Dining OUT(side)

Picnicking in the Time of COVID

The photos in this post were originally published in Paprika Southern Summer 2019.

Photography: Siobhan Egan / Styling: Bevin Valentine Jalbert / Florals: Everbloom, Inc. / Location: Trustees Garden / Props: Shibui Ceramics (formerly Design by Vu), Daughter Handwovens, Hygge

Listen to Paprika Southern’s conversation about social distanced summer gatherings on Episode 3 of PS: The Paprika Southern podcast.

Based in Savannah, we are lucky to say every season can be picnic season. Yet this summer, picnics have risen from backpocket pastime to the year’s most coveted invitation. Welcome to our guide to hosting picnics the laid-back way, because the world already provides a surplus of stress. Here you’ll find our tips for bringing a picnic together, no matter if you’re shooting 10 days, hours, or minutes ahead.

Let Simplicity Rule

Pick one dish or ingredient, and let the other elements build around it. Maybe it’s your favorite pasta salad, chicken sandwich, or cobbler, (more on expanding traditions below). Decide on the recipe you’re really jazzed about, and lean into ease with the rest of the accompaniments. If you’re set on executing a layer cake to bakery standards, why not consider outsourcing some other components? Ask a guest for assistance, or support the local businesses offering items for takeaway.

Reflect on the Appetites

Kids? Adults? Kids and Adults? No need to play caterer for two parties. Kids and adults can enjoy the same food! Although it’s a good move to keep little hands from popping the cork, they shouldn’t have to miss all of the big palette pleasures. Pleasing the whole crew can be as simple as leaving spicy condiments on the side, or sliding a mild cheddar on the cheeseboard along with your stinky sophicates. When in doubt? Always seal the deal with a sweet. Not a baker, or too hot to bother with the oven? Let fresh fruit star in the finale. Hello Georgia peaches!

Looking Beyond the Standbys

Maybe your dream theme is the classic Americana spread. While picnics may have a reputation for certain cuisine ramifications, especially in the South, these ideas are hardly ideals. If you’re eating outside, call it a picnic, regardless of what’s on the plate. Quiche, cold sesame noodles, pizza, it’s all good in the neighborhood of al fresco dining.

The Farmer’s Market One Stop
(Aka, how to feel like a chic lol French woman for at least 30 seconds)
Some suggestions, pick up whatever strikes your fancy!
Baguette or any bread that’s even better torn than sliced.
Cheese, please.
Snacking nuts.
Spreads, dips, and sauces.
Fruit. Summer berries or stone fruit, anyone?
Any vegetable you like raw and ready as is: Carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, snap peas, green beans…
Keep an eye out for prepared food of all varieties.
Dessert (pound cake, cookies, more fresh fruit!)
Juice or tea

Had enough with prepping food at home?

PS friends with picnic friendly takeaway:

Bull Street Taco - think street taco boxes and bags of beloved margarita mix.
Collins Quarter at Forsyth - a takeout restaurant already located in park, could it get any easier?
Cotton and Rye - their famous chicken wings are practically begging to be savored in the grass.
Fat Radish - 10% of picnic bag proceeds are donated to Color of Change
The Grey Market - grab and go fridge stocked with all of our favorite foods and drinks, don’t skip the pastry case!

PS Picnic Checklist:

Basket, tote bag, or cooler.
Ice, Ice, Ice, baby! Ice packs for keeping food fresh, ice cubes for keeping drinks refreshing.
Blanket or folding chairs, maybe even a cushion or two!
Sun safe staples: sunblock, hats, glasses, and or an umbrella.
Napkins, cups, and cutlery. Not only will reusable items up the aesthetics of your outdoor spread, they eliminate the chances of littering. (Be sure to check out local businesses like Dot & Army, Hali Hali, Daughter Handwovens, and Hygge to source some of these goods!)
Bug repellent, try burning a citronella candle or spritzing on a natural remedy.
Water for everyone! A dehydrated picnic-goer is never a fun picnic-goer.