Hark to that Countess! 'Why do you denominate this a pic-nic, Lady Jocelyn?
It is in verity a fete!' 'I suppose we ought to lie down 'A la Grecque' to come within the term,' was the reply.

'On the whole, I prefer plain English for such matters.' 'But this is assuredly too sumptuous for a pic-nic, Lady Jocelyn.

From what I can remember, pic-nic implies contribution from all the guests.
It is true I left England a child!' Mr.George Uplift could not withhold a sharp grimace: The Countess had throttled the inward monitor that tells us when we are lying, so grievously had she practised the habit in the service of her family.
'Yes,' said Mrs.Melville, 'I have heard of that fashion, and very stupid it is.' 'Extremely vulgar,' murmured Miss Carrington.
'Possibly,' Lady Jocelyn observed; 'but good fun.

I have been to pic-nics, in my day.

I invariably took cold pie and claret.