Le Societe De Pique-Nique

Pique-Nique Preview: October Corn Maize Extravaganza

2009-08-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

Ah, my dears, here we are again planning the next fabulous Pique Nique! We ladies here at HQ have decided to skip September, as it is a very busy month for many of us and you, and so the next Societe event will be in OCTOBER.

This time we are traveling to a Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, to spend a day frolicking, getting lost, finding ourselves again, and enjoying the lovely October weather, a delightful luncheon, and the fabulous companies of one another!

Details are forthcoming, regarding location, though it may be a spot more of a drive than usual, to get out to the farm fields. There will also be a small fee for those wishing to go through the maze or purchase pumpkins - this is payable to the farm, not to Le Societe de PiqueNique.

Suggestions for costume:

Victorian, Neo-Victorian, Goth, Steampunk, Edwardian, and Gorey-esque. Georgian, and Regency are also welcome. Add a historical twist to a witch, zombie, warlock, vampyre. The possibilities are endless!

Do keep in mind that this location is a farm setting, so dress for dirt and walking!

More details and information will follow, along with the proper announcement, invitations, and so on, the closer we get to October.

Photos: Italiana!

2009-08-24T14:30:00.001-07:00

What an overwhelming success Le Societe's "Italiana" picnic was!

The setting was beautiful, the weather really quite tolerable (though I heard there was some stripping down to corsets and petticoats *GASP!*), and the company superb!

Enjoy these photos from the day! Photos are by Greg Dougherty and Leo Braz.

Ladies, If You Please...

2009-08-10T23:06:00.001-07:00

My dear female readers, on behalf of a dear friend would you kindly fill out the poll? We here at Le Societe thank you!

LADIES ONLY, what size t-shirt do you normally wear?(survey software)

Photos: Sphinx & Drinks Egyptian Pique Nique

2009-07-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was Le Societe's second event, the "Sphinx N' Drinks" Egyptian-themed picnic at the Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose, CA.

It was a lovely event, with perfectly warm and breezy weather, a handful of old friends and new ones, and many fabulous costumes. Enjoy the pictures below, and do be enticed to attend our next event, "Italiana!" (click through to view the invitation).This past Sunday was Le Societe's second event, the "Sphinx N' Drinks" Egyptian-themed picnic at the Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose, CA.
It was a lovely event, with perfectly warm and breezy weather, a handful of old friends and new ones, and many fabulous costumes. Enjoy the pictures below, and do be enticed to attend our next event, "Italiana!" (click through to view the invitation).

Event: Italiana! at Villa Montalvo

2009-07-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

Come join Le Societe on the front lawn of the incredible Villa Montalvo in Saratoga, August 23rd, for picnic-time fun, games, lounging, and lookin' pretty.August's event is all about the flavors of Italy. Dress up in your Venetian and Florentine clothing (yes, we're inviting Renaissance!!), or imagine you're touring the vineyards in your favorite Victorian, Regency, Georgian, or Edwardian costume.

Wine, cheese, and tasty Italian meats are a must at this event. Also remember to bring plenty of drinks, a blanket to sit on, sun protection, games and diversions, and your camera. Le Societe does not provide food, drinks, or music, so bring along these things if you like.

Hope to see you there! This event is open to everyone, so bring your friends!

Date: Sunday, 23 August 2009
Time: 11:00a - 5:00p
Villa Montalvo
15400 Montalvo Road
Saratoga, CA

(Click the image to view a large version of the invitation.)

Fun With Summer Sips - 3 Drinks from RealSimple

2009-07-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

It's true, a certain Societe blogger has been very bad about writing updates about the upcoming "Sphinx N' Drinks" picnic.

To make up for it, here are three drink recipes I picked up from Real Simple magazine. Make up a pitcher to bring to the picnic, or mix the ingredients yourself and teach us all how to do it!

Sparkling Pineapple Ginger Ale
-1 12-ounce can of ginger ale
-1.5 cups pineapple juice
-4 pieces of fresh pineapple cut into triangles

Combine the ginger ale and pineapple juice together and serve over ice with the slice of pineapple perched oh-so-tropically on the rim of the glass.

The Hard Tack: Mix in half a cup of rum

Watermelon Mint Cooler
-4 cups of seedless watermelon chunks
-1.5 cups lemonade
-1/2 cup of fresh mint

This is a make-ahead sipper: blend the watermelon and lemonade in your blender. Strain if you prefer, then stir in the mint and serve over ice.

The Hard Tack: Mix in half a cup of vodka or tequila

Cucumber-Lime Spritzer
-2 12-ounce cans of club soda
-1/4 cup of fresh lime juice
-1 thinly sliced cucumber

Combine the club soda and lime juice, then drop in the cucumber slices. Serve over ice. If the drink is not sweet enough, try adding a little powdered or raw sugar and mixing well.

The Hard Tack: Add a half cup of gin for giggles.

Costume Inspiration: Egyptianesque

2009-06-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love classical influence? The fashion world has been obsessed with Greek, Roman, and Egyptian motifs since these lost civilizations were "discovered" in the 18th century. Familiar design elements worked their way into all manner of 18th century clothing, until the clothing itself started to change and reflect the classical silhouette, in the Regency era. The love of geometric patterns and luxe, exotic trimmings continued through the 19th c. and emerged again, full force, in the early 20th century, making itself the primary mode of decor in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.

So let's experiment with classical tidbits to add to our costumes, specifically Egyptian influence for our Egyptian Pique-Nique in July. Here are some lovely references to spark your creativity. Enjoy!

A beautiful early 19th c. portrait of a lady in Classical dress. This costume was only worn for the portrait, not in everyday dress, but her shawl, with the great Egyptianesque detail on the hem, would have been.

Check out this Regency gown with the embroidered border. Very exotic, yet subtle.

Another superb Regency example, with a lovely russet color and a deep embroidered hem and fringe. If you're thinking of wear a Regency gown, don't feel you need to go all-out like this one...just add a little trim around the empire waist and neckline and call it Egyptianesque!

A whole mess of Regency costume images, with all manner of shawls, decorations, turbans, and other Arabesque influences.

Here's an interesting painting - it looks to be later 19th c (1880s?). The costume is lovely, just a draped gown with gold bangles and a killer necklace and earrings.

A romantic depiction of Ancient Egypt, the painting being from the 19th c. Please, nobody come topless. The drapey gowns and interesting prints are more what we're about!

How about a primary source? If you want to wear full-on Ancient Egyptian dudds, try one one of these simple sheath dresses in a soft linen. Don't forget the gold jewelry, and if you're brave, a big wig.

Gentlemen, wear your "regimentals!" Please leave the camels at home.

Simple and pretty - a gold scarf in your hair, a cord tied around the empire waist, a bit of sparkly trim at the neckline.

A later 19th c. depiction of Egyptian costume, possibly for theater. These are intricate, so take from them what you will - a sash tied around a loose white gown, bengals, a sparkley cord braided into your hair...

Another fantastic Regency gown. The robe is Egyptian silk, with what looks like a very subtle stripe. I love the design of the sleeves on the robe - very modern.

So go to it! Remember, Le Societe encourages wearing comfortable costumes you already have in your closet, so please don't feel the need to make something brand new!

If you'd like to learn more about Classical influence in historical fashions, The Dreamstress has just started her new collection for 2009: "From the Streets of Pompeii to the Salons of Paris"

Photos: First PiqueNique Officiale

2009-06-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

At long last Le Societe's first event arrived, and we have the photos to prove it! 'Twas a beautiful, mild day, sunny and warm, with a nice turnout of some much-loved friends. Rengstorff House was beautiful from the inside as well as the outside - the tour was worth it, lead by the sweetest little old Lady who played for us a real phonograph and Victrola.

Gourmet cheese, salami, and artisan bread was nibbled, blankets were lounged upon. It was truly a delightful time! Enjoy the photos below! If you would like to attend our next event, view the invitation here: Sphinx N' Drinks.

Maggie's costume turned out BRILLIANTLY.

A bit of a wooing contest

Rengstorff House, the side porch

Our lovely party

Evan sporting Maggie's hat

Craig's awesome magazine shot

"By the Sea, By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea!"

Photos were taken by Lauren and Martin Guerrero (our event photographer) To see more, follow this here link.

Event: First Pique-Nique Officiale, This Sunday!

