Intro
On a recent trip to Charlotte, North Carolina I had the pleasure of sitting down to a picnic while learning the origins of informally dining outdoors and the proper picnic etiquette. We sipped chilled white wine; crisp and light, in the humid heat of the south while our instructor, Carl Libonati (the etiquette guru at the Ballantyne Hotel) taught us about what one would wear, how we should sit and what we eat on a proper picnic. But most importantly he taught us that it’s really not about us at all but whoever you are dining with. That the goal of etiquette is not to be overwhelmed with the rules but to put the focus on others and make them feel comfortable.
I remember reading somewhere that people don’t often remember the specifics of meeting you but they easily remember how you made them feel. As I bit into an oatmeal cookie; soft, warm and dotted with pecans, I let his words hit me with a bit of conviction.
So often I allow my own insecurities and the concern about the impression I’m making overwhelm me that I completely overlook who it is I’m trying to impress. In my head I’m berating myself for the things I’m saying or not saying rather than focusing on who is in front of me and making them feel good. It’s nearly impossible to make someone else feel comfortable if all I’m doing is thinking about myself.
Lucky Leaf Gardens Microgreens that are grown for the hotel. Microgreens are nutrient dense sprouts of vegetable seeds that are intensely flavorful. They are used in salads and as a delicate garnish.
Carl taught us to:
“Never miss a chance to learn from someone else.”
“Always think to add.”
“The main idea of etiquette is making the other person feel wonderful.”
So in attempt to make my family feel wonderful once I returned home, I packed my idea of the perfect picnic and we headed to the park.
There was cheese; one soft and creamy the other pungent and crumbly. Cured meats laced around the cheese and soft bread and salted butter sat next to that. Watermelon slices were left to mingle with red onion, fresh mint and a salty feta. There were cubes of feta-less melon for the kids who tend to be a bit particular.
We ate a salad of quinoa, chicken and pea sprouts dressed with a bit of mustard, vinegar, olive oil and salt. A touch of honey softened the vinegar bite and diced red onion and smokey pimenton added a soft heat.
For dessert, for those who ate their quinoa (I had three servings) there were cookies. Kelli Fayard’s favorite oatmeal pecan cookies to be precise. Kelli is the pastry chef at the Ballantyne Hotel and she graciously shared her recipe for these cookies that are soft, spiced with cinnamon and clove (although I put nutmeg in mine) and loaded with chopped toasted pecans.
If kind words fail you, I find that a cookie does wonders to make any guest feel wonderful.
A picnic is not meant to be fussy. In fact you could very easily have a picnic with a few cheeses, meats, fruit and a bottle of wine quickly snatched from the store on the way to the park. The point really is about creating the space to enjoy a meal or hefty snack in a beautiful setting along with people you care about.
*This trip was paid for by The Luxury Collection and One King’s Lane. Check out The Luxury Collection on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The sale is now LIVE! Be sure to check out our video and inspiration from Charlotte.
Oatmeal Pecan Cookies
2 dozen (or so)
This recipe was provided by Kelly Fayard, the pastry chef at The Ballantyne Hotel. It’s her favorite and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a soft cookie with a subtle bit of spice. She chose cinnamon and clove but I’m more partial to nutmeg. I also added chocolate because I can’t help myself. They really don’t NEED it but when it comes to cookies I find that chocolate always helps.
1/2 cup butter, soft
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon whole milk
1 large egg
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg (or 1/8 teaspoon clove)
1 1/4 cups oats
1 cup chopped, toasted pecans
1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips (optional)
Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg, milk and vanilla. Mix until well incorporated.
Add all the dry ingredients, including pecans and chocolate and mix until combined.
Scoop even size balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon size) on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 325°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Everything looks beautiful – I love the cookies and will make them this weekend.
The cookie sound amazing and the quinoa looks lush! Really makes me want to have a picnic!
http://youtube.com/addalittlefood
Oh that watermelon and feta dish looks so fresh and tasty… Now I need someone to make me a picnic as fabulous as this!
Beth
swallowsandskylines.blogspot.co.uk
Yes, today we think of etiquette as stuffy and old fashioned, and taken wrongly it could be a source of rigidity or judgment, but I love taking it as a way to make the other person feel comfortable. So often when I meet somebody I am only focused on how awkward I feel, which just makes me feel even more awkward and self-conscious in a downward spiral.
P.s. I just love the photo of your family picnicking.
Oh girl, I know that feeling so well. It’s incredibly freeing to stop thinking about myself and put the focus on someone else. Now if only I could just do it. 🙂
Lovely post! I love the pictures, the recibe and you have a beautiful family.
Have a nice day!
I love this post and recipe, it makes me want to go out for a picknic: -)
It’s interesting that right now everyone is writing about having fun outdoors, and in the UK, there is even a National Picnic Week running right now.
Thought, you might find informative this link with references to other picnic recipes:
http://www.lavenderandlovage.com/2014/06/enjoy-national-picnic-week-with-pies-pasties-cakes-sandwiches-my-top-picnic-recipes.html
Have a great weekend!
Right?! Two days ago was National Picnic Day. I had no idea but it makes sense. The weather is nice which to means it’s time to eat outside!
“The main idea of etiquette is making the other person feel wonderful.”
Yes! I think so often we (and by ‘we’, I mean me) forget that and the impact that we have on other people. Such a good reminder.
We do. It’s true. (On another random note, I just wanted to say thank you for all of your comments. They mean the world to me.)
You are so right about making people feel good — a little compliment (genuine) makes that person feel warm. Complimenting your children and spouse every day is a good way to get in the habit of making the people around you feel wonderful. I love your pictures – you are very talented!
It’s so true. So often I think of how I can make others feel good and then forget about my own family. They are the perfect place to start. Thanks for the comment.
Love your explanation of etiquette! I completely agree…and I seriously need to go on a picnic now. Both the quinoa and watermelon salads look fantastic.
I love the idea “always think to add”
these cookies look like perfection to me. the whole thing is a perfect summer meal.
Would love to get the recipe for the quinoa salad!
I made these this morning. Added a grated carrot in place of the chocolate chips. Hoping it will taste with carrot cake meets oatmeal cookies. They’re in the oven now.
Wonderful thoughts on being present to others. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
I absolutely love your summary of the purpose of etiquette. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful thought.
Lovely post! I do find that I overthink and stress about these things, takes the easy breeziness away from lazy summer afternoons. I think you’ve put some things in perspective 🙂
i love the picture of your people! so sweet and natural. Glad you enjoyed your trip, sounds wonderful. I, too, let particulars get in the way of a simple time with people and the joy of hosting them…the kind of hosting that doesn’t take a ton of effort, but makes them feel given too, like you said. I suppose we always need reminders even when we know what is best. Constantly learning. xo
That is a near perfect picnic meal. Everything can be served room temperature-ish and nothing prone to wilting or falling apart. We usually do meat + cheese + bread and fruits but would be nice to add a grain salad to our picnic so we’re not eating our weight in salami and goat cheese….:)
Oh, My… Can I please come picnic with you!
I love this post ~ especially these days when we all spend hours at our computers and inside at our desks ~ it is so important to get outside! Thank you for the picnic inspiration!!
I am curious as to why this received best food blog award.
Maybe because it is a beautifully written blog with awesome recipes?!
PS: Brian, maybe you are having a shitty day. We’ve all been there. But why take it out on someone else?
This is my first time pay a visit at here and i am actually happy to read everthing at single place.