A Fall Harvest Picnic
On a bright autumn day, the last days of summer turn into the first days of fall. Why leave picnicking behind us, when we love it so? A backyard full of colourful trees and overgrown grass is the perfect setting to invite your family and friends over for a harvest picnic. Grownups and kids will enjoy the fun of eating surrounded by the new season’s beauty. Keep it simple, is my motto! Grab a sleeping bag, blankets, and some big cushions for a comfy sitting area. Set a table or buffet with tasty treats; hot sandwiches, soup in a thermos, seasonal pies, lemonade, and sweet apple cider – such fine things to eat and sip, on a splendid afternoon.
For our fall harvest picnic, I set the table with gently worn linens, striped paper straws, bubbled glasses and a bright red old-fashioned cake stand. The feeling was vintage and reminiscent of the 1950s. I served gorgeous pies delivered straight from Farm Boy’s bakery – mouth-watering raspberry and cherry pies, to be more descriptive! I even indulged in a few (gluten-full) bites and can attest that they were mighty delicious, but don’t take my word for it, ask Aiden – he’ll tell you just how amazing the pies tasted. He did spend most of our picnic pining after pie…and then more pie! Not to worry, we washed it down with Farm Boy’s organic lemonade, which made the perfect pair. I might also suggest pumpkin pies with apple cider – another wonderful duo.
Whatever the menu, lean towards the bounty of the season! There are so many recipes for this time of year that are ideal for an outdoor setting. Is it just me or do warm spices and hot coffee not come alive when enjoyed outdoors? Apple crisp, spiced baked squash, pumpkin soup, berry pie, maple coconut whipped cream over dark roast coffee – these were made for fall picnics.
To capture our fun-filled afternoon, Ali Campbell, an Ottawa based photographer joined our family. It was our pleasure to have her and we were thrilled to later see the special moments documented through her lens. Abigail and Aiden sure kept her on her toes during our lifestyle photo shoot! I’ll be sharing more of our family photos taken by Ali soon.
As the leaves turn red, orange, yellow, and brown – and the weather is crisp yet enjoyable, why not throw an autumn picnic? Impromptu and without the fuss; just fun, family, friends, and good food.
A special thank you to The Best of This Life’s wonderful friends and collaborators:
Ali Campbell Photography, lifestyle photography
Farm Boy, pies and drinks
PearlHouse V Decor, decorative pillows
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Looks like sooo much fun and so French Provence!
I was wondering how you got such gorgeous pictures! What a fun idea, Emily! Now I want pie!
Haha, thanks! But you know, I always take my own pictures – this post is just an exception! 🙂
This was such a lovely post to read, Emily! This was such a beautiful picnic to have attended though the eye of the camera lens.