The Art of Picnics: Seasonal Outdoor Entertaining (Family Style Cookbook, Picnic Ideas, and Outdoor Activities)

This is a review for the book The Art of Picnics: Seasonal Outdoor Entertaining (Family Style Cookbook, Picnic Ideas, and Outdoor Activities). I received a copy of this new book in exchange for a review and a spot in this year’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2022.

I must tell you just from the cover of the book I was hungry before even opening the first page. All the foods look so real and tasty with the vibrant colors of the photography. There is something for everyone even Charlie who is the pickiest eater known to man.

I couldn’t wait to dive into the book because my niece Lily has been wanting to host a Family Picnic and I thought I might find ways to make our picnic stand out. I love having the index of chapters so I could discuss what we would find inside the book with Charlie in our Homeschool Cooking Class.

Having the book broken down into Seasons allows you to plan a picnic forever Season and know what types of foods and decorations would be appropriate. There is a list of supplies you will need before putting together your picnic. Which would be the perfect Gift for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

If you make a list of the items, they suggest and print it out and keep it inside your car you can watch sales and Garage Sales to find some of the items on sale. Even if you’re going to gift these to someone it doesn’t hurt to save money because then you could include snacks or beverages in the gift.

Not knowing much about flowers other than I love them I liked finding out they included a section on flowers which will allow us to have the most beautiful picnic ever. As your preparing for your picnic go through their- list of pantry staples and see what you have on hand before you go shopping.

Gourmet Grazing for the Great Outdoors—Picnic Ideas for Your Picnic Basket

“Full of fun tips to bring gatherings outside; the recipes, practical tips, and styling inspiration makes me want to make every meal a picnic.” —Elizabeth Minchilli, author of The Italian Table

#1 New Release in Salads

What could be the hidden key to health and happiness? It may just be tucked away in your picnic basket.  The Art of Picnics encourages you to take a break from your fast-paced life to pick up a picnic basket and reconnect with nature.

Find perfect picnic ideas for Seasonal eating. There’s nothing more satisfying than yummy picnic foods and fun outdoor activities. If you’re yearning for tranquility and the charm of nature, make your backyard your own special retreat! With a bounty of family-style food recipes for foodies of all skill levels, The Art of Picnics offers a new perspective on traditional picnics.

Easy to follow recipes for outdoor entertaining. The Art of Picnics is a beautiful accessible guide to create a fun outdoor gathering. Whether it’s cooking during the day for an upcountry lunch or preparing for a twilight gathering, you’ll capture a spark of outdoor adventure with these Seasonal picnic ideas. 

Inside you’ll find:

• Décor ideas with woven rugs, crate tables, mismatched china, plush pillows
• Planning recommendations like fresh-cut blooms, wine, and artisanal bread
• An outdoor cookbook full of one-of-a-kind recipes for sandwiches, grazing boards, and more!

If you’re looking for Charcuterie books, a picnic snacks cookbook, or recipes for food on the go—or enjoyed Platters and Boards, The Camp Cookout, or Paris Picnic Club—then you’ll love The Art of Picnics.

Alanna Oneill

Alanna O’Neil is a professional photographer, designer, and home cook. Her work celebrates visual storytelling and Seasonal living. Originally from the Green Mountains of Vermont, she found a slow and peaceful bit of paradise in Maui to call home with her sweet puppy Winslow.

Alanna’s passion for photography and narrative story telling emerged from her background in Fashion Design. She worked in the high fashion industry in New York City before returning to her roots in Vermont and then creating a new life in Hawaii. She works regularly as a creative and lifestyle photographer for various food brands and magazines in the US and Europe.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates