Thanksgiving is on the horizon, which means plenty of cosy get-togethers with family and friends. But for many Canadians, hosting a big turkey dinner feels like way more pressure — especially after a summer of casual barbecues.
So why not make Thanksgiving dinner a picnic instead? After all, it’s a shame to head indoors when the colourful leaves are at their peak.
To help me imagine the perfect fall picnic, I enlisted the help of two experts: Chris Nuttall-Smith, Toronto-based author of outdoor cookbook Cook It Wild, and Stéphanie Labelle, entertaining powerhouse, pastry chef and owner of Montreal’s Rhubarbe patisserie. Here’s what they had to say.
Start with the location
Picking a venue is the first step to a successful picnic, and while backyards and cottages are great choices, Nuttall-Smith suggests considering local green spaces, too. “I don’t think there’s any nicer time to be out in a city or public park than on a beautiful fall day,” he said.
When possible, scout the site ahead of time and make sure there are accessible washrooms and sheltered areas in case the weather suddenly shifts. Many parks have fire pits as well, which can be great for cooking and warmth, but note that some need to be reserved ahead of time (and be sure to read up on municipal regulations if you want to do any cooking on site).
Whatever spot you choose, remember that an outdoor gathering has so much potential for fun. Imagine a nature-themed scavenger hunt or a huge game of capture the flag. Nuttall-Smith suggests setting up classic games like cornhole or bocce ball, while Labelle proposes picking a location with an activity nearby.
“If you are in [Montreal], picnic by the river in Verdun and hop on a kayak tour,” she said. Going apple-picking with family and friends can also be a great post-meal activity.
Get creative with the menu
A fall holiday picnic is a great opportunity to get creative with the menu — and skip the fussy roast turkey.
A casual, cosy gathering could look like an epic cheese and charcuterie board, along with some seasonal apple pastries. Or you can get more elaborate.
If it’s not too chilly, Labelle recommends preparing a classic French aioli (a pungent Provençal garlic mayonnaise) with raw and cooked vegetables, and some shrimp. This spread is easy to eat with your fingers and is “the best way to profit off the abundance of vegetables.” She’d pair it with pain bagnat sandwiches, dry-cured sausage and Gré des Champs cheese for an impressive yet laidback meal.
For a cooler day, Nuttall-Smith suggested something warm — and fun. “I haven’t met a lot of people who don’t get super excited about a big, bubbling pot of outdoor cheese fondue,” he said, adding that you can prepare it using either a camping or single-burner backpacking stove.
And for those worried about guests missing the classics that make up a traditional Thanksgiving meal, you can always highlight those flavours. Individual turkey pot pies or hand pies are portable and delicious.
Once you’ve settled on your mains, just add a cranberry- or pumpkin-based dessert — and don’t forget the whipped cream! Use Nuttall-Smith’s trick to “whip” cream on site by shaking very cold whipping cream and a bit of sugar in a one-litre water bottle. “People always love that party trick,” he said.
And for drinks, remember that cooler weather is a great opportunity to put your thermoses to work. Hot apple cider or mulled wine will warm you from the inside out, while kids will appreciate having some hot cocoa on offer.
Gear up
Your location, guest list and menu will ultimately dictate what you need to successfully pull off your event, but there are a few pieces of gear that will be useful at most picnics.
A large washable blanket is, of course, a must. While she grew up using a handmade catalogne, a type of woven blanket or rug popular in Québec, Labelle now opts for an all-purpose cotton blanket. For extra comfort, she sets out a few waterproof mattresses — she got hers second-hand at a boat-supply store.
A cooler is also invaluable, since it can keep food cold or warm, Nuttall-Smith noted (you may even want to bring one for each purpose). He recommends bringing along a corkscrew, folding knife, serving utensils and beeswax food wraps, too.
And while picnicking may bring to mind disposable plates and plastic forks, a celebratory meal can be a great time to break out, or invest in, dishes and glassware that travel well. Nuttall-Smith recommends enamelware dishes. “They often turn up at thrift shops and are just plain gorgeous,” he said. A set of cloth napkins will complete the look.
For an intimate park picnic of six or less, you can also set the scene with a vintage picnic basket complete with plates, cutlery and even wine glasses. I like to shop for these pieces in antique malls or online.
Just keep in mind that your set-up doesn’t need to be picture perfect — nor do you need to buy a bunch of new stuff. Nuttall-Smith loves a humble blue Ikea bag for hauling food and supplies, while Labelle likes to bring along a simple foldable bench her grandpa made to use as a makeshift table.
Look around your house — you likely already have everything you need to make your Thanksgiving picnic a gathering to remember.
