Easy Picnic Packing Ideas: Vintage Tips That Work

Easy picnic packing ideas from yesteryear offer timeless wisdom for today's outdoor dining adventures. From Mom's tried-and-true methods to charming tips from a 1940s girls' magazine, these vintage picnic packing techniques have delighted generations of outdoor diners.

Whether you're planning a family gathering or a casual afternoon out, these practical, time-tested methods and delicious "take your pick" food suggestions will ensure your picnic is both memorable and stress-free. Step back in time with us to discover how our grandparents mastered the art of the perfect picnic!

Mom's Easy Picnic Packing Methods That Still Work Today

Proper packing of the food was very important, as this was before the days of insulated food carriers and portable battery-powered fridges. It was the time when ingenuity reigned:

• Tupperware® containers became popular in the 1950s, and they became ideal for carrying picnic foods and eating utensils.
• Most families had a strong picnic basket, and cookie tins, honey pails, and cardboard shoe boxes were kept on hand to safely carry the prepared food items.
• Sometimes, the sandwiches were made ahead and carefully wrapped in waxed paper before placing them in the picnic basket. However, most often the bread and fixings were packed and taken to be assembled at the picnic site as a family activity.
• Tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes were taken in season, along with fresh garden lettuce and homemade mayonnaise to spread on bread for sandwiches.
• Creamy homemade salad dressings were carried in screw-topped Mason jars and garden salads were assembled at the picnic site ensuring fresher taste and appearance.
• Sometimes, the homemade salads were prepared and placed in Tupperware® containers that were then wrapped in layers of old newspaper to insulate them and keep them cool.
• Cakes and pies were simply sliced and served from their baking pans at the site. Delicate pastries and dessert squares were packed surrounded by a tea towel to prevent them sliding about in the cookie tins.
  
  

Berries and other fresh fruits in season were always a favorite on picnic outings, as they needed no preparation and were perfect for healthy snacking after the meal.

Mom always made sure the water for making tea and instant coffee was kept piping hot in insulated Thermos® bottles, while homemade lemonade and fruit juices were carried in glass jars that were set in the cool stream or lake water at the picnic site to chill.

Aside from the picnic food, each family took their own paper plates, serviettes (napkins), cups, and cutlery.

Other essential items included salt and pepper shakers, can and bottle openers, sharp paring knives, tablecloths, blankets and cushions for seating, and possibly some mosquito repellent, depending on the season.

The "Take Your Pick" Picnic: Vintage Wisdom from Polly Pigtails

Polly Pigtails No. 30 (July 1948)

Polly packed a "take your pick" picnic which means she included a variety of foods so her friends could pick and choose. Each person can make the kind of sandwiches that they like the best.

This kind of picnic packing is quicker and easier than making all the sandwiches at home, and picnickers love having the variety of food choices. Why don't you try some of her ideas on your next picnic?

Polly's Picnic Packing Ideas

Wrap bread and butter sandwiches in wax paper. Put sandwich spread in containers for use later. And, to avoid mixed-up flavors, wrap foods separately. Place heavy items at bottom of basket.

Sandwich Filling Ideas

• Ground ham mixed with mayonnaise and mustard.
• Peanut butter blended with cream cheese.
• Liverwurst and pickle relish.
• Cream cheese blended with apricots or chopped olives.
• Cream cheese with chopped dates and nuts.
• Baked beans, mashed, and blended with onion and pickle.

Breads

Brown bread, whole wheat, white, date-nut, raisin, rye, choice of buns or rolls.

Relishes

Lettuce leaves, watercress, celery stalks, pickles, carrot sticks, olives. (Wrap chilled relishes in wax paper, then in a damp towel to keep them crisp and fresh.)

Desserts

Easy-to-eat fruits such as apples, grapes, bananas, watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, or peaches.

Also, cake, cupcakes, muffins, cookies, or individual tarts.

Beverages

Cold milk, lemonade, fruit punch, hot chocolate (in Thermos bottle).

Refreshing Picnic Punch Recipe

Heat 1 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water to boiling point. Cool. (Why is it better to sweeten cold drinks with syrup? Syrup sweetens evenly and quickly, without so much stirring.)

For fruit punch: Remove seeds from 1-1/2 cups orange juice, 1/2 cup lemon juice. Combine with 1 cup pineapple juice. Add 2 cups ice-water, syrup to sweeten. Add chopped ice. Pour into thermos or sealed, insulated container to keep chilled.

Essential Picnic Packing Checklist

Along with the vintage picnic packing ideas above, be sure to pack salt and pepper, butter, a bread knife, paper plates, cups, spoons, napkins, and cleaning cloths. Always tidy up when you're through picnicking. And above all… Have a lot of fun!

Timeless Picnic Wisdom: Your Gateway to Perfect Outdoor Dining

From Mom's practical packing methods to Polly Pigtails' clever "take your pick" approach, these vintage picnic ideas have stood the test of time. The secret to their enduring appeal lies in their simplicity and effectiveness.

Whether you're wrapping sandwiches in wax paper or mixing up the traditional picnic punch, these authentic methods ensure a delightful outdoor dining experience. Why not pack your basket the old-fashioned way and create your own memorable picnic adventure?