How to plan a picnic

Art by SAMANTHA HO and LAUREN YAN PANDEMIC PICNICS

A GUIDE TO ESCAPING THE INDOORS

SIPPING AND SNACKING — Juniors Hailey Callan and Natalia Cossio sit on a picnic blanket eating food and spending time outdoors while socially distanced. “I find that picnics are a great way to spend time together with friends while enjoying the outdoors,” Cossio says. “Also, bringing yummy food makes the picnic experience 10 times better.” Photo: Olivia Milne

AS WE SIT ON OUR checkered blankets surrounded by sun-soaked grass, we carefully arrange our dishes full of cracker and cheese assortments and pop open bottles of sparkling lemonade.

Just like us, many people are making the most of the beauty of springtime after the cold, quarantined months, as seen with the recent increase of many picnic-goers posting about their experiences through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. On TikTok, for instance, #picnicaesthetic has garnered 32.9 million views, and shows off an endless array of picnics that people have posted on the app.

Although traditional picnics aren’t always distanced, they can be easily adapted to fit our current circumstances by having everyone bring individual blankets to sit on. We also recommend ensuring safety bringing individual utensils, hand sanitizer and possibly individually packaged foods in order to follow guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Overall, picnics allow for flexibility and creativity in the locations, food choices and layout, providing an excellent way for us to safely see friends. For those looking for inspiration or guidance for their own picnics — look no further.

Step 1: Pick a splendid spot An ideal picnic location is one out in the fresh air, surrounded by greenery. Luckily, Palo Alto offers many local parks to choose from.

A staple location is Mitchell Park, which is located near Jane Lathrop Stanford

GETTING CREATIVE WITH CHARCUTERIE — Senior Kimi Lillios’ charcuterie board sits, waiting to be eaten. “I know a lot of people have a lot of artistic expression in plating food and … I’m able to get that through charcuterie,” Lillios says. Photo: Olivia Milne BUBBLY BEVERAGE — Junior Brighid Baker pours a bubbling drink into a glass to enjoy during a lovely spring picnic. “I like making picnics as pretty and fancy as possible because it is so fun to dress up for an afternoon,” Baker says. Photo: Olivia Milne

Middle School and Mitchell Park Library. occasion, and you can enjoy it on a plate though she can’t choose a favorite cheese, This park offers spacious fields perfect for –– or our favorite way, in a wine glass. she loves the Boursin garlic and herbs distancing, and is conveniently stationed Another one of our favorite picnic gournay from Trader Joe’s. Finally, Lillios near Ada’s Cafe and Peet’s Coffee, making it easy to purchase last-minute food for a picnic. Mitchell Park “I know a lot of people have a lot of artistic expression in plating food and ... I’m dishes is a charcuterie board, which consists of a variety of cold cut meats, cheeses and fruits advises to add plenty of fruit, which balances out the flavors and saltiness of the meats and cheeses. Lillios encourages others to try out charcuterie board making, which is a relatively simple and creative activity that can is also a perfect able to get that through arranged in an be done with friends and family. place for those who enjoy a lively environment. On the charcuterie.” — KIMI LILLIOS, senior aesthetically pleasing design. Since she came Step 3: Take aesthetic photos Whether it’s snapping a picture while weekends, children across charcuterie sipping a sweet, refreshing drink or posing frolic across the grass or play with friends boards on social media in December, se- in your favorite outfit while laying on a as their parents relax in the shade. nior Kimi Lillios has been practicing and checkered blanket, documenting your ex-

Another one of our go-to locations for perfecting her board making skills. perience is one of the best parts of getting picnics is Foothills Nature Preserve, thanks “I know a lot of people have a lot of together with your friends for a picnic. to its trails and easy-to-reach viewpoints artistic expression in plating food and For the most aesthetically that show off the Bay Area skyline. A fa- … I’m able to get that through pleasing shots, we vorite picnic site of ours is the dock on the charcuterie,” Lillios said. typically prefer lake, where we can relax by the water as “It’s just a really fun to use ceramducks swim by. hobby for me to ic plates and

Our final recommendation for a pic- also express my ar- dishes with nic venue is Kite Hill, located in a neigh- tistic abilities.” natural colors borhood near Stanford University. While it When put- and graceful designs is significantly smaller than the other two ting together a char- to bring a sense of elegance locations, the park is serene, with sufficient cuterie board, Lillios does to the picnic spread. space to set up a blanket and enjoy the not have a specific process. For beautiful view. aesthetically-pleasing arrangements, she Step 4: Enjoy your hard work! focuses on ensuring there is enough col- Now that you have planned your picStep 2: Prepare your basket or and contrast amongst the food on the nic, it’s time to indulge. While we sipped

When we pack the perfect picnic bas- board. our drinks, layered cheeses and meats on ket, we think of food that can easily be laid For those looking to create their crackers, and munched on chips, the light, out on the picnic blanket. Some ideas in- own charcuterie board, one can never go spring air was filled with our conversations clude sushi, sandwiches or fruits. wrong with cured meats — such as sala- and laughter. With longer days and warm-

However, if you’re in the mood for mi and prosciutto — and cheeses. Lillios er weather approaching, you too may find something sweeter, why not bring a cake? recommends brie, iberico and cotswold as that a picnic is the perfect activity to enjoy A cake is a delicious dessert no matter the solid cheeses to build a board around, and with friends. v