The art of the any-weather picnic

Old Man Winter sure has a way of leaning on spring, doesn't he? Though a few nice days are starting to poke through, chances are you're doing your share of sighing and foot tapping while itching for your first springtime frolic in the great outdoors. Well, why wait? I say, have a good old-fashioned picnic. In your living room.

Now before you think I'm one sandwich short of a picnic, consider the pleasure of sharing one with the people you treasure. Picnic with your grandkids (children get a huge kick out of it), or your husband, or a wacky girlfriend. Your mother. Your new baby. Doesn't matter who - an open mind and youthful spirit are all it takes to appreciate this most unconventional of celebrations.

Don't skimp on the details - they're what make the magic. Lay down a blanket or tablecloth and set out your prettiest picnic basket. Then set up camp near a window where you can watch the rain or the people or both. If you're lucky enough to have one, cozy up to the fireplace. Throw an old radio onto the blanket, or slip in that old CD that never fails to conjure the ghost of summer whenever you hear it.

Leisure is the name of the game here. That, and disconnecting. Unplug the phone, throw a blanket over the television, and shut down your computer. And yes, Smartphones are definitely cheating! Toss a few pillows onto your picnic blanket so you'll be ready if the mood for some cuddling or "stargazing" strikes. (OK - ceiling gazing.) Set out the board games and re-learn the rules of marbles. Have old photo albums on hand. You may be asked to retell the same stories everyone already knows by heart.

As food goes, there's no reason you can't enjoy the same favorites you relish out in the great wide open. For a novel meal, pack food into Mason jars and include a fork. A layer of slaw topped with pulled pork topped with a rough-cut chunk of cornbread is a meal fit for a queen. Or make a "Hobo Dinner," a foil packet filled with individual portions of meat, vegetables, seasonings and a bit of butter. Instead of throwing the packets onto the glowing coals of a campfire, you'll just toss it in the oven. You can also pre-boil sausages and pack them into a thermos with the cooking water. They'll go great with some hard sourdough pretzels, sharp mustard, homemade kraut and cold bottles of German beer.

Of course, a classic picnic sandwich is always worth the time. Take a round loaf, like a sourdough boule, and cut it in half horizontally. Scoop out the extra-soft insides and save them for another use. Then layer wet ingredients, like olive tapenades, mayos, mustards and vinaigrettes with meats, cheeses and roasted vegetables. Wrap the sandwich tightly and let it press in the fridge for 12 hours under a heavy platter. Then unwrap it at the picnic and slice it up. Don't forget a jar of lemonade to wash it all down. Or for coziness, nothing beats a thermos of gourmet coffee, hot chocolate or spicy tea.

Personally, my favorite part of eating outdoors is the campfire. While I won't endorse piling kindling in the middle of your living room carpet and lighting a match, I will suggest that you try to recreate the spirit of it. Put a dinner plate full of candles in the center of the blanket, and toast marshmallows on skewers for some smooshy s'mores. Don't forget to dim the electric lights and tell ghost stories over the "campfire."

But really, there's no need to get fancy with the details. I can go to town with a jar of last season's homemade pickles, a loaf of bread and a chunk of cheese. What matters isn't so much the food or the setting, but the spirit. The good company. The sheer, giddy fun of it. While indoor picnics are lovely ways to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, my very favorite time to have one is (drum roll) right now. Today. Tomorrow. One of those "any old" times. When we make every day a special occasion, that's when the beauty and joy of life really unfold for us. Rain or shine.

Copyright 2011, MaryJane Butters. Distributed by United Feature Syndicate Inc.