2009-06-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, already we have the first event of the Summer! Ladies and Gents, do not forgot to attend this Sunday, June 14th! Here are some reminders for what to bring:

1. Yourselves, and hopefully in costume! Costumes need not be extravagant or period-accurate. The idea with these events is to dress up and have fun. If you have no costume, a pretty sundress or button-down shirt will suffice. If you are coming in costume, remember to dress for temperature-control (see the article on summer wear).

2. Food and Drink. Le Societe is unable to provide food-for-the-masses, so pack up your picnic baskets with sandwiches, lemonade, snacks, gourmet cheeses, whatever sounds good to you. Remember that "picnic basket" can mean many things besides, well, a basket - get creative with your food-transportation devices! For ideas, see this article.

3. Sun Protection. Sunscreen, fashionable hats, parasols. Please refrain from setting up canopies or tents. Also, temperature control - fans, light clothing, ice cream (yes!). See notes on this subject here.

4. Something to sit upon. Picnic blankets work best of all. Please do not bring large picnic setups, though a small table and inconspicuous chairs may be appropriate. Our space is limited, so pack lightly. There are also a few park benches about.

5. Games, Diversions, Entertainments. Anything from a deck of cards to croquet. If you play a portable instrument, we'd love to hear you. Please, no pianos! There will be no music at this event otherwise.

6. Your CAMERA! There are a million photo opportunities in this beautiful setting, so do not forget to take some snapshots. If you are an artiste, do bring your sketchpad, watercolor paints, or easle.

We hope to see you there!

If you are unable to attend this first event, do consider coming to the second! Le Societe's "Sphinx N' Drinks" Egyptian Pique-Nique is at the end of July, and open to everyone. See the invitation HERE, or join the Facebook group to receive future invitations and news.

Event: Sphinx N' Drinks Egyptian PiqueNique

2009-05-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

Where: Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, San Jose

When: July 26, 2009. 11 AM

What to Wear: Regency, Georgian, Victorian, Steampunk, Vintage Explorer, Ancient Egyptian, Arabesque, or Edwardian. Costume is not required, but even a little effort goes a long way!

What to Bring: This pique-nique is all about your favorite beverage! Bring you mother's famous lemonade recipe, the best rootbeer in a hundred miles, or your world-famous iced tea. This event is in a public space, so please keep the drinks soft or *secret*

This event is open to everybody. Please bring your friends, and dress them up too!

Event Poll

2009-05-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gents! We are busy planning the next Societe event for July, and have found two weekends that will work...but which to choose? Please, oh PLEASE vote for either July 12th, or July 26th, both Sundays, using the poll on the right!

XOXO,

Le Societe De Pique-Nique

Edit: Ladies and Gentlemen, due to an out-of-state travel commitment, July 12th is no longer available for our next event. We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes! However, the event is now scheduled for July 26th, so mark your calendars!

Recipes: Tea Sandwiches For Costumers

2009-05-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

When we think of picnics, the romantic sides of us envision beautiful locations, warm sun, delicious foods, friends and family. The realistic sides, if any of us have those, realize that with picnic-ing come unique difficulties that with a little planning can be avoided. One of these is "the notoriously messy luncheon." Not all foods are created equal when it comes to carting them out-of-doors and devouring them whilst wearing corsets, crinolines, cottons, and clothing that generally needs to *not* get ketchup drips all over it. As a general guideline, look for foods that are not drippy, can transport and clean up simply, and can be consumed with the utmost ease.

This brings to mind the famous tea sandwich, a small, often bite-sized, simply-made sandwich designed to keep the fingers clean. These sandwiches are never over-stuff, preventing renegade tomatoes (etc!), and can be classic combinations or modern fusions. They are easy to make ahead of time, simple to pack, and even easier to eat. Try out one or two of these recipes....

Cucumber Mint Tea Sandwich
-1/2 seedless cucumber, peeled and very thinly sliced (about 32 slices)
-1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves rinsed, spun dry, and chopped fine
-1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
-1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature
-16 slices of your favorite bread
-Salt to taste

Blot cucumber slices to remove excess moisture.

In a small bowl, combine mint, butter, and cream cheese; spread on one side of each slice of bread. Lay cucumber slices onto the buttered side of 8 slices of bread. Sprinkle with salt. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side down.

