There is probably no piece of outdoor furniture that speaks to all people from all walks of life better than what we think of as the “all-American” picnic table.
It conjures up images of all of the things we associate with every outdoor activity we can think of from a stroll through the park-certainly no park is complete without at least a couple of picnic tables-right?, backyard barbeques-a more intimate setting with family and friends, or campgrounds populated by retired baby-boomers, tent camping young couples, and even the retro Airstream crowd.
There is a place for the picnic table in just about any outdoor space you can imagine in America. Interestingly, though, even the roots of origin of this American classic can be found in French culture. The word picnic evolved from the French “pique-nique” meaning to pick little pieces which described a pot-luck gathering. The English contributed to the tradition as well. The London Picnic Society was formed around the middle of the 19th century. The European affluent, English and French, as depicted in many Renoir paintings, are seen at grand outdoor affairs, complete with food, entertainment, and socializing.
Necessity is the mother of invention, and it was only a matter of time before blankets were replaced with picnic tables to accomodate these lavish affairs. In light of this eclectic history, it is no wonder that the picnic table is one of the most universal pieces for any garden setting, be it grand or humble. Dress it up or dress it down-It just works in any decor. It is why I choose it as #4 on my top 10 Classic Garden Furniture pieces.