The first time both Dave and Tom were in an event was a parade in Norton, MA. Carl ate Ritz crackers from a paper tube in his haversack; the boys had nothing, but we stopped for hamburgers on the way home.

The first time we were all in an event was Redcoats to Rebels at Old Sturbridge Village. Dave packed us lunches of sandwiches on soft rolls (wrapped in tinfoil), apples, and juice pouches. Just try to find a private, off-duty place to eat an anachronistic lunch when you’re at the largest re-enactment in New England.

After that, I got smarter. I used take-and-bake baguettes from Whole Foods, or other crusty breads, to make sandwiches. I wrapped the sandwiches in freezer paper, or parchment paper, and tied the packages up with string. Now I wrap sandwiches in white cotton napkins or towels bought from a big-box store—I cut the tags off to disguise them, so I can’t tell where I got them, and I no longer remember.

At OSV, I was hot and thirsty, so I bought a tin cup. The Captain had a lot to say about it, but passed it as ‘acceptable,’ so I have continued to use it. The boys have canteens, but what about water for me? I make lemonade for some events, boiling lemon juice and sugar to make syrup, and diluting that with ice water from the Brita pitcher. I decant this concoction to some snap-lid bottles that used to hold French lemonade. The snap-top can be removed and replaced with a cork, and I am working to replace the bottles with ‘1895’ pressed into the glass. But for now, I wrap them in striped linen-look kitchen towels.

Here’s how I pack the ‘picnic’ basket (purchased at Michael’s on sale) for a hot summer day:

On the bottom layer, two large gel ice packs I also use for post-physical therapy pain; cover these with striped, linen-look kitchen towel.

On top of the ice packs, two glass bottles of lemonade or water, chilled overnight, each wrapped in a towel.

Sandwiches or pasties (recipes to come), wrapped in paper or in white napkins.

Pack apples into the remaining spaces; make a place for your own tin cup or redware mug. Let the guys use their canteens; if they want lemonade or your cold water, you can share the mug or cup.

Top with a plate of gingerbread, wrapped in paper and tied with string.

Food keeps cold, and you can eat your picnic in public, knowing that you’re authentic enough to pass muster.