Wintertime in Europe – and many other parts of the world – can pose some challenges to an outdoor picnic. But we don't want to miss out anyway!
The main issues are short daylight periods, low temperatures, cold wind and moisture, be it from snow, rain, or frost. Now, I don't think the solution is to 'toughen up' and face the challenge. I'd rather recommend prepping yourselves with ideas and strategies to actually enjoy a winter picnic in comfort! And to help you with that, please find some ideas below ...
Prepare warm meals and drinks
Warm food and drinks will keep you and your body happy when dining outside in winter. Insulating food and drink containers in different shapes and sizes can guard the heat of your meal for hours, so that you'll enjoy your winter picnic with the reassuring contrast of a warm, steaming beverage to the cold air.
Our hot meal tips that can be transported in e.g. an insulated bento box without sacrificing quality: hotpots, stews, chillies and curries, cooked/fried rice, cooked/fried/mashed potatoes, your favourite soup or broth. Hot drink options include tea, coffee, herbal infusions with a dash of lemon juice, heated fruit juices, hot chocolate, mulled wine or of course, just hot water. Speaking of hot water – one of the simplest (not healthiest) ways to enjoy a hot outdoor meal is to bring your bottle of hot water and a cup of your favourite instant noodles ;-)
Warm bottoms – happy picnic!
Think of bringing a good picnic blanket with a waterproof side and a bit of padding if you can anticipate that your picnic will take place on the ground. Also, some insulating cushions will serve everyone well, no matter if sitting on a bench, a rock, or a lawn. Depending on your mode of transport and carrying abilities you might also consider a folding chair or some cosy blankets for extra comfort.
It’s more comfortable with a table.
If you go to a public picnic area with pre-installed benches and tables you could bring a tablecloth to cover up moss, moisture and other wintery 'dirt' sticking to the wood or stone. You might also be lucky and find your picnic table in natural structures, like on a flat rock or a tree trunk, which sometimes are better covered with a clean cloth as well if you want to put down your food for a moment. Or, here comes a stylish and practical solution: you opt for the porTable, carrier and table in one and our first choice versatile picnic table!
Location considerations.
Try to find a spot that is sheltered from harsh wind and possibly also from an occasional rain shower, even if that means that you'll not be able to have your picnic and a view from a mountain's peak at the same time. In some areas you might even find dedicated campfire or barbecue pits that will allow you to add the luxury of an open fire to your winter picnic.
As a last resort, if the rain is pouring nonstop, if you get sick, if the snow blocks your door, or for other reasons that keep you from your outdoor picnic, but you really, really want to picnic, you can still set it up indoors.
Thanks for reading, I hope this article has inspired you and given you some good ideas for your winter picnic!
