Picnic in Pink

As an air hostess, days off become treasured moments, special occasions even, and if there's one thing I like more than a day off, it's a day off spent in the park, with a picnic.

So far this year, my picnic count sits at three. Each one has been distinctly different to the other so here's my personal Do & Don't guide to an alfresco dining success, whoever you decide to throw your picnic party with!
Plus, it's Monday, so what better way to start the week than to plan a picnic for the  coming weekend?

 

Picnic with friends, or your own family - my sister (above) came with me

 
DO wear pink - it's my personal picnic colour of choice :)

DO try weird new food - if it's totally foul, you don't have to put on that "mmm, I'm really loving it" face that you might have to with anyone else...

DO cute makeup / bedhead hair

DO bring your iPod and some speakers, just for the purposes of annoying the romantic couple taking pictures of themselves next to you... [cue evil laugh mwua-ha-ha]
DON'T forget dessert. We loved our baked fig and pink grapefruit sorbets, creme brulee, strawberry tart and carrot and walnut cake from Jones the Grocers, even though it was a tad extortionate. Perhaps they should consider renaming themselves, Jones the Grossly-over-priced...

DON'T be shy, take pictures - and not just of each other, snap your snacks too - or is it just me who likes to do that...?!

 

Picnic with Habibi (in case you're wondering, that's Arabic for 'my love')

DO make your own cupcakes - oh you romantic you
DO try a picnic for 2 from Carluccio's (click the link to have a look) - if you have tastebuds, you will love, love, love the stuffed focaccia
DO get a pedicure before wearing your sandals ;)
 

Cupcakes - easy, yummy and romantic - perfection!

DON'T make out all over the grass - stay classy San Diego

DON'T leave the baby wipes at home. Crumbs all over your face is not a hot look

Picnic with Habibi's family

DO make an effort, if the food's not the focus, at least you can talk about your nice shoes / bag / hairdo...
DO ask. What kind of food does mother/father/sister/brother like? Save your own ass in advance!
DO bring extra everything, impromptu extra guests will expect a plate at the very least...
DO choose your favourite place and invite everyone to join. Unless of course you like skate parks and you're inviting his mum...

DON'T think everyone eats as little / much as you do - take more food than you could ever possibly need, and if you don't eat it, freeze it and use it as ready-made packed lunches
DON'T worry. Plaster a perma-smile on your visage and everyone else will enjoy :)




Carluccio's strawberry meringue dessert with passion fruit coulis
- tastes even better than it sounds...

Hope you like my ideas for picnic fun! Have you had a picnic this year? Now it's too hot for picnics in Dubai, well, do you fancy lunch at 40 degrees...? To all those not in the middle of the Arabian desert, ENJOY!

Love from picnic Dolly x



I love picnics!