Family Picnics: A Love-Hate Affair

My mum really loves picnics. Or at least, the concept. But her idea of a picnic is a bit more elaborate than your average family outing. A picnic arranged by my mum is essentially setting up an entire dining room on Hampstead Heath, complete with a full-sized, fold-out table and a proper tablecloth. The food is prepared carefully, with a range of options from roast dinners to decorated smoked salmon and asparagus platters, topped off with homemade hollandaise. There are always three courses, each with different crockery, and most importantly, plastic wine glasses to ensure easy clean-up.

Advantages and Challenges

The food itself is delightful. My mum goes the extra mile to ensure it is both delicious and visually appealing. However, the setup process and clean-up can be quite cumbersome. It takes a lot of planning and effort to prepare everything, especially when you're trying to maintain the delicate balance of hot and cold dishes. The cleanup can also be a nightmare, involving a plethora of crockery, utensils, and tablecloth.

The picnic setup is not just a hassle, but it also feels slightly awkward. I often find myself sitting among this grand, comedic tableau in the middle of a public park, surrounded by people having casual, normal picnics and perhaps a few bewildered dog walkers. It's an unusual experience that stands out from the norm.

Frequency and Seasonality

We usually have about five picnics each summer. The last one was just a couple of weeks ago, and it featured a menu that included hummus, falafel, and pitta, a bean and sweetcorn salad, pulled lamb with tomatoes and rosemary pesto, summer pudding with either cream or custard. My mum quickly put an end to our hopes of outdoor dining for the rest of the year by setting her sights on March, just when she becomes overly optimistic and gets too early.

Despite the challenges, my mum's picnics remain a cherished tradition. The elaborate setup and the homemade touches make these events a memorable and delightful experience. But the reality is that the clean-up can be more of a headache than it's worth. It's a trade-off between the enjoyment of the meal and the ease of the cleanup, and my mum clearly leans towards the former.

Conclusion

While my mum's picnics are a lot of work, they are still a beloved tradition. Whether it's the delicious food, the cozy atmosphere, or the time spent with family, these picnics remain an integral part of our summer routine. However, the reality is that the clean-up can be a significant challenge, and it's often more practical to opt for a simpler, more relaxed approach. Nonetheless, when the weather is nice, and the opportunity arises, a well-organized picnic can still be a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time together as a family.