Set the ideal scene for summer

In a global landscape lately a little light on positives, the summer picnic has come storming back to dominate Australia’s social scene. Here’s how to make yours a beauty.

Setting down a bumper picnic basket in a picturesque spot is one of life’s simple pleasures. A cherished tradition in a country spoiled for breathtaking vistas, the art of the perfect picnic has reached new heights during the pandemic.

As Australia’s summer sun plays its part in our defence against the disease, there has never been a better time for an al fresco feast.

Summer picnics are also the ideal setting to showcase the very best homegrown produce and products, with seasonal fruits never more affordable and many smallgoods manufacturers turning to the domestic market for support.

Sourcing Australian-made cheese, biscuits and dips helps local employment and helps the country’s economic recovery. Renae Grady, husband Richard Grady and children Haddie, 7, Abraham, 12, Isabella, 14 and Danika, 10. Picture: supplied.

Tanya Barden, CEO of the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) says food and grocery manufacturers combined contribute more than $127 billion to the Australian economy and employ almost 275,000 people.

“Australia’s food and grocery sector is an enormously important part of our nation’s economy. The hundreds of businesses making quality products are vitally important parts of communities around the country,” Barden says.

Consider picnic staple Jatz, made by Arnott’s. While Arnott’s is no longer Australian-owned, the iconic biscuit is baked here and the factory employs local workers.

For traditional pies, quiches, pastries and other finger food also popular at picnics, Patties Foods operates three Australian sites. General manager of marketing and innovation Anand Surujpal says the company has evolved over time.

“We’ve expanded to a whole range of foods that are irresistible – and all made here in Australia,” Surujpal says.

Mum of four Renae Grady loves celebrating Australia's tropical fruits at summer picnics and al fresco birthday celebrations with friends. Picture: Marieke Lee.

Next time you spread the blanket, open the crackers and pull the lid off your favourite Australian-made dip, dig in with gusto knowing you’re helping Australia’s economic recovery and keeping fellow citizens employed to boot.

No stranger to hospitality, grounded flight attendant Renae Grady favours picnics wherever possible. Originally hailing from the US, the current epicentre of the COVID epidemic, the mother-of-four is particularly appreciative of her adopted home this summer.

“I grew up in a very rainy part of the world where we didn’t have that many picnics … it’s just gross outside most of the year.

“That’s one of the things I really love about Australia and living here – the weather is beautiful and you can plan your parties outside,” Grady says.

A keen amateur designer and party planner, Grady says good food, good people and a cosy, comfortable location are all key to mastering the perfect outdoor soiree.

“As a larger family with kids, it gives them a nice area to play and not be stuck at a table. And with lockdowns as well, when we were allowed to be outside and gather but not in restaurants, picnics were a win/win.

“We get cheeses, olives, crackers and pickled things – they’re easy to transport. We sometimes prepare food ahead of time, but the convenience of the grills at a lot of the beaches makes it easy,” she says.

Husband Richard loves cured meats – often smoking his own meat in advance – and the entire family adores Australian fruit.

“My family thinks it’s a bit of a novelty, having lived in another part of the world,” Grady says.

“The mangoes are so delicious. Particularly the tropical fruits – lychees and passionfruit are not things you can find everywhere.”

Eye-catching presentation brings style to even the most casual picnic. Enamel trays are hardy and allow you to create clear stations for food and drink. Picture: supplied.

Top picnic props

How mum-of-four Renae Grady makes every picnic an occasion to remember.

Characterful crates

“I always have an extra wooden crate on hand. It carries our tools … but it also serves as a table if there’s not one available.” Enamel trays in retro shades add even more charm.

Forage for flora

“I always do a bit of foraging on my way, pruning my tree on the way out the door just to add a little flair, especially when it’s a birthday party or something, just to make it look nice.” Kids love collecting fallen flowers en route to lay around the table.

Cabana cool

“We always bring that for our sun protection and because it creates your space.” Whether you favour a jaunty cabana, umbrella, lean-to or tent, add plump cushions, large towels and picnic blankets to layer up the comfort factor just like the Ancient Greeks.

Taste of the tropics

‘Tis the season for superb and affordable summer produce. The stunning colours of a tropical platter make fruit a very pretty and nutritious no-brainer.