
Ideas for your picnic
How did the idea of the picnic come about?
The history of the picnic dates back to the 17th century. In those days, people would meet up outdoors and everyone would bring along their own favourite recipe. The word originates from French and consists of “piquer” (to pick or take) and “nique” (a little thing).
The concept of the picnic, eating together in a park or garden, therefore has deep roots in different cultures. Today, we enjoy picnicking in scenic locations with family, friends or on a romantic date.
What picnic crockery should you bring?
Perfect picnic equipment: to be prepared at all times
However creative, quirky and personal your picnic ideas may be, without the right foundations, the experience can take a turn for the worse just as quickly as the weather. So find inspiration with great ideas for outdoor dining, from picnic crockery to cutlery.
Do you have everything you need for your special picnic? To make sure you’re prepared for every eventuality, we have put together a practical checklist for you:
Tip:
These essential items will ensure you are perfectly equipped for a stylish and fun picnic in the great outdoors.
What picnic cutlery and glasses are available?
Refreshing ideas for your picnic: the perfect drinks
Add a refreshing twist to water with lemon, cucumber, and mint – and serve it in the stylish 1.5-litre Rose Garden glass jug to preserve all the flavour and freshness.
For picnics with children, a few essentials are generally required: juices, sugar-free soft drinks and home-made iced tea are among the classics. The adults can also enjoy a chilled beer, perhaps in an alcohol-free version, or a summery white or rosé wine.
Sparkling wine or champagne is a lovely surprise for a romantic picnic. Freshly squeezed orange juice is an ideal choice if your picnic is starting in the morning. And to add a tropical note, you can pack some coconut water in your basket.
An aromatic cup of coffee or tea is essential, even in summery temperatures. These hot drinks can be transported conveniently in the Villeroy & Boch To Go mugs.
Perfect recipes for a picnic
The selection of picnic recipes is both impressive and multifaceted. From quick and easy picnic ideas to vegetarian and vegan food, snacks, elaborate meals, sweet and savoury picnic ideas, no-cooking recipes, and much more.
We have listed our favourite no-cooking picnic ideas here:
Tip:
You can, of course, serve cooked food too – from a simple pasta dish to a multi-course menu. Picnic recipes can be adapted to suit the occasion and the tastes of your picnic guests.

Vegetarian ideas for your picnic
You don’t need any special ideas for a vegetarian or vegan picnic. Simply replace meat and fish with plant-based alternatives or make your own creations using imitation meat, oatmeal, lentils, seitan and similar ingredients.
Recipes with smoked tofu and grilled vegetables are other alternatives for your vegetarian picnic and you can replace milk with oat and soy products.
Picnic recipes for finger food and snacks
Finger food offers ideal perfectly portioned snacks that you can prepare at home, from the classics to your own creative ideas.
Here are a few suggestions for your picnic:
● Spicy falafel balls
● Traditional Italian focaccia with rosemary
● Savoury puff pastry tartlets with figs and feta
● Vietnamese summer rolls with prawns
● Savoury scones with cheese and onions
● Mediterranean rosemary-Serrano sticks
● Little courgette fritters
● Puff pastry tarts filled with peppers and cheese
● Fried avocado slices
● Tasty sweet potato chips with chimichurri
● Cherry tomatoes and mozzarella ball skewers
● Tortilla wraps with smoked salmon and cream cheese
● Courgette rolls with feta

Picnics with children: recipe ideas for kids
Picnic ideas for children need to be practical, tasty and fun – for example, quick spiral-shaped buns, marshmallow rice crispies, a vegetable quiche in the shape of a beautiful colourful cake, and pancakes with sweet or savoury toppings.
If you are planning a summer picnic, the crockery from the Kiddy Bears collection is a perfect choice.
Savoury picnic ideas for big appetites
A whole day outdoors! Tasty dishes and original picnic ideas will make your picnic a culinary celebration too – with hot or cold food:
● An original quiche with cheese and tomatoes
● A lavish couscous salad with grilled vegetables, herbs and lemon vinaigrette
● Fish tacos with pineapple-cucumber salsa
● Pita bread filled with grilled (veggie) chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki
● Large baked potatoes with fillings such as chilli con/sin carne, sour cream and cheese
● A pasta bake with pecorino
● Spaghetti with meatballs and spicy tomato sauce
● A colourful quinoa-buddha bowl
● Various grilled foods such as halloumi, (veggie) meat, fish, and vegetables

Decide on the place and occasion
Creative ideas and tips for your next picnic
Picnics can take place in parks, a forest glade, your garden or on the beach. The occasions are equally varied: from family celebrations to children’s birthdays, special get-togethers with friends or romantic dates.

Ideas for a picnic with children
As well as delicious child-friendly snacks, fun and entertainment are important too. Board and card games or more energetic play with a ball, frisbee or skipping ropes are good ideas.
For a family-friendly picnic with children, it is important to consider safety and comfort aspects too. In other words: imaginatively designed children’s crockery, along with plasters, wet wipes and children’s sun cream.
Sweet treats for the perfect afternoon
Anyone with a sweet tooth will love picnic desserts that are easy to prepare, pack and transport in dishes and bowls – sweets with a more solid consistency work best, for example:
● Crunchy peanut-muesli bars
● Chocolate-coated fruits
● Muffins with a cream-cheese berry topping
● Colourful fruit salads
● Enchanting cinnamon spiral buns
How can I plan the perfect romantic picnic?
The atmosphere is particularly important for
a romantic picnic. Find a scenic and, if possible, quiet spot to enjoy a peaceful moment in nature. Everything should be cosy, comfortable and stylish – from the picnic blanket to the menu. Little details such as a tea light holder will complete the effect.
Flowers, candles, blossoms, paper lanterns, music, and fun games will create a happy mood and add variety to make the date even more special. To complete the experience, choose To Go crockery in a matching design.
Finishing touches: essential items
Quick guide
What is the best way to pack a picnic basket?
Follow these simple steps for a perfectly organised picnic basket:
● Place heavy items at the bottom of the basket.
● Use cool bags for perishable foods.
● Pack sensitive products in extra containers.
● Stabilise crockery to stop it sliding around.
● Fill gaps to keep everything in place in the basket.
● Fasten the basket with straps or similar.
This will make sure that everything is packed safely and tidily and stop items getting crushed or falling out.