If desired, cut the crusts from each sandwich. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and then cut in half again. Decorative shapes can be made with cookie cutters if you're feeling particularly festive. This recipe makes 8 whole sandwiches, 16 halves, or 32 fourths.

Goat Cheese & Watercress Tea Sandwich
-16 thin slices of cinnamon-raisin bread. Trim the crusts if you like.
-2 (5 1/2-ounce) logs soft fresh goat cheese (Trader Joes) , room temperature
-1/2 cup chopped watercress leaves
-Salt to taste
-5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
-3/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans*

* To toast nuts, place in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 350*F for 15 to 20 minutes or until nuts are lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Cool.

In a medium-size bowl, mix fresh goat cheese and chopped watercress; season with salt. Spread mixture evenly over 8 bread slices. Top with the remaining sliced of bread.
Cut the crusts off if you like, then slice the sandwiches in half diagonally and then cut in half again.

Roll cut edges of each sandwiches in the softened butter.

Place pecans on plate. Dip buttered edges of sandwiches into pecans, gently pressing the pecans into the butter.

Smoked Salmon Sandwiches on Pumpernickel

-1/4 cup mayonnaise
-1 tablespoon minced green onion
-1 tablespoon minced fresh or dry
-1 teaspoon prepared horseradish (optional, if you want a kick)
-Pepper to taste
-2 teaspoons butter, room temperature
-8 slices pumpernickel bread - can be made with your favorite bread for preference
-4 pieces smoked salmon
-12 cucumber slices, sliced thin

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, green onion, dill, horseradish, and pepper; set aside. Spread butter thinly over bread slices; spread mayonnaise mixture on each bread slice. Divide salmon and cucumber slices evenly over 4 slices of bread; top with remaining bread slices. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally, then again for smaller (and therefore more fun!) sandwiches.

Seafood Sandwiches

Shrimp, crab, or lobster may be used in this tea sandwich recipe, or any combination thereof.

-3/4 cup soft butter or cream cheese
-1/4 cup finely chopped chives
-20 slices bread of your choice
-2 cups finely chopped crab, shrimp or lobster
-1/2 cup mayonnaise
-1 tablespoon lemon juice
-1 teaspoon prepared horseradish (optional)
-Salt and pepper to taste

Combine the butter and chives and spread the mixture onto 1 side of each slice of bread. Mix the remaining ingredients together in a small bowl, then evenly spread the mixture over 10 of the bread slices. Top with the other 10 slices, remove the crusts, and cut. Makes 40 quarters or 30 fingers. Yum!

Pineapple-Cream Cheese Sandwiches
-3/4 cup soft butter
-1 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
-20 slices bread of your choice
-1 1/2 cups soft cream cheese
-1/2 cup pineapple, finely chopped (out of a can is fine - just drain it a lot)
-1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
-Salt and pepper

Combine the butter with cinnamon or nutmeg and spread the mixture over 1 side of each slice of bread. In a small bowl, cream the cream cheese, if necessary, and stir in the pineapple and nuts. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over 10 slices of bread and top with the other 10 slices. Remove the crusts and cut. Makes 40 quarter tea sandwiches.

Prosciutto, Mozzarella, and Olive Sandwiches on Focaccia
-3 tablespoons black olive spread1/4 cup of cream cheese
-1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
-1 pound fresh mozzarella
-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
-20 slices of your favorite focaccia bread
-1/2 pound thinly sliced prosciutto

Blend the olive spread and the cream cheese together. Slice the focaccia bread horizontally, and spread both halves with the olive/cream cheese mixture. Cut mozzarella into thin slices, and layer over one half of the focaccia, along with the basil and proscuitto. Replace the focaccia top, press, and cut into fingers.

Picnic Locations - CONTEST!

2009-05-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

Le Societe has been compiling a list of possible future locations for our grand and *FREE* costume picnics. The aim with our group is to hold events in the South Bay, or Penninsula, to cater to this end of the Bay Area. I'm sure some of you know a great park, museum, or beautiful spot that would be perfect for future picnics. Keep in mind the need for shade/somewhere to sit, entrance fees (let's avoid those!), and parking.

