Make Winter Better with an Indoor Picnic. You Just Need 7 Things.
The worst part of winter? It’s not summer! And that means you can’t have picnics. Unless you can. While the temperatures continue to chill us this February, consider planning an indoor picnic. You’ll just need a few things — and we’re guessing you already have them.
1. Blankets
Perhaps the most important ingredient when it comes to getting cozy, blankets are a must, must, must-have. You’ll need at least one as your base, and several more for people to snuggle up with.
2. Cushions
Add even more softness with lots of cushions and pillows. People might like to sit or lean on them while they eat. And they’ll come in handy when people start to drift off in a food coma. Tip: Cover them in old, spare pillow cases just in case there are any spills!
3. A Makeshift Table
To make eating a little easier, add some kind of elevated table to the picnic. It can be a legit table (we’re looking at you, coffee table!) or something more improvised. May we suggest a few stacks of books, a breakfast-in-bed tray, or an upside-down cardboard box?
Read more: Small Spaces: Coffee Table Dining
4. Cups with Lids
If you’re planning on serving red wine, tea, or really any liquid, play it safe and skip the traditional cups and glasses. Instead, use coffee travel mugs, thermoses, or Mason jars. This way, if someone knocks one over, you have at least a 50/50 chance that there will be a lid on to contain the mess.
5. Winter Picnic-Friendly Food
As much as we love a good sandwich and pasta salad side, traditional summer picnic food is probably not your way to go here. Instead, plan a menu that will leave your friends feeling full, warm, and happy.
Some Menu Suggestions
- A Tex-Mex Comfort Food Menu for Your Next Snow Day
- Korean-Style Beef and Broccoli Bowl
- Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Fettuccine
- Gooey, Crunchy, Chocolate-Filled S’mores Pie
6. Music
Whether it’s with a wireless speaker, a laptop, or even your phone, you’ll need to set up some tunes to play during your meal. There won’t be any birds chirping, so Top 40 will have to do.
7. Post-Dinner Entertainment
Some people may fall asleep (see item 2), but for those who are still awake after the meal, you’ll need something to entertain them with. Have some coloring books, board games, magazines, or playing cards nearby. Or because you’re inside, there is one thing you can do that you can’t really do in the middle of a park: watch a movie. One point for winter!
What to watch: 10 Food Movies and Shows to Stream on Netflix Right Now