There’s nothing that says “summer afternoon” more than a picnic. Whether it’s a solo adventure, sprawled out on the grass to read a book, a fun afternoon spent snacking and searching for butterflies with the little ones, a low-key get-together between friends or even a romantic, idyllic date – this multi-purpose, blanket-centric occasion is warm weather must.
A perfect picnic has a lot of factors to it, though. It’s about location, preparation, company and general vibe. Sandton Central has compiled a few good-to-know guidelines for throwing the perfect picnic, and you’re in the right place to read them!
Pick the right spot
Speaking of right places… you’ll want to find a picnic spot that’s lush and shady to avoid the January heat, while still bright and airy enough that you can enjoy being outdoors. Try to lay your picnic blanket out of the way of busy thoroughfares or spaces that experience loads of dense foot traffic, because the last thing you want is an interloper trampling your delicious spread.
It’s also wise to stay far away from dustbins and any sort of visible insect population, as these can prove to be an unpleasant and unwelcome distraction while you’re trying to wind down. Check the area for damp spots to avoid that sinking feeling, too. There’s nothing muckier than an unexpected puddle! For a wide selection of lovely picnic pots, pay a visit to one of Sandton Central’s parks, conveniently located near the centre of our community.
Pack right
Though the idea of a traditional picnic basket is quaint and lovely, it’s not going to do much to keep your treats insulated or your cutlery and crockery organised and well-protected from the jostling of an outdoor walk. Also, let’s face it, carrying baskets isn’t exactly the most ergonomic option.
Why not swap out the old-fashioned wicker basket for something a little more efficient and streamlined? Cape Union Mart in Sandton City has a wide array of levelled-up picnic gear for you to choose from, as well as other outdoor essentials that might make your picnic nicer, such as camping chairs, waterproof picnic blankets, and shade cloths.
Don’t forget throw pillows!
No matter how lush the grass and gorgeous the surroundings, the ground is still the ground! And one defining characteristic of the ground is that it’s usually pretty solid. You’ll thank yourself for packing a pillow or two after 40 minutes of sitting on a hard, flat surface. The right pillows will add a whimsical, comfy aesthetic to your picnic that’s immediately worthy of an Instagram post with #nofilter needed!
If you want to go the extra mile, coordinate your plates and cups to your pillows and add a few matching decorations for extra atmosphere from Mr Price Home, Sandton. We especially love these Tropical Waterproof Outdoor Cushions, which are perfect for long-term use in the sun and spill-proof!
Pre-prep your snacks
A picnic should be relaxing. We recommend bringing your picnic snacks pre-prepared, so you can actually spend your time enjoying the outdoors and not struggle with the lack of running water and counterspace. Better yet, skip preparing food altogether when you get readymade snack platters that you can bring to the party and serve straight away!
We’d recommend ordering ahead from Fournos in Benmore Centre. They have a huge selection of delicious platters that you can customise based on your individual cravings and the number of people you’re catering for, so your spread will always be impressive and stress-free!
Don’t skimp on serviettes
Finger food is the best type of picnic food, but it’s also some of the messiest you can find. There are other hazards that cause messes at picnics too – such as uneven dining surfaces, interesting seating arrangements and having way too much fun!
The best way to combat sticky hands and blanket puddles is by ensuring you have way more serviettes and paper towels than you think you might conceivably need. Trust us on this one – you won’t understand until the need is dire, and when it’s dire, you’ll be glad you read this blog. A great spot to buy serviettes in bulk? Try Checkers Hyper in Sandton!
We’re all about picnic season and there’s no better place to stock up on gear, get fully prepared and have some fun in the sun than Sandton Central. Safe, clean, convenient, and community-oriented, our area’s got everything you need to really embrace summer afternoons to their fullest. We’d love nothing more than to welcome you into our parks to make unforgettable memories. We hope to see you soon – and you’re always welcome to borrow a serviette if you need one, too!