Where do YOU want a Pique-Nique to be held? How about we make it a little contest, and if YOUR location is selected, you will receive a great PRIZE! (no idea what this is yet, but trust me, it'll be really cooool) The prize only goes to the FIRST person to suggest the location, so be quick like bunnies!!

Post your suggestions in the comments section. Do it now!

Another Bit O' News: Le Societe has gone all social-networky and has its own Facebook Group page now. Feel free to join!

Location: Rosicrucian Museum Complex, San Jose

2009-05-15T16:03:00.001-07:00

One of the goals of Le Societe de Pique-Nique is to hold events in the South Bay, for all us southerners who are tired of long drives to Oakland, San Francisco, and Marin. There are just as many lovely parks, grounds, and gardens in the Silicon Valley (and its surroundings), plus stable weather and easy parking!

We here at HQ have been compiling a list of possible future locations for our events, one of which is the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose. Somehow discreetly nestled, surprising for its size, not far from downtown SJ, the Rosicrucian features a good-sized collection of Egyptian artifacts and goodies. Even more impressive, though, are the grounds upon which it sits - beautifully tended gardens, promenades, fountains, reflecting pools, and loggias, featuring Egyptian statuary throughout. Surrounded by a stucco wall, and wandering between the enormous ancient Egyptian styled buildings, one can easily lose herself and begin to imagine she is actually in Egypt.

With the "opening up" of Egypt by Napolean in the early 19th c., the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, and the uncovering of the Sphinx, the first wave of Egypt-mania swept across Europe. How glamorous! And what a perfect theme for a costume picnic!

Date: TBD

Location: Rosicrusian Egyptian Museum Garden, San Jose

Costume: early 19th c. (Regency), ancient Egyptian, Victorian explorer (yes, that means steampunk!), and as always, your choice of costume from the 18th c. through 1899.

The "What Not to Wear" of Le Pique-Nique

2009-05-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

In most instances of costuming reenactment, the phrase 'style over substance' is often heard. It is most often heard loud and proud as well. However, there is a distinct difference in Dickens or Ren Faire from our little picnics, where comfort is the name of the game!

Here are a few suggestions of clothing to optimize your comfort:

Light Fabrics

The ideal is to have these picnics outside in the sunshine and that also means in the heat. If you are going to be making anything [which by all means is not mandatory], a suggestion of lighter fabrics may make your time easier. Think muslins, light cottons, lawns, sheer comfortable fabrics, and very lightweight silks if you must.

Cooling Devices
My partner in crime was good enough to make a whole update on fans, hats, and parasols so read up on that.

Minimal Bindage
I know in some cases, like my polonaise, corsets are required for a stable base and to keep things in place. However, having to wear one cinched so tight that you can't feel your eyeballs might be a little bit of a problem. We do really want you to each enjoy yourselves, and lounge to the best of your abilities! If that means forgoing the beautiful 1860s day dress, well, you might be thankful in the end.

Reasonable Circumference
I will say it, I love hoops right along with the next person. They are fun to dance with, they are pretty in their flounce. I think there is a limit, though, to a reasonably sized outdoor cupcake. I'm definitely not putting a limit on it, just a suggestion of not consuming peoples heads as we all reach for different foods.
Hoops CAN be deadly!!

It also goes hand in hand with too much is TOO much! It might not be a good idea for any 8 foot long flounced and ribboned trains to be walking through the park. Something of a reasonable sweep might be better. No use in ruining all that hard work! It would be better left in the ballroom.

Most importantly, be comofrtable and have fun! If you will be comfortable in anything you wear, then by all means wear it!! These are just some suggestions to make sure everyone has alot of fun.

M.W.

Sun Protection For the Historical Pique-Niquer

2009-05-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

As always, sun protection is a must when it comes to picnic-ing, even in shady locations. It is even more important when wearing costume, for heat control is more difficult. While many ladies have been seen to strip down to their knickers and loosen (or completely remove!) their corsets, generally we'd like to keep our clothes on, but remain as comfortable as possible in them.

There are many options for sun protection, the first being the most obvious, however non-period: sunscreen! Yet don't leave it solely to this, for "sun screens" of the past are usually quite lovely, and wonderful additions to your costumes! Here are some options and ideas....

Sun Hats and Bonnets!

