The joy of outdoor gatherings helps us connect with nature, share good food, and slow down in the midst of our busy lifestyles.

Picnics and braais celebrate simplicity, flavour, togetherness and fresh air. Here are creative setup ideas and inspiring recipes that work for both:

Picnic style and before the fire

A beach-picnic is ideal: at the beach or inland. A low-level table, big cushions, blow-up palm trees (if you are inland), wine glasses, fresh flowers, and fairy lights will ensure a beachy vibe.

According to blog.hello.fresh.ca, use a 12-cup muffin pan to put in light bites such as pretzels, blueberries, baby tomatoes, strawberries, nuts, carrot sticks, guacamole, grapes, and a chip dip of your choice.

Braai setup and on the grill

Camping chairs, cooler-boxes filled with ice, a biltong and snack table, and a plain decorated table outside is every South African’s favourite idea of a Saturday night.

A braaibroodjie is everyone’s go-to, and Jan Braai at braai.com suggests a ‘biltong braaibroodjie.’ All you need is 12 slices of bread, butter, 2 onions, 200g finely chopped biltong, plain crème cheese, and 240g Cheddar cheese.

Hybrid setup and after the feast

Combining a picnic and a braai is always a good idea. A beach picnic braai works well, because the picnic’s decorations and furniture can be used as a setup around the fire.

A sweet treat is an excellent reward after all the eating and braai-ing. Peppermint crisp tarts are easy to make, but if you want to jazz it up, woolworths.co.za suggests its version of the recipe:

• 200 g Tennis biscuits
• 360 g Caramel Treat
• 2 x 2 L mint flavoured dairy ice cream
• 2 x 150 g Caramel Crunch Sauce (optional)
• Place a layer of tennis biscuits in a tray lined with baking paper.
• Top with a layer of Caramel Treat, followed by a thick layer of ice cream.
• Top with another layer of biscuits and freeze overnight.
• Cut into squares just before serving and dip into crushed peppermint crisp chocolate.

To round off your outdoor dining, bring along a portable speaker for some tunes, prepare your ingredients and dishes beforehand, and most importantly, enjoy the company.

Happy eating!

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