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!
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:
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.
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?
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.
Brown bread, whole wheat, white, date-nut, raisin, rye, choice of buns or rolls.
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.)
Easy-to-eat fruits such as apples, grapes, bananas, watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, or peaches.
Also, cake, cupcakes, muffins, cookies, or individual tarts.
Cold milk, lemonade, fruit punch, hot chocolate (in Thermos bottle).
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.
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!
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?
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