Outdoor picnics: elegance under the sun

With the arrival of fine weather, the call of the great outdoors is as strong as a craving for Mr. Freeze under a blazing sun. The pleasures of the table then migrate outdoors, celebrating this desire to escape. And the "picnic" format doesn't hesitate to steal the show from more conventional arrangements.

Gone is the simple fouta thrown onto a patch of parched grass, and now you can stick your fork into a Sodebo salad! This new ritual has become a chic and refined event: plastic cups, plates and other cutlery have disappeared from the tablecloths to make way for fine crockery. Whether in the heart of the countryside, on a mountainside or by the sea, every outdoor meal is transformed into a special occasion. Equipped with tableware essentials, preparing a picnic in comfort and style becomes child's play. So, roll out the ceramic plates, colorful stemware, ornate cutlery and embroidered linen napkins, and set off in search of the perfect spot under the azure sky!

Sophisticated linen

Whether on the ground or laid out on a table, the tablecloth is the blank page of any chic picnic, providing a blank canvas against which the meal can be played out. Opt for a linen or cotton model, an XXL plaid, a quilted floor mat (Demain) or even an antique mottled sheet, which will not only protect your dining space, but also ennoble the experience with elegance. You can keep it classic with a pretty gingham pattern, checks (Haomy) or an embroidered version (Sarah Espeute). And of course, forget paper napkins that blow away in the slightest breeze, prefer cloth napkins, with original designs or personalized with your guests' names. (CosturabyTM).

Cheerful tableware

A picnic can quickly turn into a real show of style, even right next door. Designers are redoubling their efforts to create collections of tableware adapted to outdoor dining, blending aesthetics and functionality. Although plates and salad bowls are available in durable melamine or aluminum (Petit Souk or Rice), there's no reason why you shouldn't opt for ceramic tableware. Choose from pastel shades handmade in Portugal (Celadon), pieces bearing playful messages (Popolo) or ultra-colorful models to brighten up your table, even on gloomy days (M3tiss). We pair them with brightly colored glasses (La Rochère for Cuisinella) and cutlery with gingham or floral handles (Sabre), alternatives that are both more aesthetically pleasing and more environmentally friendly than disposable crockery.

Indispensable extras

Even if a simple Ikea bag will do to carry your dishes and victuals, why not take it up a notch with a super chic picnic basket? Whether you opt for a classic wicker model (Les jardins de la Comtesse), ultra-luxurious leather (Buccellati, Hermes or Acqua di Parma) or an isothermal lined fabric version to keep the champagne cool, you're sure to be the envy of many. And for those who want to stand out from the crowd, a lunch box with a bold leopard motif (Monbento) is sure to turn heads! Add to this a few isothermal containers to keep your drinks at the ideal temperature, whether it's a scalding coffee or an icy cocktail, and you're all set for any eventuality. And if you're in an adventurous mood, a portable tabletop barbecue (Barbecook - Barbecue Carlo) could well be your best ally.

4 QUESTIONS TO CHEF JEAN-ANTOINE OTTAVI

Jean-Antoine Ottavi is a Corsican chef renowned for his innovative gastronomy, blending traditional Corsican flavors with modern culinary techniques. Originally from Ghisonaccia in Corsica, Ottavi was deeply influenced from an early age by his grandmother, who passed on her passion for local cuisine. Rather than follow a conventional path, he chose to innovate by transforming the picnic into a gastronomic experience.

Gault&Millau: What inspired you to specialize in gourmet picnics?

Jean-Antoine Ottavi: Being a great epicurean myself, the main motivation behind this whole adventure is the desire to share authentic moments with friends, in communion with nature, while putting the little dishes in the big. We want to enjoy ourselves to the full, without compromising on quality or the work that goes into the preparation of the food.

G&M: How do you choose the accessories and crockery you use?

J-A.O.: First and foremost, I go for what I like. I'm very sensitive to colors that are assertive and singular. Then the second choice is made by combining the solidity of the tableware to avoid breakage during transport, while retaining the chic aspect of the lines.

G&M: What importance do you attach to aesthetics and presentation in your picnics?

J-A.O.: Central importance. It has to match right away. If I'm not convinced after two seconds, I'll keep looking for different combinations before the D-Day. This can take minutes, hours or even days. The time it takes for the idea to mature.

G&M: What are the logistical and environmental challenges you face with your gourmet picnics, and how do you manage them?

J-A.O .: Organizing meals in the great outdoors presents a number of transport and handling challenges. Transporting up to half a ton of equipment for a meal for eight requires a great deal of physical effort, especially in the summer heat. That's why I select lightweight yet sturdy materials to facilitate transport while still standing up to use. As far as the environment is concerned, I prefer eco-responsible materials and try to reduce waste as much as possible, to minimize our impact on the magnificent natural sites we occupy.