As a child of the ’70s, I have fallen prey to the American nostalgia for the late 1960s, when political action was passionate, fashion was off the wall and popular music got its groove.
While developing my own taste in music as a youngster (we didn’t have the neologism “tween” way back then), I even dressed up as a hippie for Halloween — and suddenly felt at peace with myself. I remember asking my parents about the Woodstock Festival, which is celebrating its fortieth anniversary this Saturday, August 15, 2009. I distinctly recall being appalled that my parents had “discovered classical music” exactly at the time that Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix started shredding it up.
Photo by John’s1 on Flickr. Also see his blog post for more Woodstock photos on the New York Times.
What to do but relive what should have been? Here’s my romp through a rock music festival picnic party, colored by nostalgia-tinted glasses. Welcome to the Summer of Love, 2009 edition, where things are a lot cleaner and a little less hangover-inducing.
Vintage Sunglasses from luluvoodoo, $15. Find more vintage sunglasses here.
Before you hit the road, hit the kitchen. Summer festivals can be stretched for maximum fun — anywhere from a long, lazy Sunday to an entire lost weekend. Preparation of the food stuffs is key.
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Above left, Groovy Vintage Cookware from mortonsaltgirl, $43. At right, a picnic spread, photo © Quentin Bacon.
Vegans and vegetarians, throw your hands up — er — post in the comments! Part of my affinity for the time period has to do with the emergence of American vegetarian cuisine into the mainstream (though the history of vegetarian cooking goes way back of course). At about the same time I found rock ‘n’ roll, I was feeding the family cows…which we later ate. Subsequently, I haven’t eaten meat for 15 years.
If you’re in need of a good Quinoa Salad with Sugar Snap Peas recipe, our friends at Food & Wine Magazine have you covered.
You can find more “vegetable-focused dishes” in their folk festival picnic post. By the way, click here to see which three folk fests are their favorites.
Photo © Quentin Bacon
Quinoa Salad with Sugar Snap Peas Recipe, by Marcia Kiesel
- ACTIVE: 15 MIN
- TOTAL TIME: 40 MIN
- SERVINGS: 6
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound sugar snap peas
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup salted roasted pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup minced chives
Directions
- In a small saucepan of boiling salted water, simmer the peas until bright green and crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Drain and spread out on a large plate to cool, then pat dry. Cut the peas on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces.
- In a small saucepan, combine the quinoa with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat until all of the water has evaporated and the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Uncover and fluff the quinoa, then transfer to a large bowl and let cool to room temperature.
- In a bowl, combine the oil and vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Add the peas to the quinoa with the pumpkin seeds, chives and dressing; stir. Season with salt and pepper and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Make Ahead
- The salad can be refrigerated for up to 6 hours.
Once your cooking has cooled, pack your picnic basket to the brim with snacks. A vintage picnic basket will do the trick. Stash smaller goodies in reusable snack bags (so great if you’re bringing the whole family). With these eco-friendly items, you can avoid the whole disposable plastic mess. That’s another reason to love the late ’60s: the start of the modern environmental movement.
| 60s Flower Child Picnic Basket
From ahemvintage, $56. |
Garden Party Reusable Cloth Snack Bag
By TheGuestroomCloset, $7. |
Bamboo or even handmade or vintage flatware can be recycled or reused. Cloth napkins are better for the environment and, in my opinion, make the dining experience more pleasant. If you want to find some fun, colorful prints for napkins or other food-related items, I recommend searching for “flower power kitchen.”
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Picnic Placemat rolls up & washable By namolio, $21. |
NAPKINS Eco alternative to paper Set of 12 By LoveForEarth, $11.75. |
Throw down a picnic blanket and make sure to really spread out. A large picnic blanket actually helps you get a wee bit more elbow room at crowded venues. It doubles as a dance floor after the meal and a blanket for snuggling later. Remember those hippies embracing each other under a quilt on the cover of the original Woodstock album? Did you know they’re still together! Check out the photo — see all the blankets strewn about? This is a totally crucial element to your music festival experience.
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I suggest this Linen Blanquilt, which you can By washmycloth, $90. |
Blend the quaint and the psychedelic
View Item | View Shop |
What else is crucial for the mood at the concert? Wine! Having a lot of wine could actually help you make friends, or it could make cramped seating arrangements even more awkward — depends on your neighbors.
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Portable Wine Rack and Bottle Holder
By cenotemoss, $15. |
By TheBentTreeGallery, $36. |
I’d love to have cornflake!, in the photo above by Manucolla, and her friends as picnic neighbors. They have a portable record player!
I am an advocate of singing along to the live performances. What’s one of the best things about going to all these reunion shows and bands that are still around since forever? You already know all the words!
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Some truly talented luthiers sell their handmade guitars The Classic Box — 3 string guitar — |
I was so excited to find harmonica necklaces on Etsy! Miniature playable Harmonica Necklace
By chrysdesignsjewelry, $25. |
Oh, and how could I forget dessert! Food & Wine has some great recipes for desserts to bring on picnics. Look at these apple pie bars. These porcupine cookies also look intriguing. (The recipe is from an 11-year-old!) Find out how to make them here.
Photo © Quentin Bacon
Even if you can’t make it to one of the big music festivals this summer, many towns have outdoor concerts. Let us know in the comments if you’ve attended any this season.
Special Subscription Deal for Etsy Friends:
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Food & Wine magazine brings readers delicious recipes, the hottest new chefs and restaurants, accessible wine guides, and much more in each issue. Click here.
For more fun summer entertaining ideas, go to foodandwine.com/entertaining. Check back here on the Etsy blog for more party planning posts — the editors at Food & Wine and The Storque will be sharing more ideas, recipes, and Etsy picks this summer.
111 comments
Sign in to add your ownBoldacious says:
Fantastic Storque!! Vanessa you look Brilliant in your hippie photo:) - i felt exactly the same when i dressed up as a hippie for the first time too! The first photograph is so great, +that portable player is F U N K Y!!! Thankyou for link to video too, i hadn't seen it before. Also a harmonica necklace!!!!? Have to purchase it's 2 of my loves in one:) Rock On- D X
3 years ago
VintageinBohemia says:
colorful and fun! Love the vintage mixed with the eco friendly handmade!
3 years ago
SimpleTraditions says:
There is a lot of yummy looking food in here. Off to get a snack!
3 years ago
JeannineRobertsRoyce says:
Well, here I go betraying my # of years on the planet... but I was there at Woodstock. And I will say that it was everything you would imagine in your wildest dreams - especially the music. OMG, the music!! So, when you relive the event with parties and food, also remember to hug and grin and be joyful and dance, dance, dance. It is still the point of reference for me for all that is joyful and all that is possible. I am still a flower girl.
3 years ago
louloudo says:
Hurray! Hurray for this post, which has reminded me that in between the rain it is in fact still summer. And hurray for vegetarians, and picnics, and fun in general. Thanks!
3 years ago
BlackStar says:
I was a few years too young to go to Woodstock, but I remember the lines of cars on the highway..... I can't believe that it's been 40 years!
3 years ago
GimCarry says:
Woodstock Festival so amazing I want to born in this era. Thank you Vanessa (* v *) Toa
3 years ago
fernfiddlehead says:
Groovy, man. I can dig it all.
3 years ago
sidquilts says:
What a neat essay. However, my dear, that is not a flower child picnic basket. It is a purse, yes a purse. Lovely ladies handpainted boxy baskets and wooden boxes in various shapes to all the best places in the late 60s and early 70s. And a hippie wouldn't be anywhere near it - it was de riguer for the upper middle-class housewife c. 1968.
3 years ago
Vanessa says:
JeannineRobertsRoyce, thanks for your comment! Who else among us was at Woodstock? I'm so jealous. As someone who likes to take photos, that's the main draw for me, in addition to the music and dancing -- an amazing time/place to take pictures.
3 years ago
janellelile says:
hands up (vegetarian)!!
3 years ago
FrillyButts says:
Far out picture of you Vanessa!
3 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
Flower Power ~ and Ain't it the Gas... LOL not allowed to go to Woodstock as I was too young according to my parents :)
3 years ago
gumbygirl says:
I love the 70's kitchen towel - it would look great with my Flower Power tray... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26970491
3 years ago
workingforpeanuts says:
Now I'm very hungry! Peace everyone! Thanks Vanessa!
3 years ago
belovedbaglady says:
Cool story...thanks for the fab vintage contributions!!!
3 years ago
EJPcreations says:
Such a great article!
3 years ago
yaelfran says:
Adorable hippi photo Vanessa!!!!
3 years ago
WingsDove says:
As a child of the sixties, I appreciate this walk down memory lane -- I had a portable record player (from Sears), similar bright orange cookware, and painted flowers on the kitchen walls. Guitars, dulcimers and harmonicas were very popular and played by many. The late 1960's were turbulent and exciting times.
3 years ago
ViciousVintageFinds says:
Love the pic of you when you were a little girl !!! Awesome Portable record player!
3 years ago
aprilmist says:
uh, who is the hottie guy playing drums in the photo above? Sorry I missed woodstock too!
3 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
I would have loved to be there!
3 years ago
mtraub says:
My father says he headed out on the road to Woodstock, hit traffic, turned around and came back to the city. Ah, if only I had been around!
3 years ago
littletank says:
i love the cookie pouch <3 very cute
3 years ago
maijutzeler says:
Lovely article! ^_^ forever WOODSTOCK!
3 years ago
rosybird says:
Love the recipe, love the vintage quilt top.... super fun! Been looking for good quinoa recipes... I just found out it is a complete protein!
3 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Cute pic of you vanessa, enjoyed my peruse down memory lane of woodstock, it was to far for anyone if my family to travel at the time. The quilt is unique and so typical of that era in time.
3 years ago
RockPaperSilver says:
Wow...I just took a peak at all the pictures via the link provided...looks like it was a FUN time!
3 years ago
JesseMosher says:
great.
3 years ago
pattihaskins says:
If you'd like a commemorative plushstock guitar, look no farther than here: http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5082319&search_query=guitar
3 years ago
GimCarry says:
This Saturday in history channel will offer hippy story Don't miss !!!
3 years ago
nectorgirl says:
SUPA GROOVY... LOVE EVERYTHING!!! peace & love!!!!
3 years ago
Fairyfolk says:
Cool picnic picks. Wonderful 60's photo, Vanessa. Blessings and magic.
3 years ago
MinceCo says:
:) product of the 70's here.. ***I'm having a cracker of a sale starting this weekend***details to be on site soon*** http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7050360
3 years ago
MinceCo says:
product of the 70's here, ***I'm having a cracker of a sale starting this weekend***details to be on site soon*** http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7050360
3 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
Such a fun post in tribute to Woodstock. Beautiful food, makes me hungry. Vanessa, you are too cute, you little hippie girl!
3 years ago
ClaudiaLord says:
My parents wouldn't let me go to Woodstock, but I did go to the site the next weekend and saw acres and acres of trash!
3 years ago
topsyturvydesign says:
Sadly my father moved from the east coast to san francisco, right before Woodstock :( I would have loved to her the tales!! Fab Storque!
3 years ago
1AEON says:
fun..the upcoming movie about Woodstock looks fun too!!!
3 years ago
breadandroses says:
Too young to go but the Woodstock double/triple record album set was the next best thing. In the spirit of 1969 back to the land: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29229892
3 years ago
brownbelly says:
i love the 70s! wish i could've experienced those days!
3 years ago
paramountvintage says:
wow! love the bill epridge photo. looks like nights we had playing with my band mountain home. LOVE IT!
3 years ago
pengpengs says:
Cool! I was born in 1969, so all these things bring back fond memories :O) Peace + Love + crazy trousers!
3 years ago
mazedasastoat says:
It's so sweet that the "Woodstock" couple are still together. Happy Anniversary Woodstock, you started a revolution! :-)
3 years ago
ConservationClothing says:
A Woodstock dress... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27428529
3 years ago
ikabags says:
really cool story http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27850674
3 years ago
SavageRoseFlorals says:
Hi Vanessa! Yup i was there, fourth- 7th rows, front and center..on the cover of LIFE..The Woodstock article 1969. It was amazing, the energy of everyone there an experience that has lasted my lifetime. And the creative spirit still driving me on! Thanks for posting this!
3 years ago
evihan says:
superbbbbb
3 years ago
tortillagirl says:
Oh my goodness, looking at these items makes me feel like I'm a tiny child in California, early 70s. My parents, in their early 20s at the time, were not hippies but this feature captures the entire ambiance of that time. The vintage cookware...my mother had some like that in avocado green!
3 years ago
spacejam says:
wow!! i have some crazy glasses in my shop =)
3 years ago
Iammie says:
Yummm!
3 years ago
songsparrow says:
I love quinoa! People should use it in more recipes. Excited to try this one! And yes, I'm pretty sure my parents had that cookwear, too... Funny.
3 years ago
ovgilliesdesigns says:
Great spirit & selection!
3 years ago
SpiritMama says:
I love it Vanessa, and I am sooo with you on the hippie nostalgia!
3 years ago
VixVintage says:
As a child of the 60's, thanks from the bottom of my bell bottoms!
3 years ago
evihan says:
sooo nostalgic:-)
3 years ago
norakaren says:
love 1969///my year!! hahah beautiful article!
3 years ago
designlab443 says:
like, groovy man!
3 years ago
riorita says:
I still love to listen to the music of Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, but I love to listen to classic music too!
3 years ago
LisaFerinDesigns says:
A bit too young for Woodstock, but grew up late 60's/early 70's Greenwich Village--a groovy place. I knew those clothes and still love the music!
3 years ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
Arlo Guthrie (son of Woody) performed at our local Folk Festival just a few weeks ago.
3 years ago
EarthenTreasures says:
Also too young for Woodstock, but call me crazy, I like the look...as for quinoa salad, haven't been able to master the grain, yet!
3 years ago
ItsBella says:
ah! That cookware set is too cool! I have a pot, like the largest one, and I love it! That old enamel wears so nicely!
3 years ago
RetroLane says:
ANOTHER FABULOUS ARTICLE!
3 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
And of course, picnics need some flowers! ALL FLOWER AND SHELL PRINTS 20% OFF!!!!!
3 years ago
MeadowbelleMarket says:
I WILL commentary being vegetarian, thanks! Lovely recipe for the quinoa salad (pronounced keen-wa). One aspect of not eating meat that I love is that it really forces you (in a nice way) to think outside the box and discover yummy foods you may never have noticed as you're being blindsided by steaks and burgers! Oh, the creativity!
3 years ago
cellophaneFlower says:
This entire article was wonderful. Oh how I wish that I would have been able to go to Woodstock! Anyone have a time machine?
3 years ago
TenThings says:
very cool post!
3 years ago
poppetandpinch says:
this is a really groovy post!!!! Love it.
3 years ago
babook says:
Music is good way and almost person love it !! and the ECO it must we should to do in the world .... i think ; ) support world to keep the recycl way ........ NICE selection all items . http://www.babook.etsy.com/ Also for must to view .
3 years ago
Perceptions says:
Peace, love, and food, rock on!
3 years ago
patspottery says:
Sure can't compare to MY Woodstock!
3 years ago
treasuresupplies says:
Can smell spring already :)
3 years ago
PawPawsWorkshop says:
Great article
3 years ago
teenyhousebunny says:
absolutely love it! great article.
3 years ago
WeeWoodNaturalToys says:
I try to make a show at least once a year. Although my experience now at shows is not quite the same as it used to be, say 8 or 9 years ago, (times they are a changin) I still get that lovely feeling of quiet inner peace. Live jam bands in an open field and drum circles, ahhh.
3 years ago
GreenTease says:
I've always known I was born to late. I should have been at Woodstock!
3 years ago
poppyandclover says:
We went to the big, outdoor "Green Concert" concert with Paul McCartney on Saturday (the 15th) in Atlanta! Less people than Woodstock, but it did rain really hard and we got soaked and danced around on our blanket. It was a blast!
3 years ago
washmycloth says:
Great article! I had a 60's birthday party - all peace and love!
3 years ago
elisasherejewelry says:
my parents also discovered classical music during the height of the late 60's musical scene. Lame! fantastic veggie recipe, thanks for posting (newly vegetarian here).
3 years ago
buddhanature says:
aw darn, the bots beat me to it . . . Just had to add, that salad recipe looks amazing I definitely going to have to try that.
3 years ago