All the food you need for the perfect al fresco spread, excerpted from Julie Pointer Adams’ Wabi-Sabi Welcome: Learning to Embrace the Imperfect and Entertain with Thoughtfulness and Ease.
Backyard, beach, or grassy-patch get-togethers are all about no-fuss meals and table settings. Instead, the beauty of these gatherings comes from the haphazard way all your food and drink options fill the table or picnic blanket. No need for anything fancy when you’re surrounded by the outdoors! Throw in some napkins and you’re ready to go. Here’s a sampling of some of my favorite items that make for an easy, minimal-prep gathering that’s lovely to look at, too.
What to Pack For Your Next Picnic
- Hearty crackers or a fresh baguette that’s easily torn by hand
- One or two wedges/rounds of soft cheese
- Earthy, seed-filled jam like fig or raspberry
- A bowl of plain, soft dates (I like Medjool best for snacking) or dates stuffed with almonds
- Dried apricots
- Sliced or peeled oranges or grapefruit
- Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries
- Sliced salami or prosciutto
- Marcona almonds
- Grapes
- Sliced, salted cucumbers
- Lemon water, sparkling water, iced tea, or wine
About the Book
“An antidote to the veneer of perfectionism so often presented by books of its kind, Wabi-Sabi Welcome offers readers license to slow down and host guests with humility, intention, and contentment.”—Nathan Williams, founder of Kinfolk
Wabi-Sabi Welcome is sharing a pot of tea with friends. It is preparing delicious food to nourish, not to show off. It’s keeping a basket of cozy slippers at the door for guests. It is well-worn linens, bouquets of foraged branches, mismatched silverware, and heirloom bowls infused with the spirit of meals served with love.
In this lush entertaining manual, author Julie Pointer Adams invites readers into artful, easygoing homes around the world—in Denmark, California, France, Italy, and Japan—and teaches us how to turn the generous act of getting together into the deeper art of being together.
In this book, readers will find: unexpected, thoughtful ideas and recipes from around the world; tips for creating an intimate, welcoming environment; guidelines for choosing enduring, natural decor for the home; and inspiring photographs from homes where wabi-sabi is woven into daily living.
Buy the Book
Indiebound | B&N | Amazon | Workman
No Comments