What actually defines a picnic as a picnic, for you?
There's an animation about Paddington Bear, and one day, Paddington asked his family, while they were having a picnic in their backyard, what the difference was between a picnic, and just eating in the yard.
Everyone stuttered, and the mom, I believe it was, grasping, said that it was the blanket.
So, what do you think defines a picnic, vs. just eating outside, such as at a table when someone's grilling?
The short version online is: 'A picnic is a meal taken outdoors (al fresco) as part of an excursion – ideally in scenic surroundings, such as a park, lakeside, or other place affording an interesting view, or else in conjunction with a public event such as preceding an open-air theater performance[1], and usually in summer.'
I think of picnic baskets, or even a grocery bag of ready-to-eat foods, and maybe a blanket, but as I've aged, I have nothing against not sitting on the ground!
I also think of certain types of foods, bought or made, though there are exceptions.
Too, I automatically think of eating somewhere out of the ordinary, usually planned as a picnic or as a pleasant meal with someone at/before/after an event. That said, you can definitely have a picnic absolutely anywhere, even in your house.
Defining it though, the biggest difference to me, is that it has to be eaten slowly and enjoyed. Rushed meals, no matter where or what they are, are just lunch. You want time to take in your surroundings, if applicable, and talk to whomever is there with you, if anyone (if not, enjoy your surroundings, or maybe listen to music or read a book.) and enjoy the fare.
What do you think?
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