A Perfect French Picnic

My top tips to create the perfect French picnic

how to create a perfect french picnic | maisondepax.com

I think that sometimes when people think “French” decor or cooking, they think fancy. Or even fussy. While French arts certainly can be that, they absolutely don’t have to. To prove the point, I want to show you today how to create a perfect French picnic.

how to create a perfect french picnic | maisondepax.com

Simple and elegant.

how to create a perfect french picnic | maisondepax.com

how to create a perfect french picnic | maisondepax.com

In the years we lived there, we had this “picnic” countless times – with French natives and expats alike. And it couldn’t be simpler: a baguette, Boursin (a soft, herby cheese), saucisson sec (a dried salami), and a bottle of rose´ (Sancerres are one of my favorites if anyone is interested). You can find all these things at most local grocery stores, even in the states.

how to create a perfect french picnic | maisondepax.com

If people were feeling extra hungry, we might add a hard cheese, as well. And that’s it.

how to create a perfect french picnic | maisondepax.com

Sit at a bistro table or on a blanket… somewhere beautiful – France obviously has no shortage of beautiful gardens, fields, and views – and enjoy it at a leisurely pace.

how to create a perfect french picnic | maisondepax.com

Leisurely is key. 😉

Leisurely is key. ;)

And if you do want it to feel a tad fancy, add some $4 grocery store flowers. Easy and elegant.

lavender and alstroemeria in a rustic bucket - such a simple and elegant centerpiece | maisondepax.com

lavender and alstroemeria in a rustic bucket - such a simple and elegant centerpiece | maisondepax.com

lavender and alstroemeria in a rustic bucket - such a simple and elegant centerpiece | maisondepax.com

lavender and alstroemeria in a rustic bucket - such a simple and elegant centerpiece | maisondepax.com

Mr. Pax and I enjoyed this very treat just a few days ago while our children swam (yes, we live in Texas and it was over 90 this week!). It was divine.

how to create a perfect french picnic | maisondepax.com

how to create a perfect french picnic | maisondepax.com

I know it’s not this warm everywhere yet, but I do hope you can enjoy the spring weather soon…

pin it image

Simple rustic elegance! A perfect French picnic | maisondepax.com

And for more French inspiration, visit these other lovely bloggers who are sharing today as part of our three month series on country French design.

french country garden table

Shabbyfufu

french country spring porch

Cedar Hill Farmhouse

french country spring table

Designthusiasm

french country strawberries and flowers

French Country Cottage

french country decorating

Housepitality Designs

french country garden picnic

Maison de Pax

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15 Comments

  1. What a gorgeous French picnic and the setting is truly amazing!…You can just feel that you are actually having a great picnic in the bucolic regions of France. Your view is stunning! Have a great day and great partying with you today Rachel!

  2. Rachel, such a nice place to sit and enjoy a leisurely meal. It’s been in the 80’s here, but a bit of a cold snap is coming back for a few days. Thanks for sharing the wine that you like. I will look for it. That is something I certainly miss from my trip to France.

  3. Ah, Rachel, this is a magical post! When I saw that gate in the background I was transfixed!! Lovely setting, gorgeous photography… 🙂 I’m so in the mode for a French lunch now!

  4. What a simple and beautiful picnic. Your view is spectacular. Enjoy your weather, we are still cold here in Northeast Ohio.

  5. Hi Rachel. What a sensual pleasure your post was this cold morning. Here in Denver we are being slammed with a blizzard so your photos (especially the bouquet in the bucket) were so welcome. As a relatively new blogger, I am curious how these special group series are put together as I’d love to be included sometime. I’d be very grateful if you’d be willing to share this process (and keep me in mind). Thanks so much. Pat at Bringing French Country Home.

    1. Hi Pat. Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I do hope you’ve finally gotten some spring weather up in Denver. 🙂 Welcome to the world of blogging! The best advice I can give you is what someone told me: try to find some other bloggers who are around the same stage as you and create a little group. Even if their style is not exactly the same as yours, if they are about the same age/size as you, you all can encourage, share posts, and grow together. When I first started blogging, I reached out to some other new bloggers via their websites and eventually joined a facebook group where we could share and ask questions. I also highly recommend my friend Abby (from Just a Girl and her Blog); she has an ebook called Building a Framework all about creating and growing a blog. I think there may even be a facebook group associated with purchasing the ebook. I hope this helps in some way and I wish you the best! Oh, and one more thing, if you’ve ever considered really investing in blogging, I definitely recommend going to a conference. You meet people face to face and create friendships that last. I attended Haven for the first time three years ago and it was a game changer for me! 🙂

  6. Hi Rachel, what a beautiful setting you have for a picnic. I would like to ask if you share sources for items you feature on your great blog. I am talking about your beautiful black porch swings. I just love them. I really enjoy Madison de Pax.

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