It’s often claimed that life is no picnic – but June 18th it is! International Picnic Day is a chance to eat out in the open air with friends or family.

The word “picnic” comes from the French language, and it’s believed this type of informal outdoor meal became a popular pastime in France after the Revolution. As fans of Jane Austen’s novels will know, 19th-century picnics were elaborate social occasions, with menus featuring a wide range of cold meats and pies that took days to prepare.

International Picnic Day is celebrated in many countries, though its origins are uncertain. Charity events, school picnics, and all kinds of other group meals are organized to mark the occasion. You could also bike, walk or hike to a nearby beauty spot, or just take your sandwiches and cold hard-boiled eggs into the garden and enjoy an al fresco lunch.