What better way to shade your porcelain skin than to cover your head in an enormous sun hat. These can be small or large of brim (largest are known as "picture hats"), can be turned up at the side, curved, with shallow crows, deep crowns, or soft crowns. Decorate with ribbons, flowers, bows, and feathers, and perch them on top of your head at a smart angle.

Bonnets are also a good way to keep the sun off. Straw bonnet forms are available for reasonable prices from Just Two Tailors. Keep in mind that bonnets limit your range of sight, but certainly shield your face from the rays. Decorate to your heart's content with ribbons, bows, flowers, and feathers.

Gentlemen are not left out of the 'straw' loop either. Popular styles from many periods come in straw, such as tricorns, top hats, Amish hats, and boaters. Take a look at Top-Hats.com for a good selection of men's straw hats, as well as women's.

Parasols!

Another great way to keep the sun at bay is to carry a parasol. Parasols are the non-water version of umbrellas, and can be made of paper or cloth, and decorated with fringe, beads, ribbons, any number of things! LunaBazaar.com has endless options for parasols, ranging in price from under $10, to $75 Balinese Festival styles. If you need a parasol NOW, and don't have time to order one, visit Chinatown in San Francisco and pick up a painted style for a small price. You can also make your own parasols by recovering an umbrella, using fabric and trims to match your costume. Men, we will forgive you for not bringing parasols.

Heat Control - Fans!

A staple of any summer faire-goer, fans are the best way to cool off short of stripping off your 10 layers of clothes and jumping in Tahoe. Simple fans can be under $1 and are usually available in any Chinatown or Japantown. More elaborate fans can be found in these shops as well, or you can elaborate on your cheapy by decorating with feathers or paint. A multitude of hand and paddle fans are available from LunaBazaar.

PiqueNique Baskets for Under $50

2009-05-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

For the most part, a picnic can be thrown together with little effort. A blanket is all you really need....and a basket. What will carry all the delectable food and beverages you've prepared? What about the dishes (paper or not) and silverware (plastic or not), what will they travel in?

Since the dawn of time ("man-start") baskets have been woven and used for all kinds of purposes, from gathering pine nuts, to carrying babies. A picnic basket, however, is a very special kind of device, usually with a lid (thought not necessary), and often interior straps for securing flatware, glasses, sometimes winebottles or other necessities. There is an art to packing down an entire picnic setup, food included, into one small and tote-able container.

However, a super-mega-deluxe picnic basket is not mandatory, and you can do just as well tossing your PB&Js into any basket with a handle. So whether you're the fussy or the rustic type, here are some readily available picnic basket possibilities. Most of these are available in large chain stores such as Target and Michael's, whereas others are on somewhere-else websites. We here at Le Societe don't want nor encourage anyone to spent an arm and a leg on a picnic basket, so all these options are under $50!

Target

Many options from Target.com, and probably a good many in-store in your neighborhood. Most of these are full picnic extravaganzas and are pricey, but here's a nice one for $49.99, which includes the plates, silverware, and glasses. It also has a nifty period-feel to it, which is always happy happy.

WalMart

Here's a pretty nifty basket from Walmart.com, complete with plates, silverware, glasses, and some pretty sweet compartments that will fit wine or champagne bottles. This one comes in at $49.98, and seems like more basket for the price when compared to the one from Target. If you're looking for an all-inclusive basket, this may be the one for you.

Peterboro Basket Company

More picnic basket designs and options than you'll know what to do with. All of these are beautiful and function, though most of them do NOT come with all the tableware. They run from about $33 up to $60. All of these are traditional in style, made of wicker, and look nice and period-appropriate. Plus they are Made In America! Peterboro Basket Co. is located in New Hampshire, so you'll have to order these baskets off their website.

Michael's Arts & Crafts

Michaels usually has a huge selection of all kinds of baskets. Some of those are bound to be baskets with handles, in a variety of styles, and you may even find a functional picnic basket if the winds are just right. Michael's baskets are craft baskets, intended to be used for decoration or gussied up in some way for various applications. They do NOT come with interior strappings, flatware, or even a liner. If you're interested in making your own basket, or going old-school and loading up with a checkered towel thrown over the goods, then these baskets are for you. Usually they're nicely priced under $20 depending on the size and material. You can see the range of handle-baskets by clicking HERE, but it looks like they don't sell online so you'll have to go to a Michael's store near you.

