What is this ‘blanquetting’ trend making the rounds? We’re obsessed!

written by Savanna Douglas October 29, 2022

We all know what summer calls for. It’s all about the lazy afternoons spent outdoors – eating, relaxing and chatting with everyone you love to have around. What if we told you, we’ve found the next best addition to your lazy afternoon lounge?

Call it al fresco dining or a fancy picnic. We like to call it a ‘blanquet’! If you’re the kind of woman who prefers glamping over the standard camping, a blanquet is the next best thing you need to try.

Maxwell & Williams

Yes, that’s right. Picnics have now gone posh! When referring to the art of styling and setting up your blanquet, the term blanquetscaping is appropriate.

Think of a blanquet as a way to enjoy a lavish meal in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Served on a picnic blanket or even your favourite kelim rug. What is not to love about this lux affair?

“We have taken great care to source the most appealing picnic-style items for our South African market – making sure that our customers can embrace the current picnic, or rather Blanquetting trend,” says Betsie van der Westhuizen, general manager of Maxwell & Williams South Africa. “A big part of our South African lifestyle is enjoying the outdoors and what better way to do so than with a picnic?”

Maxwell & Williams

Once you know that the weather is on board, and you’ve found the perfect shady spot at a park, beach or home backyard, you are ready to host your blanquet.

Now, we’ve got the best round up of tips to make your blanquet moment an affair to remember:

Blanquetscaping

Designing a unique blanquet experience is about attention to detail. If you are unsure about where you should start, begin with a colour scheme or theme. A monochrome setting, a sea-side or Christmas Blanquet maybe?

Next add a rug or blankets. Add plants, potted herbs or flower arrangements. A Lazy Susan or very low table makes serving dishes so much easier.

It’s all about the comfort

No matter how luxurious your picnic, don’t forget that guests will still be seated on the ground so add loads of pillows for added comfort. Be sure to keep your pillowcases within the colour scheme of your Blanquet. Always have enough food and water available – under catering for your luxurious picnic is a no-no.

Use the right crockery

Choose plates, bowls, tumblers, and platters that are kind to the environment. The Maxwell & Williams Gabby Malpas, Balinese Garden range is made from bamboo-fibre making it perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Pack like a pro

The old wicker basket is lovely but not always very practical. Rather consider some cooler bags with enough space and additional large carry bags for all your blankets, napery and loose items. Don’t forget the mosquito spray, sunscreen, hand wipes, garbage bags, an umbrella for the odd chance of showers and a small wireless speaker with the right playlist.

Maxwell & Williams

Decorate with food and drinks

Consider your catering to be part of the décor. It is all about bite-sized, shareable food options. Keep things Pinterest pretty by serving drinks with floral ice and unique garnishes. Picnic boxes or curated platters filled with colourful dips, fruits, cheeses, charcuterie, crackers and nuts. Small sandwiches, bite size frikkadels, biltong and jars with layers of salads.

End off your Blanquet with small petit fours, macarons, mini koeksister and berries.

Take it up a notch

Why not add real glassware and crockery for extra sophistication. Consider live entertainment and fairy lights for a nighttime blanquet. When it comes to games, forget the balls and frisbees and rather opt for sophisticated games like Pétanque or Croquet.

Capture those memories

Ask a photographer to capture your beautifully curated picnic or capture those memories on your phone. Take advantage of golden hour (the short period just before the sun sets) when the light is perfect to capture your blanquet-memories. Just magical.