21 Dec LIFESTYLE CONCEPTS | PICNIC UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE

REINVENTING THE PICNIC

Let’s bring the fun indoors because baby,it’s cold outside…

Let’s do it differently this time:

Downsize the gifts and consumerism, focus on creating unconventional experiences that will last longer that any gift  (jewellery excluded).

Let’s not associate presents with love.

Intimacy stems from bonding experiences, not purchases and a price tag will always be a piece of paper.

Let’s invite friends and/or family over, surprise them with an unexpected indoors picnic. Prepare the food together, have a laugh. Throw soft cozy blankets under the christmas tree, add fluffy pillows and create the perfect setting to share a meal and your latest news.

A few great-looking simple dishes, can be so comforting and heart-warming, getting together, all while celebrating the reinvention of the picnic.

When the entire meal consists of lots of little dishes, sharing becomes part of the process –what an act of altruism!

Let’s start with a loaf of bread.

If you feel like being the hostess with the mostest, bake it yourself. Keep everything else very simple so that you can place all your energy and skills on making the bread yourself.

Let’s think outside the box!

Slice it up and make crostinies! Cheese platters can be boring,use your imagination and whatever is in your fridge to create delicious mini bites that will make everyone happy! Beans on toast is an all-time favorite, same goes for mexican salsa, peanut butter and jam –the options are endless..

 Let’s make sure there’s plenty of coffee.

If you like spices ’tis the season to experiment.I’ve made a massive pot of orange-cinnamon coffee which was all gone before my guests arrived (yes,I made more what kind of insensitive human being do you take me for?)

Let’s have some vegan truffles!

Super easy to make and customize to your preferences! These are filled with almonds and candied orange peel. Find my original truffles recipe here, along with a bunch of add-in and topping ideas! Not such a thing as too many chocolate truffles.

And how about some no-bake treats you can whip up in less than 10 minutes? I knew you were gonna love this one! Being the hostess does not mean being excluded from the fun while slaving away in the kitchen: So passé! These no-bake cookies are genius: sugar-free, gluten-free,4 ingredients only!

Let’s have a drink (or two..)

We made it another year! What achievements are you proud of? It doesn’t have to be grand! Daily accomplishments, like making it to the gym thrice a week or finishing your book, finally mastering the perfect pancake recipe or making it out of bed on a lousy depressed monday: they all count! I’ll have a minty  mimosa and raise my glass to that! Care for a cranberry-ginger cocktail?

Let’s not get overwhelmed.

Be realistic with the amount of time that you can spend on the preparations and plan accordingly. The important thing is that you will enjoy yourself and spend some quality time with your loved ones. A few store-bought cookies never hurt anyone.

Let’s tuck in, shall we?

Don’t forget to keep your camera handy, I would absolutely love to take a look at your recreations! Are you trying out any of my recipes? Join the Chelfdom,tag me on instagram,let me know how it went for a chance to get featured on my tumblr and let’s be friends on Facebook to stay in touch!