How to Have a Picnic: A Complete Guide for an Unforgettable Experience

A picnic is the perfect way to enjoy a day in nature, surrounded by friends or family while enjoying a delicious meal outdoors.

We want to share with you our experience and practical tips to make your next picnic a guaranteed success.

Before embarking on your picnic, it's crucial to plan ahead. Here's a list of preparations that definitely can't be missed:

Choosing the location for your picnic is essential. If you have a green space at home, like a garden, you could do it there. It's a great idea for a small children's birthday party.

But the fun of picnics is also changing the environment and enjoying new spaces. You can go to a park, or do it on the beach or in the mountains, but make sure you have a tree that can provide shade in case the sun is too strong.

Consider the accessibility and comfort of the place.

My favorite places are:

• The surroundings of the Monastery of El Paular, on the Senda de Rascafria.
• The San Isidro farmhouse in Aranjuez
• The Herrería forest in El Escorial
• Inside the Palace of Riofrio, a beautiful pasture with deer and fallow deer.

At the foot of Mont Blanc, in Chamonix, is one of the most beautiful picnics I've had. And on the wonderful Lake Annecy, in France. I have countless memories.

We always travel with children and dogs, and the picnic basket is essential on my trips.

Essentials include food and drink, utensils like plates, cutlery, and glasses, napkins, and a blanket to sit on. 

A picnic isn't a picnic without the famous and traditional plaid resin tablecloth. It's very important for serving food, placing cutlery, and other items you've brought.

It will also help protect the grass if you're in a park, and it will also give us greater comfort to sit and have a pleasant time. Remember that the larger your tablecloth, the better.

Opt for foods that are easy to serve and consume without heating. Sandwiches, rolls, empanadas, cheese boards, cold cuts, fresh fruit, and salads are perfect options. Don't forget to bring refreshing drinks. 

For a romantic picnic, choose a quiet park with spectacular views or a secluded spot near a lake or river. Bring an elegant picnic basket filled with gourmet food, such as selected cheeses, cold cuts, artisan bread, and good wine.

Don't forget a comfortable blanket, candles or lanterns for an intimate and romantic touch, and a playlist of soft music to set the mood.

A family picnic is ideal for enjoying the outdoors with loved ones. Include games and activities to entertain children and adults, such as a frisbee, a ball, or portable board games.

As for food, opt for dishes that everyone likes: pasta, rice, or couscous salads, empanadas, assorted sandwiches, and, for dessert, a delicious cheesecake or homemade cookies. Bring refreshing drinks and fruit to keep everyone hydrated and happy.

For a healthy picnic, focus on organic and nutritious foods. Prepare appetizing salads with fresh ingredients, such as leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and seeds. Accompany with whole-wheat wraps filled with vegetables and lean proteins.

Fruit smoothies and natural juices are perfect for hydration, and for dessert, opt for fresh fruit or homemade energy bars. Don't forget to bring enough water and, if possible, reusable utensils for a more sustainable picnic.

To ensure your picnic is memorable, consider the following tips:

• Watch the Weather: Make sure the chosen day has good weather. Bring sunscreen if you'll be in the sun.

• Pack Smart: Use insulated bags to keep drinks cool and airtight containers to prevent spills.

• Respect Nature: Always clean up your space after the picnic and take care of the natural environment.

• Fun Activities: Bring card games, books, or a ball to add fun to your day.

I'm leaving you a photo of the basket and my dog Bruja, the first one to join in when there's a picnic happening.

You should consider its size; it has to be large and spacious enough to carry what you need. The best thing about baskets is that, in addition to being able to store food and drinks, you can also carry all the utensils you're going to use.

At La Compañía Francesa, we have beautiful, practical, and functional ones that come with everything you might need: