Want to host your own Anne of Green Gables-themed picnic? Follow along as I show you how I put together an unforgettable picnic.
If you’re reading this post, it’s likely because you’re a bit like Anne Shirley (and myself) …. You’re a dreamer!
You can imagine a reality that’s just a bit more special, slightly romantic, and filled with Joy.
What better way to bring the dream to life than by stopping, and letting something as simple as a picnic transport you to a land of puffed sleeves and raspberry cordial?
In this post, I will share everything my bosom friend and I did to pull off an unforgettable picnic. We will examine the ideal setting, invitations, decorations, food, costumes, and activities.
This post is all about hosting your own Anne of Green Gables theme picnic or event.
Anne of Green Gables Theme Picnic
1. Setting
Anne was a girl who loved the beauty of her home with its lush fields, lakes, cliffs, and woods. A picnic is perfect if you’re keen to save money not hiring a location, or would rather not clean the house.
The scenery that comes with your location of choice is the most beautiful decoration that you could ever ask for. And it’s free!
We chose to set our picnic under a willow tree, along a nearby river called the Avon (quite coincidental, considering Anne lived in Avonlea.)
If you want to imagine yourself on Prince Edward Island, choose somewhere brimming with fresh greenery or sparkling water. Under a tree is a great spot as it provides shade from the sun and shelter in case of a sprinkling of rain.
2. Invitations
For my picnic, the only guests were myself, and my bosom friend. Due to this, there wasn’t any need for invitations.
But one aspect of party planning I adore is themed stationery!
I couldn’t resist creating this downloadable invitation which you can find on my Etsy shop. This would be perfect for a birthday party or picnic with an Anne of Green Gables theme!
3. Decoration
Like Anne would, I love being resourceful when it comes to decorating. I try to use the charming and practical things you can find around the house. If your home has a vintage style to it, it’s more then likely many of these items are easy to find.
But if not, that’s what Second-hand shops are for! You can truly find the most reasonable and unique decorations when rummaging through them.
Below is a list of the decorations we included in our picnic.
Decorations:
- Picnic Blanket
- Baskets
- Cushions
- Serving plates & teacups etc
- Vintage books
- Flowers
- Vintage suitcase
- Vintage Camera
4. Food
When I imagine what Anne Shirley would serve at a picnic, the first thing that pops to mind is of course Raspberry cordial!
For the raspberry cordial we used a combination of sprite and raspberry flavoring, not very authentic I know. I have, however, since come across a great recipe for a real raspberry cordial (non-alcoholic) which Is linked below.
These foods are things I’d imagine Anne would have gathered for a picnic. They are great for grazing throughout the picnic and have a good balance of fresh and sweet.
My top Anne Picnic treats:
- Raspberry Cordial
- Scones with Jam & Cream
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Chocolate
- Plums
- Pastries
- Blueberries
When it comes to plating I recommend using wooden chopping boards or vintage dishes. For the drinks a tea set or glass jug and fancy glasses would work well.
One last Anne of Green Gables theme treat I wish we’d thought to include is carrot cake! (If your a true fan you’ll know how Anne feels about “Carrots”).
5. Costumes
This is your opportunity to wear the biggest, most puffyest of sleeves you can find!
We choose not to be strictly historically accurate. Instead more dressing in the ‘aesthetic’ of the time.
Pairing a white button blouse with an ankle-length skirt has that Edwardian feel to it you are looking for. Or perhaps you have a summer dress with puffed sleeves just waiting to be worn!
Try choosing natural fabrics like cotton or linen, and avoiding bright unnatural colors or patterns. You could also consider adding a few accessories such as a straw hat, apron, or brooch.
When it comes to hair, there is nothing that screams Anne Shirley more than two pigtails! For a softer more sophisticated you could choose a low soft bun. Try keep it soft and romantic, you could even add some flowers to your do.
6. Activities
It is completely up to you how much you want your picnic or party revolving around a schedule. Sometimes I love to just set up and then enjoy the beauty of the scenery with the company of kindred spirits.
This is exactly how we chose to spend our day. Nibbling, chatting, taking lots of photos, and walking the nearby fields. Just like I imagineAnne and Diana.
Later in the afternoon, we began flower crown making. It was great fun strolling as we collected foliage and wildflowers, then braiding them together.
If you are looking for a few more Anne of Green Gables theme activities here is my list of recommendations:
- Flower crown making
- Photoshoot
- Decorating straw hats
- Three-legged race
- A treasure hunt to find Marilas brooch
7. The Surprise
And now for a little something extra!
A planned event unbeknown to me as I organized and enjoyed our picnic.
As we were finishing our flower crowns I noticed my then-boyfriend, his mum and sister had arrived to join us. I was surprised to see he was dressed for the occasion, suspenders, cap, and all.
And yet I was completely oblivious of what was to come!
Straight away the girls wanted to take photos of us, and I in my naivety went along with it. I held my boyfriend’s hands and smiled looking at the camera. He then knelt down, and pulled from his pocket the most beautiful ring I’d ever seen.
And there I was saying yes to my true love! I had no idea it was more than just a picnic, but my own proposal!
It couldn’t have been more romantic, truly the stuff of novels.
