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The First Picnic

Since long before Yogi Bear swiped his first “pic-a-nic basket” at Jellystone Park, people have been drawn to the idea of the picnic. One of the greatest social events ever dreamed up, it is a combination of food, family, friends, and fun. As popular as picnics are, however, little is generally known about how and where they originated.

Listed as a new word, “pique-nique” first appeared in the 1692 edition of Origines de la Langue Françoise de Ménage. It is believed to have been a combination of “piquer,” meaning to “pick” or “peck” and “nique,” an obsolete word, which meant “trifle” or “little pieces.” It was described as a potluck gathering, to which everyone brought a dish; and the food, transported in the first picnic baskets, was set out for all to “peck at.”

The word “picnic” was first introduced in English in 1748. In the 19th century, a group of wealthy Londoners formed the Picnic Society to promote this fashionable social affair, to which each attendee was expected to bring food, as well as contribute some form of entertainment. It was around the middle of the century when it became associated with the outdoors, and the first picnic blankets appeared. Its rapid rise in popularity soon led to the invention of the picnic table.

Today, a picnic can be anything from a casual meal on the porch, with paper plates and plastic utensils, to a formal picnic lunch, with gourmet food served on good china. It can be a large gathering at a park, or a cozy lunch for two in a scenic spot. A picnic can be a grand affair, planned for months – perhaps even catered – or a spontaneous move outdoors to enjoy the weather.

Over the years, the picnic table has undergone many transformations as well. With porches, decks, and patios becoming more elaborate every year, and backyard gazebos popping up in record numbers, outdoor entertaining has reached new heights. Beyond barbecues, people are hosting dinners, formal parties, and even weddings in their own backyards.

In order to accommodate these diverse uses, AllPicnicTables.com has redefined the picnic table, creating it in a variety of sizes, styles, shapes, colors, and materials. From rustic wood picnic tables, to elegant dining, bar, and bistro sets, each one is designed to be the ideal fit for your needs and lifestyle.

No matter how differently they may be defined, however, the main ingredient in picnics is fun. On these pages, you’re going to have just as much fun simply browsing for your personal perfect picnic table, because, however you picture it, you’ll find it here.

Excellent product and excellent service! I purchased the 6' Cedar Rectangular Trestle table w/2 Benches and the quality is excellent. The service I received from the Cedar Store was excellent!

S.V. - San Francisco, CA

We're very happy with this purchase. The picnic table and benches arrived quickly and they're very solid and well made. Assembly was easy.

W.B. - Andover, MA

Everything came as promised. Great product

N.T. - Waterloo, NE

Item as described and arrived on time. I am completely satisfied with this transaction.

M.K. - Perkasie, PA

Prompt shipping; good, friendly customer service when I called to ask an assembly question

J.S.B. - Brevard, NC

THANKS, LOVE OUR TABLE!

C.T. - Flushing, NY

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