As Melbourne, Victoria, comes into it's 6th week of stage 4 lockdown it's time to get creative and it's time for an iso-friendly picnic at home. With all your favourite cafes, bars and restaurants currently not an option, why not jazz up your living room or garden for your next special occasion (day's ending in y can definitely be a valid excuse to get fancy).
You will need:
Picnic blankets
Cushions
Plates
Cutlery
Glasses
Napkins
Chopping boards
Food & Drink
Step 1 - Hunter gatherer.
Grab your finest china, cutlery and glassware, the least used the better for that extra special treat. If it's matching, even better!
Look for any napkins or serviettes you have in that draw of random stuff. Cloth napkins are extra boujee but at least try to avoid the Christmas patterns.
Hunt for a picnic blanket or rug to use. If you don't have a picnic blanket to hand, maybe you have a bed sheet that you don't mind getting dirty.
Lastly gather any throw cushions you own to make the picnic more comfortable and more pretty.
Step 2 - Set the scene.
Lay your rugs on a flat piece of grass or in a cozy spot inside. If you have anything to make a low lying table, use that to add a bit of comfortable height to your picnic. Use props to keep it classy. Picnic hampers are a great way to give the illusion that you went on a grand adventure to find your picnic spot of choice. Arrange all of your lovely tableware for each of your picnic guests to have a clear spot at the 'picnic' table.
Step 3 - Fresh flowers are always a good idea.
Add that special touch with fresh flowers. Try to support local and head to the market (if possible) or nearest small business who sell fresh flowers. At pretty as a picnic, we sometimes create one big bunch of flowers or dot small bunches around the table for a larger party. Cut the flowers short and put the small bunches into small vases, jam jars or tumbler glasses, whatever you have available to keep your finishing touch hydrated. Opt for flowers that have already opened into full bloom so they'll make your picnic look beautiful, and think about what will match the style of the rest of your picnic.
Step 4 - It's time to plate up.
A bit worried about your cooking skills? You can order from your favourite local take-away to be delivered (by contactless delivery) and do a 'professional' plate up on your finest china!
Another fabulously fancy option is an afternoon tea. Make up your favourite sandwiches, cut off the crusts for extra points and cut into finger sandwiches or triangles. Bake or buy some pastries or small cakes of your choice and crack open the bubbles for The Ritz vibes or get a pot of tea going for the classic touch.
Cheese lovers (yup that's me!) can try their hand at creating a fabulous cheese or charcuterie board.
For even less fuss, Pretty as a picnic has you covered. Order a picnic hamper to be delivered to your door here.
Step 5 - Relax and enjoy.
Once you've taken all of your insta-worthy photos of your impressive iso-picnic set up, it's time to get everyone in your household picnicking together and enjoying the delicious spread and each others company for the afternoon. Enjoy!
Be sure to send us your iso-picnic pics, we'd love to see what you come up with!
