy the sunset with our tea. I remember it all winter.

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  23. Lovely post! Thanks so much for featuring my 30s hat xx

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    1. You're very welcome, dear Cara. Thank you for listing such a timelessly charming piece.

      ♥ Jessica

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  24. What a lovely post! Great photos and ideas.

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  25. This post was so uplifting for me to read, on a day when I am housebound! Baggsie I the wicker basket and the pink gingham dress, pink is generally not for me but I would make an exception for that one. Soon I am making my very first vintage inspired outfit, it needs to be done by August. Thank you for all your lovely words and inspiration, they have cheered me tremendously today xx

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    1. Sweet Philippa, I am deeply happy to know that this post helped to brighten your day. I know exactly how much of a cheer inducing impact reading blogs you love can bring one on especially rough days on the health front.

      How awesome fully exciting that you're hoping to create your first vintage inspired outfit this summer. Please don't hesitate to ask if you think I might be able to assist in any way, my dear friend.

      Tons of hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  26. Lovely post. I have a huge vintage picnic basket that I receive for Christmas a few years ago. I really should use it, I haven't been out for picnic in ages!
    -Emily

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  27. oooh what a fabulous post! i looove gingham;) i just ordered a yellow gingham fabric to make a new dress;) oh and now seeing your post you reminded me that i need a picnic basket like that in my life too ;)
    kiss,mary
    http://www.maryloucinnamon.com

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  28. This sounds like soooo much fun. If we are to have a blogger meet-up, we should so do a picnic!! :D Wear amazing summer pretties, have scrumptious food, and take lots of silly/fun pictures!

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  29. This post touches my heart as I think back on all of the family picnics and camping excursions of my childhood. I still have my parents' woven basket, still use it, and it is much more functional than any modern cooler. My mom made us mother-daughter black gingham dresses and later made one for my doll, but I don't think I wore it on a picnic! Anyway, the post is glorious in every way! Thank you for such wonderful images!

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  30. All I need now is some sunshine!
    I love that woven picnic hamper, it makes me think of Enid Blyton, it should be full of ginger beer!

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  31. Ooh this post was just fabulous! I started to drool when I saw the 1950s shorts and crop top, so cute! Picnic's are so lovely and I'd love to go on a vintage picnic! I hope you have a sweet day, darling!

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  32. This totally made me excited for summer! A picnic would be so lovely during the next few weeks (before the dog days of summer rears its ugly head).

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  33. I love a good picnic, its something hubby & I keep saying we are going to jump on our bicycles and go for a picnic. The pics you have shared are fabulous & glamorous as always, those two ladies picnicing look very glamorous.

    xox

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  34. I have not been to a picnic in ages !
    However I don't think I would dress up so nicely, like the girls in the pictures.
    I loved seeing that Thermos picture, it took me back to primary school when I would take a Thermos with something to drink, usually juice. That plastic had a particular smell that I loved....

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  35. Lovely Jessica! I was hoping to get a glimpse of your picnic post after you said you had one planned. So many cute photos you found and I am thrilled because I just found a black and white gingham dress for myself!
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  36. lovely gingham dresses ... i love picknick bags and baskets. meanwhile i have a bunch of them at hoe and use them for storage. in the thrift stores around puyallap and tacoma are tons of lovely old picknick baskets. sadly i can't take them home.

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  37. I've been obsessed with our vintage wicker picnic hamper ever since we found it in an antiques store a few years ago - those photos are so evocative, they're making me look forward to using it a lot this summer! Love the gingham dresses.

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  38. Oh my goodness that is so cute. I can't believe I missed it. I love the outfits, foods, and vintage ads for suntan lotion, ect.

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  39. Oh I love going on picnics :3 I don't get the chance to do so very often, so when I do I try to enjoy every second of it to the fullest ^^

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