International Picnic Day - 18 June

International Picnic Day celebrates one of the oldest and simplest ways people have gathered to enjoy food together. While modern picnics are often associated with summer parks and outdoor lunches, the tradition dates back centuries. The word “picnic” is believed to have originated from the French term pique-nique, used in the 17th century to describe informal meals where everyone contributed a dish to share.

Picnics became especially popular in Britain during the Victorian era, when outdoor dining turned into a fashionable social occasion. Hampers filled with sandwiches, pastries, cakes, fruit, and cold dishes became a staple of summer gatherings, combining relaxed dining with seasonal food and fresh air.

Today, the idea behind picnics remains much the same — simple, shareable food enjoyed in a more informal setting. That same relaxed style works perfectly for modern workplace catering, especially during the summer months when terrace lunches, office socials, and outdoor team events become more popular.

Picnic-style catering is all about variety and convenience. Sandwich platters, wraps, salads, pastries, fruit selections, and grazing options create menus that are easy to share while still feeling generous and seasonal. Lighter dishes and colourful presentation also help bring a more relaxed atmosphere to workplace lunches and client events.

At Masons Kitchen, many of our summer menus naturally lend themselves to picnic-style dining. Our sandwich platter boxes, signature salad boxes, brunch platters, sweet treats, and grazing selections are designed to be fresh, practical, and easy to enjoy together. Inspired by seasonal ingredients and summer flavours, they help create catering that feels less formal while still delivering on quality and presentation.

International Picnic Day is a reminder that some of the best dining experiences are often the simplest — good food, shared outdoors, and enjoyed together.