Spontaneous Summer Picnic
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I recieved a basket full of picnic essentials from European Market, a website dedicated to finding the best gifts, toys, teas, and confections from the finest artistans in Europe and making them available to us Yankee’s. It was divine. Full of rich hazelnut chocolates from Italy, British Sable Crackers, and German chamomile tea.
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The basket reminded me of a hundred years ago, when the Cheeky Hubby and I were newly married, and took two cheap tickets to Europe, where we walked the streets of Barcelona, roamed the Portuguese countryside, and lazed an afternoon away in the Jardin des Tuileries while snacking on thick pieces of crusty baguettes.
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Inspired by our European Market picnic basket and a Saturday evening full of sunset, the children and I gathered together a few no-fuss picnic items: french bread, Rondele cheese, salami, strawberries, a stack of good books, and headed off to our favorite park.
It was a lovely time. We spread a blanket under the dangling leaves of a friendly tree. We sipped sun tea and watched a curious duck oogle our offerings from the nearby pond.
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Lest you think this whole European idea has gone to my head and made me all elegant and classy, I’ll divulge the rest of our evening events.
A tiny blanket, with a doll-sized picnic was set up at the edge of our chosen picnic spot. Worry not. Both dolls were appropriately equipped with bibs and wicked-awesome sweatpants.
(How can I ever thank Xavier Roberts for the 30 years of yarn-and-plush joy he’s brought into the world? Just look at that pretty daughter I own. I remember loving my Cabbage Patch doll with equal adoration. Though, I love that little girl of mine a whole lot more.)
There was the moment when the kids tired of the picnic and ventured over to the playground to play merry-go-round roulette. ‘Is that dad related to Goliath?’ my daughter ponders in awe as he prepares to push the fated group of waiting children.
Then, there was that beautiful picnic moment when the children started singing “throw salami at your mommy” and–after being expertly stared down by said mommy–decided it was a much better idea to throw salami at themselves.
Which was the exact moment I declared the party over. This whole romantic-European-notion was a nice idea, but seriously. We’re from Colorado. We clothe Cabbage Patch dolls in terrycloth bibs. We stick salami on our head. That’s just how we roll.
So we tucked plates and dishes and dreams away and headed off to run through the playground sand and muss our hair in the merry-go-round wind.
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And I must say, it was an absolutely delicious way to spend a summer night.
If you–like me–have accepted life in the States, you’re in luck! European Market brings the very finest European gifts, toys, and foods right to your door. If a trip to Europe is in your forseeable future, be sure to check out the incredible Travel Tips available on their site, as well.
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Blackswan on July 23, 2010 at 12:12 am
Lovely picnic! Pix are very well-taken :)
Lindsey Johnson on July 23, 2010 at 9:48 am
Oh, how lovely! Sounds like the perfect picnic.
I don't always pack the greatest food for our picnics, but there's always something yummy to drink. Actually, usually I feed the kids before we go so the hubs and I can enjoy ourselves. Is that wrong? :)
Gorgeous pictures.
Cecily on July 23, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Such fun.
The last time I packed a basket (instead of the tupperware-filled grocery bags I use when the children and I go to the park) it was for Shakespeare in the park and I filled it with home-made croissant sandwiches and fresh fruit and veggies. My friend brought homemade cookies and fresh lemonade. A wonderful date night for good friends.
The Cooking Photographer on July 23, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Hey Brooke!
I like how you roll yo! Ha! Can I say that lol? I used to live there, so yeah I can. Just don't hunt me down for it!
L
Jessica on July 24, 2010 at 9:38 am
Loved this post! It's great to spend time with our loved ones…even more when we're able to share it with delicious treats that we don't get every day.
jessyburke88@gmail.com
Cookin' Canuck on July 25, 2010 at 8:00 am
What a wonderful basketful of goodies you got! It looks as though you and your beautiful family made good use of it all – what a fun family picnic.
We vary in our picnic basket samplings. Sometimes it's salmon sandwiches with cut up cheese and veggies on the side. Other times it's pasta pesto salad. Whatever it may be, eating in a beautiful setting with my family, playing catch and running around, is my idea of the perfect afternoon.
KPackard on July 25, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Your description of the picnic coming to a close and how you're from CO cracked me up! Too funny! But no need to fear, I think we all have our quirks (my boys always come in looking like they bathed in dirt). Your picnic looks like a lot of fun!
bockychoy on August 14, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Love the forehead salami pic – so funny! Haven't checked your blog in a few weeks and always knock myself over the head when I come back and see what I've missed. You are so fun to read and the pix are great!