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Picnic Day
Jun 18
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
‘There’s cold chicken inside it,” replies the Rat briefly; “coldtonguecoldhamcold beefpickledgherkinssaladfrenchrollscress sandwichespottedmeatgingerbeer lemonadesodawater… ”
~ The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame, 1908
Hopefully the weather in your neck of the woods now allows for a summer picnic or even better, a summer picnic with dancing! You may be inspired to pack a picnic lunch by fondly recalling those most famous of storybook picnics and their delectable and whimsical menus!
In Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter’s tea party is more surreal than satisfying, with mismatched teapots, jam-smeared hats, and bottomless cups of tea. Actual food seems elusive, possibly because the guests are too busy squabbling over riddles and etiquette to eat.
In contrast, The Wind in the Willows offers the perfect pastoral picnic: Ratty’s legendary hamper includes cold chicken, tongue, cress sandwiches, potted meat, ginger beer, and even mustard—enough to leave Mole and readers wide-eyed with delight!
Then there’s The Hobbit, where Bilbo’s peaceful day is upended by a sudden feast of thirteen uninvited dwarves who make short work of his carefully stocked larder—devouring seed-cakes, mince pies, cheese, cold chicken, raspberry jam, and ale in a whirlwind of merry appetite.
Should your unexpected guests prove enough to form a circular set of couples (what's another 13 dwarves ...) invite them to try this easy to learn "round the room (or picnic blanket)" jig will make for a memorable outing! 🕺 💃 ❤️ 🧺 🥪 🍉 🧃 🍇 🧁 🌭 🧀 🌳 ☀️
Picnic Invitation
The picnic has evolved from a formal pastime of the elite into a beloved global tradition, adapted to suit local tastes, customs, and landscapes. In 18th-century France and Britain, picnics were elegant affairs with cold game, wine, and fine tableware, often enjoyed on manicured lawns.
As the practice spread and democratized, so did the menus. In the United States, picnics became synonymous with summer holidays and potlucks, featuring fried chicken, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and lemonade.
Canada embraced similar fare with regional twists—think butter tarts, Nanaimo bars, and maple-flavored treats—often shared at lakeside cookouts or national parks.
In the UK, picnic baskets brim with pork pies, scotch eggs, strawberries and cream, and flasks of tea, often enjoyed on village greens or during countryside rambles.
Across Europe, traditions vary widely: Italians savor cured meats, cheeses, olives, and crusty bread with wine in olive groves; Spaniards bring tortillas, jamón, and gazpacho to sun-drenched plazas; and Germans unpack sausages, pretzels, and beer in lush biergartens. From baguettes in Paris to bratwurst in Bavaria, the picnic reflects not just a meal outdoors, but a celebration of place, season, and shared culture.
Enjoy a selection of easy picnic menu essentials from around the world by clicking the spread below!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
