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!