A Year of Picnics: Recipes for Dining Well in the Great Outdoors

I really wanted to love this book and ordered it to help elevate my picnic game but I was disappointed with the lack of actual picnic tips for the recipes and underwhelmed by the picnic activities (explaining I Spy??) which often felt unnecessary or obvious to me. There were a few gems like the crumbles baked in canning jars but too many recipes seemed random with little to no suggestion on the best way to store and transport them -- pre assembled and wrapped? assembled on site? wrapped in foil to keep warm or in parchment and eaten at room temp? -- which to me is the whole point of a recipe book about picnics. I can easily find similar recipes in numerous other sources but I was hoping for more guidance on how to have a great picnic by keeping things at their best. This book is not that helpful in that regard and will, sadly, be going back.

You want this book for your collection!! It's full of brilliant ideas and themes for picnics in all seasons, like games to play, centering your outing around bird-watching, dining by the water and making afternoon tea or a coffee break the focus. Ashley English includes instructions for building a simple, portable picnic table and cornhole boards, and we haven't even gotten to the RECIPES! There's Cardamom, Rose Water and Berry Coffee Cake; Chimichurri Chicken; Gingersnap and Coconut Lime Tassies; Smoky Cauliflower Spread; Cheesy Kale Chips; Rosemary Lemon Bars...I can't wait to go on these picnics. Ashley's recipes are always unique, approachable and delicious, and the photography by Jen Altman is stunning.

Another fabulous book by Ashley English. I love how the table of contents is by season, similar to Handmade Gatherings also by Ashley English. The recipes are unique and classic but not too complicated for a novice like myself. I adore the section on picnic essentials even includes a natural homemade (of course!) bug spray for picnic time. Can't wait to get into every one of these recipes!

LOVE this book! Well written, well put together, pictures are awesome, recipes are all-palate friendly. Ashley did an amazing job on this book. Cant wait to make some of these recipes!

As with all of her books this is a wealth of information. Amazing seasonal recipes, helpful logistical info, beautiful and inspiring images and lovely ideas to bring people together to spend time outdoors. Great resource not only for people that love to picnic because the recipes are on point!!

I love the idea of this book. It was not all that I hoped it would be (mostly Black and white pics) and some of the recipes were a bit much for me...but there are still some great things in the pages

The recipes are correctly not too complicated, they're for a picnic! I tried the chili recipe--we liked it.

I always love the concept of a picnic, but struggle to actually make it happen. As with all of Ashley's books, she shows how it's not only possible, but very worthwhile. Great writing, beautiful pictures, excellent recipes.

Wonderful book filled with some great and easy recipes, and not just only for picnics.