Designing a healthy picnic

One of the best ways to enjoy the spring/summer weekends is to soak up some rays and have a healthy picnic. Picnics have been trending as engagement parties, weddings, birthday  parties and christenings. Now, to clarify,  we’re not talking of your 1970’s red woollen tartan rug, sandwiches and trusty thermos. These picnics at designed to reflect personality of their host which is displayed in the details. The cute florals, fresh food, serving ware and table decors (yes, tables are involved – there’s no dining with the ants) are all the exciting focus of such charming events.

In the Australian heat however, you don’t feel like eating rich cakes and dense meals at a luncheon. To solve this, for a while now I have been collecting healthy party food ideas on EPW’s Pinterest. My inspiration for healthy picnic food grew significantly when I visited Vida Downtown in Dubai for a special media lunch. It took the form of an outdoor picnic, the special kind I spoke of earlier. Dubai locals are experts on the taste buds of those who endure the heat – fresh, light and cold food/drinks. Couple that with an adorable picnic layout and you are well on your way to a winning event!

Drinks: Iced tea was served from glass canisters on wooden kegs which you pour into your own glass jar topping it with a pastel straw. Doesn’t the lovely Marianne from Esme and the Laneway look perfectly dressed for the occasion?

Decor: Old picnic baskets and blankets don’t miss the cut, but become coloured decor or an alternative seating option to the tables. Nor were we without grass like textures. Although rather than sticking up your bottom, it forms a woven placement. Mains:  light spinach and olive quiches, pre-cut foccasia sandwiches filled with sun-dried tomato, Mushrooms, spinach and mayonnaise were perfect for a hot day.

Sides included a wide array of fruit (great for bringing crisp but natural bright colours to your layout), cheese and crackers and salad.

MUST have: lovely company to share it with! Life is more fun with friends. This is Chloe, fashion blogger from Chloe’s addiction. She’s is as gorgeous on the inside as she is on the out!

Below are more beautiful bloggers whose company we had the pleasure of enjoying in Dubai: Janice from Learning 4 Kids, Sarah from Move Fuel Love, Nuffnang ladies Valissa and Dom and Jen from Interiors Addict.

Picnic brunch must: These were adorable little berry smoothies set in ice. You could easily prepare these beforehand, put in the esky with some glad wrap and you’re good to go! Try using my berry banana smoothie recipe.

Dessert: Fruit, a tart (you could bake with stevia – a natural sweetener or make this your treat for the week!) and fruit salad pots are a lovely addition too.

I am having a party following my admission as a lawyer, so am thinking a healthy picnic similar to this. I would love more ideas though, so please tell me:

 Have you been to a cute picnic? What do you like to pack for your healthy picnic? Do you have any cute decor ideas?