Life’s A Picnic

Among the flowers

May 3, 2021

Styled by Drewe Smith, Photos by Melissa Hebert, Intro by Nina Bays Cournoyer,

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Ah, the picnic. A triumphant convergence of the great outdoors, tasty nibbles, and good company.

Originating in France, these lavish celebrations were mostly reserved for the aristocracy until a little thing called the French Revolution came along, opening royal parks to nonroyal people and making the picnic the most fashionable alfresco way to dine. This newly accessible feast for all senses served as inspiration for many modernist painters of the era, portraying white cloths set upon lush green grass, robust spreads of food and wine, and ladies scattered in various states of repose.

Modern-day picnics haven’t changed much in essence. We still welcome a big basket filled with snacks on a sunny day, and no one ever turns down an opportunity to lounge. And, while we may have traded corsets and petticoats for more comfortable attire, we still embrace the flowing fabrics and rich swatches of color that influenced artists like Tissot, Monet, and Manet to create the masterpieces they did. So, get going and plan your own Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe. Though maybe not Manet’s au naturel version, unless that’s more your style.