• All-season picnic blanket
• Fondue
• Wine totes
• Glögg
• Ice cream makers
• Edible snow

Polar Picnics

Ah, the traditional summer picnic-the melting Camembert, the humidity, the warm wine, the red ants… You know, maybe it's time to change seasons for the traditional American picnic. A gingham blanket and a basket might not fare so well in foot-deep snow, but that's no reason not to experiment with an outdoor culinary experience in one of the colder months.

Whether you're sipping hot cocoa lakeside or adventuring in your own backyard, a polar picnic gives winter days-or nights-a whole new twist.

Start off your unique adventure by planning where you'll sit. With its cozy plaid flannel on one side and waterproof nylon on the other, an all-weather blanket sets the tone and keeps you insulated from the cold ground, frozen lake, or off-season beach.

If grilling franks and burgers in the snow seems intimidating, try something cheesy instead… fondue! Wash it down with your favorite merlot (which you can keep from getting cold in a handy neoprene tote or make like a Swede and bring along some Glögg, their version of mulled wine.

For dessert, s'mores are always a good option. Or, if you want to make your insides as cold as your toes, throwing around an ice cream-making ball is a tasty alternative to summertime Frisbee.

But to really take advantage of winter outdoor dining, why not just eat what's handy…snow!

Then again, after a day in the cold, sipping hot chocolate inside might just be a slightly more appealing option.

 

Posted on January 16, 2006