Beat Winter's Chill With an Indoor Picnic
Build warm memories with loved ones by bringing lighthearted outdoor dining to your living room
Picnics are one of life's simple pleasures, but winter, of course, is usually too cold for people in most parts to head outdoors with a basket and blanket. It's still possible, however, to enjoy the fun and romance of picnic dining now; just re-create the experience indoors. It's a great way to pack in friends and family, even when you don't have a lot of traditional dining space. Get inspired by this indoor picnic spread.
Just as you'd do outside, make things comfortable with a plentiful supply of picnic blankets. Take advantage of being indoors by incorporating throw pillows and even some poufs.
Bring the outdoors in by adding some fresh greenery to your picnic setting. The plant shown here is a species of eucalyptus.
If you have a fireplace, make sure you're prepared with a supply of chopped wood. A crackling fire is a sure way to amp up the coziness factor.
If you have a fireplace, make sure you're prepared with a supply of chopped wood. A crackling fire is a sure way to amp up the coziness factor.
The Meal
Having your picnic indoors also means that you can use your household dishes and cutlery. This picnic set comes with cutlery and dishes, but stylish compostable options are also available that will make cleanup a cinch.
Having your picnic indoors also means that you can use your household dishes and cutlery. This picnic set comes with cutlery and dishes, but stylish compostable options are also available that will make cleanup a cinch.
When planning your menu, think of simple finger foods that are easy to serve and share. The spread shown includes cheeses, crackers, salami, pesto, fruit and a freshly baked pecan pie.
Tip: To prevent drink spillage, make sure you have a sturdy tray with a lip on hand.
Tip: To prevent drink spillage, make sure you have a sturdy tray with a lip on hand.
Pecan Pie (adapted from Allerhande)
Serves 12
• 1 cup (250 grams) flour
• 100 grams powdered sugar
• 1 cup (250 grams) butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups (280 grams) whole pecans
• 1/2 cup (150 grams) maple syrup
• 1/3 cup (75 grams) sugar
• 1/3 cup (75 milliliters) fresh cream
Time: prep, 30 minutes; cooking, 50 minutes
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Combine the flour, powdered sugar, butter and salt in a mixer and mix everything into a crumbly dough. Knead the dough into a ball with your hands and line a greased 8- by 8-inch baking pan with the dough to form an even base. Bake for 20 minutes. Roast the pecans in the oven in an 8- by 11-inch tray for 10 minutes.
2. Heat the syrup, sugar and cream in a saucepan. Bring the mix to a boil and then cook it over low heat for 6 minutes.
3. Remove the gently roasted pecans and pie base from the oven. Distribute the pecans on top of the precooked pie base, placing them in even lines and forming two layers. Carefully pour the caramel sauce over the nuts and put the pan back in the oven for another 20 minutes.
4. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving it at your indoor picnic. Enjoy!
Serves 12
• 1 cup (250 grams) flour
• 100 grams powdered sugar
• 1 cup (250 grams) butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups (280 grams) whole pecans
• 1/2 cup (150 grams) maple syrup
• 1/3 cup (75 grams) sugar
• 1/3 cup (75 milliliters) fresh cream
Time: prep, 30 minutes; cooking, 50 minutes
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Combine the flour, powdered sugar, butter and salt in a mixer and mix everything into a crumbly dough. Knead the dough into a ball with your hands and line a greased 8- by 8-inch baking pan with the dough to form an even base. Bake for 20 minutes. Roast the pecans in the oven in an 8- by 11-inch tray for 10 minutes.
2. Heat the syrup, sugar and cream in a saucepan. Bring the mix to a boil and then cook it over low heat for 6 minutes.
3. Remove the gently roasted pecans and pie base from the oven. Distribute the pecans on top of the precooked pie base, placing them in even lines and forming two layers. Carefully pour the caramel sauce over the nuts and put the pan back in the oven for another 20 minutes.
4. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving it at your indoor picnic. Enjoy!
The Entertainment
After indulging in conversation, comfort and food, have some games available to continue the fun. Make sure you also prepare a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes to play.
After indulging in conversation, comfort and food, have some games available to continue the fun. Make sure you also prepare a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes to play.
After unwrapping presents this Christmas, gather your loved ones for an indoor picnic. Afterward, feel free to prop yourself in a comfy spot against some pillows for some quality quiet time with a good book.
Tell us: How will you be getting cozy this winter?
Tell us: How will you be getting cozy this winter?
An indoor picnic is a wonderful opportunity to snuggle up on the ground with some cozy blankets and pillows with a loved one. And if you're hosting several guests, it's also a creative alternative when table space is limited. If your home is blessed with a great view, clear an area next to the window for your setup.
Picnic basket: Picknickshop; plaid blanket: Hermine, Ikea; poufs: Slumber and Bonnet, Casalis; gray platter: Serholt Sweden