Autumn Picnic Traditions
Creating a Special Family Ritual
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, autumn offers the perfect backdrop for slowing down and creating new family traditions. There’s something undeniably magical about this season, the vibrant colours, the cool breeze, and the sense of peace that comes with it. For me, one of the most cherished ways to connect with my family during this time of year is through picnics. These aren’t just meals outdoors; they’re opportunities to create lasting memories, build new traditions, and soak in the beauty of the season.
Every October, we make it a point to pack a simple picnic and head to one of our favourite spots in Somerset. It’s not about having an elaborate setup, but rather the laughter, storytelling, and simply being together with no distractions that makes these picnics so special. There’s a certain timelessness to picnics that makes them the perfect autumn activity. The act of gathering your family, stepping into nature, and enjoying a meal outdoors is a simple yet profound way to reconnect and Over the years, our autumn picnics have become a beloved family ritual.
Autumn picnics are ideal for building family traditions because there is no denying that autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year, with its rich colours and serene landscapes. Whether you’re picnicking in a forest filled with golden leaves or by a lake surrounded by vibrant foliage, the season’s natural beauty creates a stunning backdrop for your family gatherings.
The biggest advantage in my books is that picnics (whatever time of the year) provide a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from everyday distractions and immerse yourself in nature. The fresh air, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot in autumn, and the quiet stillness of the outdoors all help you reconnect with what truly matters, your family and the present moment.
With autumn symbolising change and transition, it’s the perfect time for families to come together and reflect on the year. Picnics offer a peaceful setting for meaningful conversations, where you can share your thoughts, reflect on the moments that mattered, and look ahead to the future together.
I’d love to share how you can create your own special autumn picnic tradition:
1. Choose a Special Picnic Spot
One of the best ways to build a lasting picnic tradition is by choosing a special location to return to each year. Whether it’s a local park, a National Trust property, or a quiet beach, having a designated spot adds a sense of tradition and familiarity to your autumn picnics.
For us, it’s Stourhead Head Lake and Gardens. Every year, we wander around the gorgeous lake, each year mesmerised by the beauty of the landscape, honestly if you haven’t been, add it to your ‘must visit’ list, the children climb trees, and after we settle down for an hour of food from our brimming picnic basket, our yearly visit wouldn’t be complete without a hot chocolate from The Spread Eagle. The tradition of returning to the same place makes it feel like coming home, it’s a ritual we all look forward to as the season changes.
Practical Tip: Choose a location that holds meaning for your family. Add a seasonal activity like leaf collecting or a nature scavenger hunt to make the day even more special. You can even build a family playlist to listen to during the picnic, adding a musical touch to your tradition.
2. Create a Special Autumn Picnic Menu
Food is at the heart of any picnic, and creating a special autumn menu that you enjoy each year can turn your picnics into memorable events. Think of seasonal treats and comforting dishes that capture the flavours of autumn.
For our family, I always pack a thermos of pumpkin soup, warm roasted vegetable salad, and a homemade apple tart. These simple, seasonal dishes have become part of our autumn picnic tradition, and every year, the flavours bring back wonderful memories.
Practical Tip: Keep your menu simple and easy to pack. A thermos of hot chocolate or mulled cider is a perfect drink to warm up as the temperature starts to drop, while treats like pumpkin scones or apple cinnamon muffins add a sweet touch.
Crockery: Willow by Cornishware Basket: Small Huntsman from Fortnum & Mason
3. Incorporate Family Games and Activities
Adding family games and activities to your picnic can turn it into a fun, interactive tradition that everyone enjoys. From classic board games to nature scavenger hunts, there are countless ways to keep the whole family entertained.
Our kids love to play an “autumn scavenger hunt,” where they search for the most colourful leaves, pinecones, and acorns scattered around the picnic area. It’s a fun way to get them involved and explore the beauty of the season.
Practical Tip: Create a simple autumn scavenger hunt or bring along screen-free games like cards or outdoor sports equipment. These activities help keep everyone engaged and make your picnics even more memorable.
4. Capture your picnic memories
One of my favourite traditions is capturing our annual autumn photos, we all love reminiscing on our adventures from years gone by and photos are the perfect way to do that, especially if you can capture your family in the same spot each year.
Practical Tip: Keep your shutter speed fast to capture busy moving children.
I hope you find time to cherish some family time outdoors this Autumn.
Love Gemma xx
Picnics are a charmingly simple pleasure, yet they come with their own unwritten rulebook, one that ensures everyone enjoys the occasion, rather than dashing back to the car as soon as the ants arrive.