Other Options Besides Baskets

Vintage Suitcases

For years I've carried a vintage suitcase full of food, drinks, plates, silverware, and glasses to The Gatsby. Not only did it fit everything nicely, it served as a tabletop. Antique and thrift stores usually have gobs of vintage suitcases for decent prices, depending on where you go. The more travel stickers the better!

Wagons

Why carry when you can pull? While I can't guarantee you find one of these for under $50, you never know what'll pop up in a thrift or antique store. The one pictured here is $80 from an Antiques Store somewhere in Pennsylvania. Surely you can do better than that!

So now you've got some options for food transport! As always, be creative and resourceful when obtaining and making up your basket!

Food Ideas for the Fam! By Fam I Mean Gathering.

2009-05-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

So sitting around surrounded by food and boredom, I thought I would throw down a quick little update about some food ideas, and perhaps get some feedback, no pun intended. Ok pun totally intended. ANYHOW!

My ideas consist of little delicate foodibles like:

- waldorf salad

- fresh fruits that are not terribly messy and easy to eat with fingers, (and hopefully that wont stain)

- small sandwiches

- dried fruits, things of that sort.

If everyone is of age, it wouldn't hurt to bring some champagne of some sweet sort.

Desserts are ALWAYS welcome, but not too messy, as I said.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Let me know!!

First PiqueNique Officiale - Rengstorff House

2009-05-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

Many of you already know about and have been invited to Le Societe's first official picnic. The location for this first event is the historic Rengstorff House in Mountain View. Constructed in 1867 by German immigrant Henry Rengstorff, this beautiful Italianate mansion is open for house tours. Also, it is apparently haunted! Never you fear, the picnic will be held outside the house, so no thumping noises and ghostly crying children for you :-).

Take a look at these lovely pictures. The house will be wide open on Sunday, June 14th, so take a tour, or a stroll through the gardens.

Le Blog De Pique-Nique

2009-04-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

As Maggie so wonderfully put, "welcome" to the official blog of Le Societe De Pique-Nique, a completely made up and frivolously dynamic group of renegade picnic-ers, out to look pretty and enjoy the sunshine from the safety of their picnic blankets.

First let's meet the "board."

Maggie

Maggie is a relatively new, avidly ambitious historical costumer, voraciously churning out one beautiful costume after another faster than a Ford Motors assembly line in 1920. She is most obsessive about Elizabethan clothing as well as Victorian bustlestuffs and Regency gowns. Maggie is known as Auky, Mags, Beautious Magglar, and other ridiculous nicknames we shall not mention here. She resides in San Jose, and doesn't like shellfish.

Current Pique-Nique Project: Victorian Polonaise

Lauren

Lauren has been failing her way through historical costuming for several years now, focusing on whatever is pretty to her at the moment. Although not quite as rabid as Maggie, Lauren as been influenced by Maggie's fanaticism, and is now producing at least twice the number of gowns this year as last. Lauren is known as Lauren, sometimes Laur, sometimes others less flattering. She resides in San Jose and loves shellfish. If she were a flamingo she'd turn pink from eating shrimp, but as she is not, she'll just settle for wearing one on her head.

Current Pique-Nique Project: 1795 chemise gown and open robe

What To Expect From Le Blog De Pique-Nique

Don't expect anything, but be pleasantly surprised to find articles on what to wear (and how to wear it), what to bring to a pique-nique, various South Bay locations of loveliness, pique-nique fliers and events (!), narcissistic dress diaries of pique-nique costumes, and other possibly random things loosely related to picnics and old clothes.

And lastly, if you would like to become a contributor to this blog, please e-mail Lauren at RenReeser@gmail.com

Welcome Welcome, Ladies and Gents!

2009-04-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon my generous ladies and gentlemen!
I am Pique-Nique-er Maggie Waterman, partner in crime to to the lovely Lauren Reeser who is my Co picnic lady thing.

I am very excited to be starting this little shindig and series of events and hope that the masses who join us will love it just as much!

This blog will be chock a block full of pictures and menus and even times and anything any of you darling picnicer's hearts desire! Just be sure to comment and let us know what you would love to see and know about.

Best wishes, and much love

Maggie Waterman.