#177 - high class, barefoot picnic

.   .   .

A lovely friend leaving the big smoke, our unknowingly last day was a picnic in Balmain. The whole time wishing it could be back in King George with the magpies and the big oaks... but, a picnic is a picnic is a picnic. It was lovely all the same.

Have been on a few types of picnics, but not in the way of luxury. Here's something attempting high class, in celebration of all those tie-on collars, chunky necklaces and velvet dresses.
First things first...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Think about it: the entire brilliance of a picnic is all based within the wonderful realms of this snugly, colour-filled square. 

Sure, you can lollop off and play badminton a few feet away, or climb a tree - but I'll bet you'll be back to all the goodness that this rug holds. So you'll be needing something flipping gorgeous for a promising start to your days affairs. 

And when we're talking high-class picnics, the bigger the better. 

I   D   E   A   S

lets say: go to your op-shop, buy some tea towels (perhaps the kitschier the better!?) - sew them all together la-di-dah, complete with a gorgeous patterned backing; for your own hand-made goodness. Let the sentimentalism begin. (see link 2 below). You could even, if you're mighty clever - embroider your thrifted tea towels in some divine array for even more hand crafted loveliness. Buy Pip's wonderful Sew, La, Tea, Do book and make her gorgeous fox quilt, get the quilted bedspreads from the likes of IKEA if you like the extra- potential to curl up and doze.  

image: 1. link 2.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Unless you're Picnic Barbie and your picnic folds out from your jeep's boot in all its life-perfected, plastic splendour - then you'll be needing something to carry your goods in. Have a looky at Etsy, as always.

I   D   E   A   S

why need it be a basket at all? Have a wooden chest? a roller icebox? a bottle crate? a hat box? three? straw bag with a big white bow? A SUITCASE!? Use them all! This high class picnic is not just about faking quality - but quantity as well :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

The height of heights for me would be the Crosley CR49 Traveler Turntable (enthusiastically pointed out by myself above). But unfortunately I can only find American sellers who don't tend to like shipping them out to Aussie.
(see sold here, and here)

Son Valise are pretty adorable though when it comes to it, and iPod friendly... helllllo picnic playlist! 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I'm meaning piles of pillows, bundles of books, lanterns, stacks of old crockery. Hang glass bottles, and candles in jars. Make doily bunting, buy a gorgeous bouquet of flowers and sit in a french metal jug. Take along some milk glass, garden scissors, and a gathering basket to collect flowers from wherever you may be.

Here are some click tickets to wonderful places selling gorgeous things:

Pillows, pillows, hello milky cushions. folkfibre quilt. Books. book. book (picnic at hanging rock). feather plate. sunbrella. not sure what, but this shop is just gorgeous. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Its pretty much why we got here in the first place. 

The Caker have me wanting to make this brilliantly layered monstrosity.. but why anyone would try and fit their gob round one of these pieces is past me! Dainty cake forks should be lovely for that. 

Try Sunday Supper's chocolate and lavender pie (image first below - and preeetty puh-lease try and package like this!), and they also do some lovely sandwiches. Also this beautiful lemon cake from Cook Republic. Frankie is suitably passionate about food, so find many lovely ideas here (ice-cream sandwiches?!? pizza in a jar!?) and ideas here at Gojee.  Make your own lemon-lime bitters - and that 6 layer Victorian sponge :) And never go wrong with rice paper rolls...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

I want to be slightly inspired by Picnic at Hanging Rock. But, so. much. white.
Maybe wouldn't suit me - so here would be my outfit for the day...

dress from the ever pretty Sanoi & Six. Gorman clogs. Fendi inspired vintage bag please, and these woven leather sandals (to take off and go barefoot, of course!) - for some reason two pairs of shoes appeals to me.