"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." - Ernest Hemingway
If you've been to Paris, then you've seen the relaxed picnic spreads in various parks across the city. They are just as enchanting a sight as the Eiffel Tower. While American picnics are casual and fun (think fried chicken and frisbees), Parisian picnics are casual and romantic. Why not take a few tips from the french and invite someone special to picnic with you this weekend? Here's a checklist to get you started:- Shopping - Part of the charm of a Parisian picnic is shopping the fromagerie, boulangerie and open markets for your ingredients. Start your date by shopping specialty stores in your area, if you have them.
- Location - Look for something picturesque to have in your view, a sunset, an overlook or a babbling brook. It doesn't matter if there are other people around. After all, people watching is another charming part of Parisian picnics.
- Tablecloth - Sure, you can use a blanket, but sitting on a tablecloth is much more chic.
- Dinnerware - No need to be too formal here, simple white paper plates and napkins will do the trick. And since everything is finger-friendly, leave the utensils at home.
- Drinks - A bottle of wine, champagne, or even sparkling water is a must. Don't forget the glasses.
- Fresh bread - A warm, crusty baguette is an absolute staple. Bring along some butter, but forget a knife. Tear off pieces as the french do.
- Finger-friendly fruits and produce - A carton of fresh raspberries, plums, or even radishes and snap peas will be perfect for your picnic. Basically anything you enjoy that is fresh, colorful, and delicious.
- Sliced meats - Thinly sliced cured meats are another staple. Try to choose at least two to sample, maybe one with mild flavor and one with some kick.
- Cheese - A Parisian picnic is the perfect opportunity to sample new cheeses. If you're lucky enough to have a specialty cheese shop, ask for recommendations. If not, use your smartphone to do some research.
- Pastries - A picnic is not a picnic without some pastries for dessert. Whether you prefer a glazed croissant or a macaron, remember to pack something sweet.
- Poetry - Bring along a book of poems to read. Give this book of Good Poems a try.
- Lighting - If it's going to be an evening picnic, bring along your own lighting: tea lights in mason jars are simple, safe, and sturdy.