The ultimate location for a picnic table in honor of National Picnic Month in July
By Erica Puisis
Summer is in full swing, and there is no better time than now to grab your picnic blanket or stake your claim at one of the local park picnic tables for an afternoon or evening of food and fun!
July is National Picnic Month and green spaces near and far are filling up with hungry nature-goers seeking a break from the demands of day-to-day life with a simple meal taken on the go.
Where did the idea of the picnic originate, and how has the concept been transformed over the years? Read on for these answers, and tips to plan your own picnic party to celebrate National Picnic month.
How the concept of dining on picnic tables came to be
While picnics have been advertised, romanticized, and commercialized over the years, the start of this simple tradition dates back to hunting expeditions of the Middle Ages. Affluent hunters engaging in a day of sport would bring a meal to enjoy in the great outdoors. We can imagine a medieval hunting party taking an afternoon respite in the shade of lofty oak trees and enjoying a simple meal before venturing on in their expedition.
However, the earliest form of the word 'picnic' didn't appear until 1692 - and was first documented in the French language. Then in 1748, a little more than 50 years later, the term found its way into the English language in a letter from Lord Chesterfield to his son, in reference to an outdoor social get-together.
Wood picnic tables with lake view
From then on, picnics have been held on blankets, in lawn chairs, aboard boats, and at picnic tables on both sides of the Atlantic. The term is now synonymous with relaxed outdoor dining, time spent with a special someone or a large group of friends, and simple fare like bread and cheese or hot items fresh off the park grill.
A checked red-and-white blanket, a wicker basket, and an open patch of grass may be the quintessential concept of the classic picnic. But imagine trying to enjoy an afternoon of delight with these classic components - and three hungry children in tow, plus Grandma, a puppy dog, and a sore back from sitting in an office chair all week. That patch of grass may not be looking so inviting after all.
Enter a modern convenience often taken for granted: picnic tables. All of the wrinkles in your picnic problem have suddenly been released. Give the kids a spot to sit on the benches along either side of the table - and now Grandma has a spot to rest too. The dog stays out of the way of the tempting treats. And you can spread out the feast, then take a place at the picnic table yourself. With your meal above ground zero, you'll spend less time combating the army of ants, too!
It's easy to see why picnic tables are the next evolution in the picnic revolution. Classic fables evoke images of Robin Hood and his friends dining under trees during 'picnics,' but thousands of park-goers during National Picnic month will skip the storybook setting and opt to enjoy their meal on a picnic table in their favorite park.
Will you be joining them? If so, what should you keep in mind for your picnic party?
Tips to make the most of National Picnic Month
The beautiful thing about a picnic is its versatility. Make it simple or sophisticated. Spend days planning the perfect party, or minutes packing the essentials for some impromptu fun! But no matter which route you go in your picnic planning, here are some tips for a perfect picnic:
- Check the weather. Summer showers can put a damper on your picnic plans, so check the weather for the day of your picnic. If it looks like a light shower might be rolling through, choose a park with covered picnic tables to serve as a back-up plan in the event of rain. But beware of thunderstorms - and stay safe if lightning has been spotted in the area.
- Waste not, want not. Don't leave your trash behind and ruin the park experience for others. Keep an eye on wrappers, napkins, and paper cups which can easily be blown away by a breeze. Bring a small bag to collect refuse, and make use of trash receptacles in your local park. Remember, litter encourages more litter and a few paper plates on the ground could start a landslide of trash.
- Keep cold food on ice. The summer season is a perfect time for picnics, but the warm temperatures mean that you'll want to take extra precautions to keep your food from spoiling. Bring along plenty of ice packs and a cooler to store food and condiments in. If you're making hot food fresh on the park grill, then don't let it linger too long in the hot summer sun after you've cooked it.
- Reserve a table where necessary. If the weather forecast is favorable and you get an urge to go out on a picnic, don't think you are the only one with that thought. If you have a birthday party or family event planned, it might be smart to reserve a picnic table or pavilion in advance. More and more people also have BBQ fever nowadays and so finding open park grills is becoming more difficult.
- Explore new places. Celebrate National Picnic month by choosing a new spot for your outdoor feast. Whether it's a park in your local community or a destination you'll need to put in a little effort to reach, you'll be rewarded with new views as you enjoy your meal. Check out the National Park Services tool if you need some guidance on finding a new picnic spot.
Pack up and picnic on!
So what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to pack your traditional picnic basket or your convenient cooler and head outdoors for some food and fun. Whether you choose to dine in the grass or on a picnic table, you're sure to enjoy great views and a good time!
While you're enjoying your al fresco meal, share the history of the picnic with your dining companions - or reminisce about your favorite outdoor adventures of the past and plan for the future.
If you're a park director looking to make your outdoor space more picnic-friendly, check out our Buyer's Guide to Picnic Tables where you'll find comprehensive information on shapes, sizes, materials, and maintenance. You'll find helpful information and points to keep in mind as you make your park a picnic hotspot!
With a little more summer just around the corner, make plans now to pack up and picnic on!