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!
Ohhh yes! great idea! <3
http://carmelatte.co/last-minute-christmas-gift-idea/
Thank you dear!
Yes! I’m loving these vibes and the vegan food!
yay! I’m so glad you liked it!
Now THIS is my kind of night (or day) in! I love your set-up here – everything looks amazing! I love that you’ve included recipes, too. I’m keen on trying your orange cinnamon coffee! x
Thank you Christie! I hope that you’ll try the coffee recipe! Let me know!
You created such a cozy ambience and decor! So perfect! *_*
Kiss* and have a Happy Christmas!
http://www.fine-alchemy.blogspot.com
Kisses right back at ya!
Everything looks amazing! I love the concept. Especially with really cold winters in Connecticut.
We had so much fun Tasheena! It was freezing outside but the mimosas definitely warmed our hearts 😉
This is heaven. Love it! ?
XOXO, Gaby
Heaven with a twist and cocktails 😉
That sounds so much of fun. The Snacks under Christmas Tree indeed look great to indulge into!
Sure is!
Oh wow! I love everything about this post especially that spiced coffee 🙂 I must try it at home.
Fana, it’s addicting you have to try it! <3
Such a fun idea, i love it! And i MUST try those no-bake chestnut treats 🙂
I bet you’ll love them Bruce!
I am loving your creative ideas. Believe it or not, we don’t have any presents this year under the Christmas tree so we may just do this wonderful fun picnic instead.
Sounds perfect to me Jana! We gave up on xmas presents years ago and we never miss it!
Love the idea of just enjoying time with friends and family, which is something we should all do often! ♡
simple and fuss free quality time!
What a great idea!!!!! I’m
Goin to try out these recipes!
Always happy to provide the inspiration Alexandra
This is such a creative and fun idea! Your pictures look cozy too. Thank you for the inspiration & super tasty recipes!
Thank you for stopping by!
Some great captures, and I love the picnic theme. We are so over the big traditional Christmas. The idea of eating roast ham, pork and hot chicken on 30 degree hot day is ridiculous. I love the idea of fruit drinks and chocolate. Thanks for sharing.
We’re on the same page Tony
This is such a great idea! I had never thought of doing a picnic by the Christmas tree. I’m totally going to do it 🙂
I’m already excited! You are going to have so much fun!
OMG this is one of the most darling ideas I’ve seen! Why not have a picnic under the tree. So doing this! Thanks for the holiday inspiration!
I’m so glad you’ve found the post inspiring Nadalie!
What an interest read, I agree with you on gifts and consumerism, focus on creating unconventional experiences that will last longer that any gift. This year I got my little nephew a UBS drive and filled it with all his favourite movies instead of buy the usual toys. I do love your idea of having a picnic under the tree too very sweeet
What a fantastic idea! I’m a bit jealous actually 😉
Yummy and creative ideas! Thanks for sharing
This is such a fun idea!! I would love to try this with my Kiddies next year. I think they would love it too…
I bet they will have a blast!
This is such a beautiful post.We should focus on experiences rather than only things.
wow!What a great idea!I am sure this is a great way to surprise the visitors and spend time with them.I am sure kids will love such a idea!