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There’s something quietly magical about a picnic. Not the plastic cutlery, lukewarm drinks and hard ground of rushed lunches in crowded parks—but something softer, slower, and far more soulful. Think of wool blankets spread under the dappled shade of an old tree, a flask of tea still warm, crumbs from homemade cake on linen napkins, and birdsong as the only background noise.
Here at A Long November, we believe in autumnal comforts that stretch far beyond the seasons—and the humble picnic, when done with intention, can bring that same spirit into the bloom of spring and the gentle heat of early summer.
Here’s how to picnic the cosy way.
1. Start with the Setting
Choosing your picnic spot is like setting the stage for a quiet play. While many flock to manicured parks and busy beaches, the truly comforting picnic hides in the gentler corners—woodland clearings, wildflower meadows, or even your own back garden at golden hour.
Look for:
- Shade and texture: the mossy under-tree kind, or soft grass with buttercups.
- Quiet: somewhere away from cars, crowds or concrete.
- Character: a view, an old stone wall, a hidden pond, or a tree that looks like it holds stories.
A blanket beneath a tree holds far more charm than a bench in the sun.
2. Blanket Matters: Drape with Intention
Your blanket isn’t just for sitting—it’s your foundation. A proper wool blanket adds texture, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia. Choose one in a soft check or muted tone—something you’d wrap around your shoulders in October, now laid down in June to cradle your picnic.
Layer it with:
- A linen cloth or runner to hold your spread.
- A few cushions or even a bolster for back support.
- A lightweight throw in case the breeze turns brisk.
Cosiness is comfort, and comfort is preparation.
3. Fill Your Basket with Love, Not Fuss
Forget the overly curated charcuterie boards—what you need is thoughtful simplicity. Make it feel homemade, slow, and familiar.
Some cosy food ideas:
- Thick slices of lemon drizzle cake, wrapped in parchment.
- Flaky sausage rolls or rustic quiche, still warm.
- Fruit still on the stalk—grapes, cherries, or gooseberries.
- Crusty bread and butter, packed in wax paper.
- A thermos of tea (Earl Grey with a splash of milk never goes amiss) or elderflower cordial with mint and cucumber slices.
Use real plates, not plastic. Wrap cutlery in a napkin and tie it with string. Pack it all into a vintage basket or sturdy bag with soul. If it’s something you’d serve by candlelight in October, it’s welcome on your June picnic.
4. Embrace Slowness
This isn’t an Instagram moment. This is your chance to slow down and notice things.
Bring a:
- Book with yellowed pages
- Journal or sketchbook
- Pair of binoculars or a wildflower guide
- Camera (the old kind if you can!)
Leave your phone on silent. Let conversation come softly, or not at all. Watch bees. Trace clouds. Close your eyes. You don’t have to do anything. That’s the joy of a truly cosy picnic—it doesn’t rush you.
5. Add Details that Delight
Little details turn a meal on the grass into a memory.
Try:
- A small vase or jar of wildflowers picked nearby.
- Enamel mugs or teacups for your drink.
- A tin of wrapped sweets, just like your nan would’ve packed.
- A ticking kitchen timer if you want to nap in the sun but not burn.
- A small portable speaker for a playlist of acoustic songs or birdsong recordings.
Cosiness is in the details. It’s the comfort of “I thought of everything”—even when everything is just a book, a brew, and a breeze.
6. Tidy with Tenderness
Part of the beauty of a thoughtful picnic is how little trace it leaves. Pack everything away with the same care you laid it out. Shake off crumbs for the birds. Pour leftover tea into the grass. Fold blankets slowly. Carry it all back in one trip if you can. It adds to the sense of rhythm—a gentle exhale at the end of a gentle afternoon.
In Closing
A cosy picnic isn’t about weather or effort or perfection. It’s about care. It’s about making a quiet moment feel loved, wrapped in a blanket of intention. As the months get brighter and the days longer, carry that autumnal spirit with you—into meadows, gardens, and shaded nooks. Bring the warmth of October into the breeze of May. Because even in sunshine, we deserve softness.
And after all, what’s more autumnal than finding stillness beneath a tree?